Twenty years ago, no one dreamed we’d be walking around with supercomputers in our pockets or automating our lives with voice-enabled technology. Every technological step forward has been new and exciting, and it was only a matter of time until smart devices made their way into the pet industry. Today’s high-tech dog gadgets are designed to help pup parents take better care of their dogs. There are techy tools to do everything from track your dog’s health to help them have fun. Here’s a list of the top dog tech gadgets that pet owners love.
In-Home Monitoring
Every working pet parent knows the daily struggle of leaving a dog home alone. The Petcube Play Smart Pet Camera with Interactive Laser Toy is a great solution for families that want to check on pets when they’re home alone. This Wi-Fi-enabled pet camera connects to your phone, so you can check in on your pup whenever you want. Built-in speakers and microphone allow you to chime in to say hello, and a safety laser lets you get in a quick play session even when you’re away.
With an HD camera with night vision, two-way chat, barking alerts, and automatic treat dispenser, Furbo Dog Camera is unique in the world of in-home pet monitoring. This piece of dog tech allows easy set-up connecting to a home’s Wi-Fi, and the well-designed app makes it simple to keep regular tabs on any pet. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of curious pets who’ll want to find the treats hidden inside.
High-Tech Toys
It’s always a good idea to get a little dirty and play with your pup, but if your dog is seriously ball-obsessed, you know those fetch sessions can last forever. The iFetch is a high-tech dog toy that gives pet parents a break without putting an end to the fun. This automatic tennis ball launcher can be adjusted to throw balls either 10, 20, or 30 feet at the touch of a button. It’ll save your arm, and it can be used both indoors and outdoors. The regular iFetch product is designed for small breed dogs, but big dogs also love the iFetch Too created specifically for larger breeds.
Digging is a form of natural enrichment for dogs, but letting your pooch give in to that instinct is rarely in your best interest—unless you enjoy having random holes in your yard. The iDig uses technology to solve this problem. Instead of turning your yard into a verified minefield, the iDig allows dig-happy dogs to focus their natural digging behavior in a non-destructive way. The durable mat has several pockets and flaps you can fill with buried treasure to allow your dog the pleasure of uncovering something special. It’s dog tech that expends both physical and mental energy to leave dogs feeling happy and tired.
GPS Trackers and Wellness Monitoring
No matter how much your dog loves you, there’s always the worry of them running away. You can train them to come when called and heel to your side, but even the most well-behaved dogs get distracted. That’s why the Whistle 3 GPS Tracker & Activity Monitor is a must-have for every pet parent. This lightweight device attaches to your dog’s collar and uses advanced GPS and cellular technology to pinpoint your dog’s exact location. A subscription plan allows you to check your dog’s whereabouts on your phone and receive text and email notifications when your pet leaves what you detail as their “safe space.” Pet owners also love this product because it monitors daily activity and rest. With these stats, it’s easy to tell when your pup isn’t feeling well or is acting strangely.
If you’re looking for a reliable way to keep track of your dog, the Link AKC is by far the most attractive pet GPS tracker on the market. While similar products are designed as bulky collar attachments, this dog tech is the only curved smart collar made from quality, durable leather. It uses cellular and GPS technology so you can track your dog no matter where they are (as long as both you and the collar have a cell signal.) Bonus features include accurate activity tracking and remote-controlled light and sound to find your pup in the dark.
Grooming
If you dread washing the dog knowing you’ll end up sopping wet while wrangling a wiggly pooch, the canine shower stall would be a good investment. This dog shower has a handheld, adjustable-flow showerhead and 16 water-jet nozzles to make bath time a breeze. There are two leashes to help keep your pup from moving around, and all you have to do is connect the sturdy shower stall to a spigot or faucet. It’s big enough for dogs up to 200 pounds, and there’s also a removable shelf to elevate the smallest of dogs.
The Dyson Groom is a dog brush and vacuum all in one. It’s a handheld device that attaches to most Dyson models, and you can brush your dog while cleaning up at the same time. Flexible bristles are designed to catch loose fur as it’s suctioned. As a bonus, this innovative example of dog tech also sucks up dry skin and other allergens caught in your dog’s fur. It’s best used for dogs with medium to long hair and could easily turn in to your favorite dog accessory.
Food and Water
With an outdoor water dish, you need to worry about insects and other animals (like poisonous cane toads) contaminating your dog’s water source. There’s also the continual effort of keeping the bowl full and clean—a task that isn’t so easy if you have multiple pets and a large yard. The Waterdog Automatic Outdoor Pet Drinking Fountain uses motion-sensing technology to deliver clean, fresh water whenever your dog needs it.
Your dog’s feeding schedule doesn’t change just because you stay late at the office or spend a Saturday out with friends. With Petnet Smartfeeder, you have peace of mind that no matter what, your dog gets the food he needs exactly when he’s used to it. This useful piece of dog tech connects to an app on your phone and allows you to schedule daily meals ahead of time or initiate a last-minute feeding. It even gives suggestions on how much food your dog needs and reminds you when it’s time to stock up.
As technology continues to advance, pet owners can expect even more high-tech dog gadgets to hit the market. By embracing the change, we can give our dogs the best lives possible without giving up convenience or peace of mind. Keep checking back for updates on the newest dog tech products to help out in all aspects of pup parenting.