New Pet Technology Makes a Difference in Caring for Dogs and Cats

More and more people are turning to new pet technology to help care for their pets. For more information on new pet technology, check out our slideshow displaying some of the newest pet technology products!

Technology continues to change our lives, even the way we care for our dogs and cats. Although many people enjoy the companionship of a pet, due to the busy lives they lead, they need help taking care of them. As a result, there are more gadgets, devices and systems that help pet owners feed, groom and monitor their pets.

Technology: Helping Pet Owners When Circumstances Require

Longtime cat lover Laura Smalls travels extensively on business and was hesitant about getting a cat. When she realized that she could employ a pet sitter to care for her cats when she was away, she adopted Rosemary and Thyme from a local shelter. Although her pet sitter comes twice a day to look in on the cats while she travels, the sitter’s role has changed. Smalls relies on her less and less to feed, water and clean the litter box. 

“I love my pet sitter, Mary. But now, I rely on her just to come in and play with the cats. Moreover, thank goodness for the automatic feeders and fountains because my pets don’t have to wait for the sitter to feed or change their water. I especially love using a free-flowing fountain because it keeps the water cooler and more aerated, encouraging my kitties to drink more.”  

According to Smalls, no one wants to clean the litter box bed--well, she doesn’t. She explains that if she had the time, she would train her cats to use the toilet, but instead she uses two automatic litter boxes which make the chore and the smell of the litter box bearable. Mary disposes of the waste. 

Technology: Security Systems Keep Our Pets Safe

Recently, she has been looking into getting new technology; a security system with cameras so that she can look in on her pets while she is away.

“If I had a camera system in the house, it would really cut down on my worry while I am away. I could check in on my kitties all day along, wherever I am,” she explains.

Protection 1 Communication Specialist Jennifer Diamond notes that is the reason that people have purchased her company’s E-Secure system. She has seen an increasing number of pet owners buying the monitoring system. With the monitoring system, pet owners can watch their pets from either their computer or smart phone whenever they want.

“At $10 a month for up to six cameras in the home, it’s a bargain,” says Diamond.  System cameras cost from $199 and up.

Protection 1 clients who purchase the alarm system like to either provide a code for a pet sitter or to give their dog walker access to their home by deactivating the alarm remotely. Both methods allow pet owners to know specifically what time their sitters visit their homes. 

“And with the camera feature, you are also able to watch them while they work,” mentions Diamond. 

Do Dog and Cat Owners Rely Too Much on Technology?

While pet tech products are helpful, northern New Jersey dog behavioral counselor and dog trainer Greg Kleva notes that dog owners can rely too much on technology. Kleva uses the example of a canine escape artist-a dog that is always jumping over fences or digging to get out of his yard.

“If your dog is trying to leave home on a regular basis, you need to understand why,” states Kleva.  

He explains that dog owners need to provide the basics (food and water, shelter, safe atmosphere, a strong leader and stimulation), but when these needs aren’t met, dogs will look elsewhere. He also reveals that there are exceptions to the rule.

“For example, if a female dog is in season and a male takes a whiff of her scent, either will try to escape to mate,” says Kleva.

He suggests that if you can’t understand your dog’s behavior, employ a reputable behavior counselor to help you have a better relationship with your dog.

“Of course, there is a place for technology in this equation because it can help you keep your dog safe while you are away from home,” he continues.

Kleva likes the new Tagg, a lightweight dog GPS device developed by Qualcomm (designer and supplier of CDMA chipsets, system software, network base stations, handsets, modems, kid trackers, camera phones, MP3 players, game players). Tagg attaches to most collars and allows you locate and track your dog using a computer or smartphone. Email alerts show you via map where your pet is. 

But Tagg doesn’t come cheap.  With a price “Tagg” of $199.00 (including a year of service for the first year and after, a $59.99 service fee) are pet owners willing to spend the money?

“Yes,” says Jeff Mott of PetGadets.com. “Even in this economy, pet owners will purchase products with a high price tag if they perceive there is a value or comfort for themselves and their pets.”