While dogs are not a high-tech species, their owners certainly are. And while we have doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to help us with our medical concerns, it’s not as easy to keep track of our dog’s health issues. Luckily, experienced dog lover Dave Miller, owner of Cozy Crates, guided us with the advances in technology that have allowed us to monitor our canine pals through the wonders of different apps and devices. Keep reading to learn more about different high-tech health monitoring devices for dogs and what you can use to take care of your four-legged friend.
Activity Trackers
Many of us wear health trackers on our wrists or through an app on our phones, so why not hook one up to monitor our dogs? One of the most popular brands, Fitbit, has come out with a new model specifically for our pets-the FitBark. However, other models will work just as well when you want to monitor your dog’s health and activity. Most models come with a small sensor that can be attached to your dog’s collar. From there, the app and begin tracking their activity minute-by-minute.
These devices record how many calories your dog burns per day, the distance they traveled, and their sleep quality. Set personal fitness goals for your dog based on their age, breed, and weight when you need to keep their weight down. Activity trackers may also offer additional services, such as the ability to monitor skin diseases, stress levels, and more. Some even allow you to link straight to your vet if he or she desires real-time updates.
Smart Dog Collars
Gone are the days when you had to rely on a flimsy tag with a few words on it if your dog happened to get lost. Today, rely on the power of GPS and cellular technology to keep track of your dog day and night, right from their collar! If your dog gets away from you on a walk or escapes the gate in the yard, simply open up the app on your phone that corresponds to the collar. You’ll see exactly where he is and where he is heading. Smart dog collars give you peace of mind, especially if you have to leave them with a sitter during vacation. Some smart collars also offer sleep tracking technology that permits you to see your pup’s rest patterns in detail. With sleep patterns being important to the health of your dog, a smart collar will come in handy when you can’t always pay attention to their habits. Additionally, many collars come with a built-in light that allows you to walk your dog at ease in the early morning or late evening hours.
Indoor Cameras
We love being around our dogs, but it isn’t always possible when we have to go out to work or socialize. Indoor cameras make it easier for us to leave the house when we know we can use our smartphones to check on our dogs from afar. Doggy cameras allow us to monitor our dogs in the event they aren’t feeling well. Some models keep track of the temperature and humidity levels in your home, alerting you if there is a sudden rise or fall. Indoor doggy cameras that allow you to talk to your pets are great for dogs that have anxiety issues or those with separation anxiety. With just a few words from your end, your dog will feel calmer and happier in no time.
Automatic Treat Dispensers
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and responds well to treats, an automatic treat-dispensing camera is a great high-tech investment. A treat dispenser can be set at your dog’s level and are perfect for owners with active dogs. Dog behaviorists and trainers recommend these dispensers to give your pet the mental stimulation he needs. They can also divert any unwanted behavior, especially when you aren’t physically there to stop it. They’re also great for dogs that eat too fast and become sick, as the dispenser forces them to slow down at mealtimes.
Programmable Buttons
You can now teach your dog how to use his words; that is, press buttons to communicate with you. How? With the latest recordable voice buttons that allow you to teach your dog various words and commands. For example, your dog can learn that pressing the red button means outside while pressing the green button means play. The buttons can be programmed with your own voice and with the commands and words you want your dog to learn. Not only is it fun to do, but programmable buttons keep your dog’s mind sharp. Just , it takes a great deal of time and patience to teach your dog how to “speak” with buttons.