Tech Gadgets to make your Pet Happy & Healthy
With our smartphones, tablets, laptops and other tech gadgets and gizmos, most of us have between three and five tech gadgets we’re consistently using – and that doesn’t even take into account lesser used gadgets that are not for everyday use. And if you have a furry friend, there are a number of tech gadgets that might be helpful in caring for and loving your pets.
With another National Dog Day celebrated last weekend (made known to all by social media), let’s take a look at some of the latest tech gadgets for pets as we look to bring our dogs or cats into the future while making sure they are happy and healthy.
Activity & GPS Trackers for Pets
Whistle - Pet Tracker
The new Whistle app only supports the latest Whistle 3 GPS location & activity tracker and Whistle FIT (in partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital).
Introducing the new Whistle 3, our latest all-in-one GPS location & activity tracker for dogs & cats. The new Whistle 3 app has been completely redesigned based on real-life user experiences with pet loss and activity tracking.
Location Tracking* •
Fast, accurate tracking with GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular technology to find your pet in minutes if they get away (now with Google maps).
- Breach Alerts* •
Get an email, app or text notification when your pet leaves their safe place, before they get too far.
- Multiple Custom Safe Places* •
The app's improved geo-fencing feature means pet owners can now create multiple safe
places for the home, office, or a dog-friendly vacation spot (Wi-Fi is recommended).
- Track Activity
Track your pet’s daily activity, distance, caloric burn and rest to keep your companion in
great shape for their age, weight and breed.
- Set & Manage Goals •
Set custom goals and receive notifications if there are significant changes to your pet’s
activity or sleep patterns.
Whistle setup requires a working internet connection, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. iOS 10 or newer
is required. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease
battery life.
FitBark
FitBark is like having a “Fitbit for your pet”. This rugged, waterproof device monitors your
dog’s everyday activity 24 x 7 and sets health goals. It can help you keep track and inform
you of changes in behavior and enable you to compare your dog’s activity with similar dogs
and even with yourself.
Poof
The Poof offers a “Fitbit for your pet” in a couple of different shapes that attach to your pet’s
collar. The device monitors either dogs or cats and dives more heavily into diet as it helps
calculate daily burnt calories for a healthier lifestyle. It then allows you to choose from a
wide selection of food brand names to ensure a proportional diet and caloric intake.
Video Chat with Your Pet
PetChatz Pawcall
Stay connected with your pets while you’re out and they’re alone at home. With PetChatz
Pawcall you can train your dog to give you a ring and you can video call in HD. The device
has an app so you can connect right from your mobile phone and even dispense treats to
your pet from afar. When your dog calls, it sends you a message telling you that your pet
would like to chat. The thing that makes this device stand apart from some of the others in
the market is that it allows your pet to see a video of you – so it’s a two way video chat.
Smart Treat Dispensers
Petzi Treat Cam
The Petzi Treat Cam is a one way device that enables you to connect with and treat your
pet from anywhere. It makes it easy to dispense your pet’s favorite treat with the Petzi treat
launcher while also providing a high quality audio channel to talk to your pet. It has a
mobile app to control the device, including capturing candid photos of your pet to share on
social media. It does not, however, have two way video, so your pet will not see your face.
Pawbo
The Pawbo offers two way talk and one way video chat with your pets in 720p HD. The
device can also act as a treat feeder to train or play with your pet, including the ability to
play a laser game. It also offers a ringtone to get your pets attention to kick off other
interactions. The camera can capture photos and videos that can easily be shared to social
media.
Furbo
The Furbo is an interactive dog camera with a connected app that lets you see, talk, and
give treats to your dog when you’re away. Furbo tosses your dog’s favorite treats into the
air, so you can play a game of fetch from anywhere via your mobile app and watch the
entire interaction via a built in HD camera.
PetCube
The PetCube is a treat dispenser with a large holding capacity and a longer treat dispensing
distance. Its made for cats and dogs, and can fling a treat up to 6 feet. It offers a high
capacity, 2 pound container that can hold up to 100 treats. It also provides two way audio
and one way video so you can see your pet in 1080p HD.
Petfeeders
Petnet SmartFeeder
The Petnet SmartFeeder uses sensors, learning software, the cloud, the world’s largest pet
food database, and your smartphone to learn and understand your pet’s nutritional needs.
The feeders use all of this information to match your pet to the perfect portion and ideal
ingredients specific to your pet’s age, weight, level of activity and breed. It has a mobile app
and works with Amazon Alexa to enable you to control feeds from afar or by voice in your
own home.
The Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder connects with your Wi-Fi router so you can set feeds
and watch your pet on webcam to keep tabs on them. This feeder enables you to control
multiple feeders from one account, even if your pets have different feeding schedules.
CleverPet
The CleverPet is a food dispenser that turns feeding into a game that keeps your pets
challenged, thus relieving boredom. You can read our full review here.
Exercise
DogPacer Dog Treadmill
Sometimes you may not have the time or the space to get your dog enough exercise, that’s
where the DogPacer comes in. This doggie treadmill can be used by dogs up to 180
pounds. The DogPacer’s onboard computer has pre-set exercise programs built in for your
dog or you can create your own programs.
iFetch Too
Train your pet to play fetch nonstop with the iFetch Too. This tech gadget comes with a
rechargeable battery and launches regular tennis balls 10, 25 or 40 feet. Fetch!
GoBone
Go Bone is a bone that automatically rolls so that your pet can chase it and get exercise
throughout the day. You can also control the device with your smartphone for interactive
play whether you’re at home or not. Eventually the GoBone learns your pet’s play habits
and adjusts accordingly to create the optimal experience. It’s also durable to stand up
against playtime wear and tear.
Grooming
Dyson Groom
The Dyson Groom tool is suitable for most Dyson upright and canister vacuums and helps
you clean up your dog’s hair so that less of it ends up on the floor and your furniture.
Bedding
ZenCrate
Is your pet suffering from anxiety? The ZenCrate reduces pet anxiety caused from thunder
or separation with noise canceling, vibration isolation, music, a cozy den design, and
comfortable space.
Casper Dog Mattress
Online mattress startup Casper also makes dog beds. Designed and constructed in the
USA, this two layer foam mattress is easy to clean and should offer your dog a very
comfortable bed to sleep on. If you don’t like it in the first 100 days you can return it and get
your money back.
