Activity trackers for pets have also become increasingly popular. One of the more popular activity trackers is also a GPS tracking system to help you keep tabs via computer or phone on your pet’s whereabouts. TAGG the Pet Tracker is lightweight and designed to attach to an animal’s collar. According to the manufacturer, it can “be worn at all times, even while swimming.” The system will even alert you via text or email if your pet has gone past its designated boundaries. So, if Fluffy, Fuzzy or Freddie are out causing trouble in the neighborhood, or in case they jump the fence, this solution should help you find them fast. Considering the fact that every year more than 10 million pets are lost, investing in some kind of tracking gadget is a smart idea. Quality Time. Pets miss us when we’re away from them. Some get seriously depressed, anxious and downright crazy. When you can’t be there in person, a new product expected to come out in December may help you steal some one on one time together that could help soothe your pet by allowing them to see you and hear your voice, and you to see them. PetziConnect from Petzila allows you to interact with your pet through a two-way video camera remotely (and securely, they say) and even reward your pet with a treat for engaging with you online. In this busy life that’s loaded with amazing solutions to keep our pets better communicated with and cared for, the best quality time together usually comes when we’re disconnected from our devices and just paying attention to each other. So enjoy all the benefits technology can bring. But, please remember to try and take time to turn off all the gadgets, put down the phone, and just be with your pet. Whether it’s just to sit and snuggle, be silly, run around an open field, or laugh together until your bellies hurt, you’ll both be glad you did.
The Wingscapes’ Audubon BirdCam ($79.95) can “take over” for bird-watchers when they head indoors. It’s a bird-feeder and motion-activated digital camera that can take still pictures or short video images of the animals – assuming they are birds – that get close to it. This sounds a bit like cheating to me, but what a great new gadget this is that may bring bird watching to a whole new audience – those who prefer to hang out and have a cocktail on their deck, for example. What’s even more intriguing is that there’s also a Wingscapes’ TimelaspeCam that can take photos at set intervals and then string them together in a time-lapse video. Great for capturing behavior patterns of birds, as well as some other animals you might know at your house parties. Lots of fun options here. Dog Gone Tech. One of the most important responsibilities of being a pet owner is ensuring that your animal is getting enough exercise. If your dog is packing on some extras pounds and you don’t have the time for extra walks or jogs in the morning, a tech alternative to a dog walker is a dog treadmill. Of course, before you start any pet on an exercise program, be sure they are healthy and consult your vet. If a treadmill is the right option for your pet, there are many great varieties from which to choose. PetZen and DogTread offer high tech advancements and range in price from around $500 to more than $900, depending on the size dog and therefore, treadmill you need. Additionally, pet fitness vests are becoming popular, such as the DogTread 4-in-1 K9FITvest. Similar to human fitness vests, the ones for dogs provide an extra tool for strength and endurance training.
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