Pet ownership has risen dramatically in the last couple of years, owing to the need for companionship during the global pandemic. However, even before COVID-19 the rate of pet ownership was already on the rise as more and more people found that they valued the love and affection of a cat, dog or other small pet. The pet industry is estimated to be worth over 150 billion dollars, so it’s no surprise that various technological advances have been made in pet care.
Pet owners now have a plethora of options for pet gadgets that can make their lives easier, while making their pets’ lives better at the same time. Whether you’re looking at sales for puppies in Melbourne or adopting a cat in Adelaide, technology is now a part of pet ownership. Let’s take a look at 5 gadgets that can help make owning a pet a breeze.
5 Gadgets That Make Pet Parenting a Breeze
1. Automatic feeders
These can be programmed to dispense food at regular intervals throughout the day, ensuring that your pet always has access to fresh, nutritious meals.
There are many automatic pet feeders on the market, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They all have one goal in mind: to make your life easier by dispensing food to your pet on a regular basis. But how do they work? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each type of automatic pet feeder?
The most common type of automatic pet feeder is the gravity-fed feeder. These feeders use a simple mechanism to dispense food: as food is eaten from the bowl, more food is gravity-fed into the bowl from the hopper above. Gravity-fed feeders are typically the most affordable option, but they can be prone to jamming if the food gets stuck in the hopper.
Another popular type of automatic pet feeder is the electronic or programmable pet feeder. These feeders use an electronic timer to dispense food at regular intervals. You can typically set them to dispense a small amount of food several times per day. Some models even allow you to record a personal message for your pet! Programmable pet feeders are more expensive than gravity-fed feeders, but they offer greater flexibility and peace of mind.
So, which type of automatic pet feeder is right for you and your pet? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable option that is relatively low-maintenance, a gravity-fed feeder may be a good choice. If you want more control over when and how much your pet eats, or if you need an automatic waterer, then an electronic or programmable pet feeder may be a better option. The smaller portion sizes may even be better for dog breeds with stomach issues. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for you and your furry friend.
2. Pet fountain
Similar to automatic feeders, these can help keep your pet hydrated by dispensing water at set times throughout the day.
An automatic pet fountain is a great way to keep your pet hydrated and healthy. They are easy to use and come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. Here are some of the benefits of using an automatic pet fountain:
Your pet will always have fresh, clean water. Automatic pet fountains filter the water so your pet is never drinking stagnant or dirty water. They are easy to use. Just fill up the reservoir and let the fountain do the rest. Some models even have a built in timer so you can set it and forget it.
They encourage your pet to drink more water. The flowing water is more appealing to pets, especially cats, than a bowl of still water. This means they are more likely to drink more, which is important for their health.
Automatic pet fountains can help prevent urinary tract infections. When pets drink more water, they flush out their system more which helps prevent bacteria from building up and causing an infection.
They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any home décor. Whether you want a small, discreet model for your bathroom or a larger one for your kitchen, there’s an automatic pet fountain perfect for you.
3. Self-cleaning litter boxes
Self-cleaning litter boxes can help make scooping and changing litter a thing of the past. When it comes to self-cleaning litter boxes, there are a few key traits that make them stand out from the traditional options.
First and foremost, self-cleaning litter boxes are designed to be much easier to maintain than their traditional counterparts. Instead of having to scoop out clumps of wet litter on a daily basis, self-cleaning litter boxes use special sensors to automatically rake away waste into an enclosed compartment. This means that you only have to empty the waste compartment every few days or weeks, depending on the model.
Another big advantage of self-cleaning litter boxes is that they tend to be much better at controlling odour. This is because the waste is immediately sealed away in the closed compartment, rather than sitting in an open litter tray where it can start to stink. In addition, many self-cleaning litter boxes also come with built-in deodorizers to help keep the area smelling fresh.
Finally, self-cleaning litter boxes can often be a godsend for people with multiple cats. This is because they help to prevent one cat from “marking” its territory by urinating in the same spot over and over again. By using a self-cleaning litter box, each cat gets its own clean section of litter, which helps to reduce territorial disputes.
4. Interactive pet toys
Interactive pet toys are designed to keep your pet entertained and engaged. They usually have a variety of features that can include lights, sounds, movement, and even scent. Some interactive toys can dispense treats or food, which can be a great way to keep your pet occupied and motivated. These toys are often used in training and behaviour modification programs as they can help to focus your pet’s attention and energy. There are a few different kinds that are available:
-Toys that make noise: Many interactive pet toys have built in noises that will engage your pet and keep them entertained. These noises can include squeaks, crinkles, or even recorded animal sounds.
-Toys that move: Interactive toys often have moving parts or segments that will encourage your pet to play. Some of the more popular electronic pet toys will skitter across the ground like a prey animal, encouraging your pet to chase after it and “hunt” it.
-Toys with food dispensers: These types of interactive toys often dispense small treats or kibble as your pet plays with them. This is a great way to keep your pet engaged and motivated to play.
5. Pet cameras
Pet cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your furry friend when you can’t be there in person. There are a variety of different pet cameras on the market, each with its own unique set of features. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a pet camera:
-Camera type: Some pet cameras are stand-alone units, while others need to be connected to a computer or smartphone. Stand-alone units are typically more expensive, but they offer more features and flexibility.
-Image quality: Most pet cameras have decent image quality, but some have better resolution than others. If you plan on using the camera to take pictures or videos of your pet, make sure it has good image quality.
-Audio quality: Many pet cameras have two-way audio so you can talk to your pet (and vice versa). This can be useful if you’re training your pet or just want to check in on them throughout the day. Make sure the audio quality is clear so you can understand what your pet is saying.
-Night vision: If you want to be able to see your pet at night, make sure the camera has night vision capabilities.
-Battery life: Pet cameras typically run on batteries, so make sure the one you choose has good battery life. Otherwise, you’ll likely need to recharge it frequently. Others will plug into a wall outlet, which may limit where you can safely place them.