Pet Tech for Dogs and Cats

Exploring the World of Pet Tech

Hi everyone and thanks for joining me on this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. In this episode it is time to explore the world of Pet Tech for dogs and cats.

As we know and as I say many times, the pet industry is subject to changes like any other industry influenced by technology. Pet Tech or pet technology, encompasses AI-powered gadgets, apps, and hardware designed to improve pet health, safety, and lifestyle, including smart collars, automatic feeders, and activity monitors. And to add to this is One Digital Health. So, let’s take a journey through some of the pet tech and then look at the inclusion of digital health.

Wearable IOT for Pets

What is IOT?

Let’s first look at wearable IOT. For the not so techy, which includes me, IOT is the “Internet of Things”. IOT consists of physical objects or “things” embedded with sensors, software and technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. For pets this would include smart collars, trackers that monitor health, activity and location in real time.

GPS Trackers for Pets

What to Look For in a Tracker

Many people are looking for GPS trackers for their pets. Trackers for pets have been around for quite some time, however, their technology was limited. For example, some trackers could only keep tabs on pets within a certain radius. This is not helpful if the pet has wandered off and is now 5 blocks away. So ,what are you actually looking for with a tracker?

Features and Benefits

The top GPS dog trackers offer real-time location tracking using cellular networks (LTE- long term evolution, a 4G wireless broadband technology providing high-speed data) to provide unlimited range via smartphone apps. GPS trackers for dogs have all kinds of different abilities and it will depend on what you are trying to accomplish.

Considerations

For example, if you are in a city, an apple air tag could be an option because they are inexpensive. They rely on nearby iPhones rather than direct GPS. If you are outside of a city, this method is less reliable. Therefore, you would be looking for a GPS that offers robust waterproof tracking.

In terms of battery life, you could find a tracker that has anywhere from 3 days to 4 weeks of battery life. You will also have to consider the size of the tracker for your dog.

Smart Leashes

How Smart Leashes Improve Safety

Now, let’s say, the dog has not disappeared because you are using a Smart leash. What is a smart leash? Well, a smart leash is a high-tech or enhanced retractable dog leash designed to improve safety, control and convenience.

Key Features

The Smart leash has a braking feature that is automatic that engages the lock if the dog lunges.

A smart leash also has built-in LED lighting and reflective tape.

Pet Health Monitoring Technology

Wearable Health Monitors

Let’s look at another direct tech that can benefit a pet and this is a health monitor. Some wearable health monitors can track health metrics like heart rate, respiration, temperature, and activity level at rest as opposed to at play.

Behaviour Tracking

They can even detect behaviour changes, such as increased scratching or reduced activity, which can alert a pet parent to potential skin issues or pain.

Digital Records and QR Codes

Digital Health Records

A different type of tracking for pets is digital records for pet health. According to animalstart.com, “digital records offer a convenient and efficient way to organize and access (your pet’s medical information) anytime, anywhere.”

QR Codes for Pets

To go even further with this whole idea of tracking, you can create QR codes for your pets.

Telemedicine and Home Testing

Remote Veterinary Care

Another health support for your pet that is considered pet tech is Telemedicine platforms.

Home Testing Kits

In the same category, there are other home health options. Home testing kits can detect various health issues, including diabetes, skin mites, yeast infections, ear infections and intestinal parasites.

Smart Home Pet Technology

Smart Doors

Let’s switch gears now to some of the tech that is more tangible. For example, many people have cat or dog doors.

Smart Feeders

Let’s talk now about smart feeders. Smart feeders can be a real help, but I think most benefits are with cats.

Cameras and Monitoring

And speaking of watching your pet, what about cameras?

Advanced Pet Tech

Pet Robots

Along with all the feeders and cameras and treat dispensers, here is another that may be over the top, but who knows. Dogness makes a pet robot.

Smart Litter Systems

Let’s look at some specific tech or IOT for cats. I think one of the most popular cat items that has entered the tech world is automatic litters.

Final Thoughts on Pet Tech

Well, that’s a lot of tech stuff. It stands to reason that as technology advances it is going to advance in the pet industry as well.

So, have a look around. You will need to do the research for the best of something you are looking at, but that’s okay, because as I say, knowing is caring.

Tagged as: cat technology,  smart pet devices,  pet tech,  GPS tracker for dogs,  smart feeders for pets,  pet health monitoring,  digital pet health.