The Potentially Useful

Visiglo Lighted Leash

Product Claim: The Visiglo lighted dog leash makes walking the dog after dark fun, safe and stylish.

Maybe Worth It: The leash is illuminated by light pulses, which make you and your dog more visible to drivers during nighttime or early-morning jaunts. Although reflective stickers have been popular on dog collars for a while, a flashing light might be a little more attention-grabbing.

Halo 3290 UV ST Ultraviolet Vacuum

Product Claim: Equipped with ultraviolet-light technology, this full-size vacuum cleaner kills potentially dangerous micro-organisms and pathogens living—and reproducing—in carpets, mattresses, and other home fabrics.

Maybe Worth It: This special vacuum has a UV-C light that is supposed to eliminate bacteria, dust mites, fleas, lice, mould, etc. If you’re a germophobe-type who doesn’t think a regular vacuum cuts it, consider this fancy upgrade.

QuickFinder Nail Clipper

Product Claim: This nail clipper’s red, yellow, and green lights help you know when it’s not safe to cut, when to proceed with caution, and when it’s safe to clip.

Maybe Worth It: These high-tech clippers will let you know when you are in danger of accidentally cutting your pet’s quick (the blood vessel in the nail). If you don’t want to spend money on a professional groomer, but feel nervous about taking matters in to your own hands, these clippers might prove useful.

DNA Pet Portrait

Product Claim: A DNA Pet Portrait is a beautiful way to celebrate the spirit of your friend.

Maybe Worth It: The DNA Pet Portrait is exactly what it sounds like: an artistic rendering of your pet’s DNA. This definitely doesn’t suit everyone’s taste, but if you’ve got a beloved pet, money to burn, and a thing for nucleic acid, then why not? For the truly committed, DNA11 can even assemble a portrait of your deceased pet using its hairs.