Many dog parents work during the day and worry about their fur babies staying home alone. Fortunately, technology has created many ways for your to keep an eye on your dog while you are at work besides just a stationary camera. Here are some of the fun and easy ways to keep tabs on your dog while you are away.
Whistle FIT
For anyone that has a dog that likes to escape, you may be more interested in the Whistle Fit smart collar. This color’s sole purpose is to track your dog’s activity. Think of it as a Fitbit for your pup.
The Whistle Fit smart color lets you set a fitness goal for your dog based on weight, age, breed, and health goals. This collar can even collect data on your dog’s licking and scratching habits. It also features a food calculator that can help you to determine how much of that high-quality chow to give your dog to keep him hearty and at a healthy weight.
Petzi Treat Cam
If you have ever wondered what your pup is up to when you’re at work, the Petzi Treat Cam is a great way to find out. This is an app-controlled camera and treats dispenser that is equipped with a Wi-Fi camera. This fun toy allows you to check in on your pup on your smartphone and also talk to your dog through a speaker. When the Petzi Treat Cam is full of treats, you are able to give him treats with just the press of the virtual button. Using a tone sound before his treat is offered, your pup will soon understand to stand right in front of the app-controlled camera so that you can see him.
PupPod
You can actually play with your pup when you aren’t at home. With this smartphone-controlled toy, you can use light and sounds that help your dog solve puzzles.
Featuring a classic Kong shape, once your dog solves his puzzle the PupPod will signal before the automated treat dispenser gives your pup a reward for his efforts. As the puzzles become harder, your dog will continue to be entertained and never get bored. The PupPod helps you keep track of the number of puzzles your pup solves and also how long each puzzle took him.
Petcube
Using a remote camera that is controlled through an app, the Petcube actually allows your pup to call you. Yes, you read that right. With a sensor that is motion-activated, your dog can turn the camera on by stepping in front of it and making a video for you.
You will receive a notification that says your pup has sent a “video call request” to you, and you will then be able to see your dog’s video clip. It also lets you call your pup to talk to him when you want, it’s kind of like Facetime for a dog.
PetNet SmartFeeder 2.0
One of the biggest stressors in your dog’s life is getting fed late because you’re not home yet. The PetNet SmartFeeder 2.0 is an automated app-controlled feeder that lets you feed your dog using your smartphone. Your phone will send you a confirmation alert whenever your dog is eating, along with a report that tells you how much he has eaten.
Pebby
A ball that comes equipped with a camera, Pebby is a smart toy that also serves as a monitoring device. Unlike similar pet-monitoring cameras, the Pebby doesn’t stay in just one place, but can actually chase after your dog. The PebbyCollar remains on your dog allowing the robot ball camera to find him, no matter where he is, to give you a live feed of your pup.
The Pebby is easily controlled using an app on your smartphone so that you can remotely play with him, or you can even set Pebby on its automatic mode, which will allow it to play with your dog when you cannot. The Pebby is made of an industrial-grade, shatterproof polycarbonate, which allows it to hold up against a tough chewer.
Wag
If you aren’t very tech-savvy or don’t have the time during the day to interact with your pup through your phone, then you might be interested in the Wag app. This app allows you to hire a local dog walker and book your visit in advance, or even ask for a walk to go as soon as possible in case things change at work and you can’t get away when you thought.
In some cities, you can even get a dog walker to go to your home in 30 minutes or less. The Wag app allows you to track your pup’s walk-in real-time as well as on a map, or you can have your dog walker send you’re a video of your pup’s walk. Finally, you will get a report at the end of the visit that tells you how long the walk was and how well-behaved your dog was.
Fi Smart Collar
The high-tech Fi Smart collar is one of the best smart collars available today. With this device, you can create a geofence that surrounds your property, and it can also send notifications to your smartphone if your pup gets out of the predetermined area without you or another family member alone. In case your dog is able to get out, the collar has an app that allows you to track down an errant pet.
Plus, this collar is water-resistant and can track your pup’s daily activity while also offering exercise recommendations. And, unlike similar smart collars, the Fi Smart Collar comes with a battery that has a charge that can last for several months. This is a stylish collar that features a band that is available in several different colors.
Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag
Dog owners that prefer a tag-style smart unit will love the Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag. This is a lightweight pet tag that you can attach to any D-ring, so it will easily fit onto a dog’s collar.
The Pawscout Smarter Pet Tag can notify you when your pet gets out of the yard, but it does not give real-time GPS tracking. But, it can create a lost dog alert, which notifies other Pawscout s that happen to be in your area to look out for your pup. While it doesn’t have comprehensive features, this is an affordable product that does not require a subscription fee.