If you’re planning to spoil your pets this holiday season, instead of the usual toys and treats, consider a pet-centric gadget or home accessory that will not only entertain your fur kid, but also enhance your home – and your pet parenting experience, too.
Microchip pet feeder
When pet food sits out, it can attracts flies and other vermin – not to mention, it becomes unpalatable after several hours. A microchip-activated pet feeder, such as the SureFeed, solves these problems because the food well is covered, and opens for mealtimes when triggered by a pet’s microchip. The lid over the feeding bowl remains open until the pet leaves and then automatically closes.
In a multi-pet household, this system locks out a greedy pet from other pet’s bowls; it’s also ideal for pets on different diets or a weight management program. The SureFeed feeder comes with a lightweight RFID collar tag (for pets that aren’t microchipped), and has a special training mode to help your pet adapt to using it. One limitation is that this feeder can’t accommodate large pets; it’s designed for cats and small dogs only.
Bolstered furniture protector
We all know that fur-kids love to cuddle up – and shed! – on the couch alongside their favorite people. If you still want the snuggles but not the furry furniture, check out machine-washable microsuede furniture protectors. Solvit designed a series of furniture protectors that feature a bolster to offer additional support and comfort for older pets.
The Bolster protector is available in two sizes for large and small pets, and there is also a style for a single chair. It has a fully waterproof membrane in case of accidents, and special rubberized “feet” to help keep the protector in place. When company is coming over, just move the protector to the floor or stash it in a closet. Voila! Fur-free furniture.
Video monitor with laser light
For many pets left home alone for long periods, boredom and loneliness are serious issues and can lead to severe anxiety. A pet video monitor with a built-in laser, like the Petcube Play, allows you to initiate exhilarating games at any time to ensure your pets get plenty of physical and mental activity in your absence.
The Petcube Play works in conjunction with a Smartphone (or Apple watch) app, and there is also an autoplay mode that activates the laser three times every hour, creating random patterns to entertain for 30-second games. The laser is a low-powered 5mW 3R class, and certified safe around pets and people. The fun and games can be recorded using the monitor’s HD video camera, which has a 138-degree wide angle lens and night vision. There’s also a two-way microphone and speaker to keep pet parents connected to their fur kids 24/7.
Smart treat-dispensing camera
And, if you are still feeling guilty that your pets are home alone, the Petzi Treat Cam allows you to dispense some love and treats via a Smartphone app. The treat dispenser is ideal for any brand of small treats. (However, hard treats “launch” better out of the treat slot than softer varieties.)
There is an audio button, so, if hearing your voice emanate from the treat “box” doesn’t spook your fur kids, you can call them over and ask them to sit before they get a yummy snack. There’s a wide-angled lens on the camera that allows you to snap some fun photographs to post to your social media channels, too.
Designer drinking fountain
Drinking fountains encourage pets to stay hydrated because they replicate an animal’s innate desire to drink running water.
The elegant Dogit Alfresco Drinking Fountain is a raised design, providing larger dogs with an ideal ergonomic drinking position to access refreshing drinking water “on tap.”
It’s wired for both indoor and outdoor use, and also has an energy-efficient LED light to make the water flow easy for dogs to see at night, simultaneously transforming it into a decorative home accessory.
Paw-operated garden hose water fountain
Many dogs, regardless of size, love to play with a water hose. A paw-operated gadget, like All for Paw’s Chill Out Garden Water Fountain, turns your hose into an instant drinking fountain.
With a little training, your dog can quickly learn where to step to let the water flow – the rubber pedal doesn’t take much paw-power to operate. The gadget plugs into any garden hose, and is suitable for dogs of all sizes. Let your dog help out around the home and give the lawn a little extra watering, too.
Microchip pet door
A pet door will free you up from playing doorman, giving dogs and cats independent access to a secure enclosed patio or garden. To allow pets freedom without opening up your home to uninvited animals, try a device like the SureFlap Microchip Pet Door. It works in conjunction with a pet’s microchip (as well as a special RFID collar tag) to offer selective use to pets in the household, and can store up to 32 individual pet microchips.
The door can be safely installed in brickwork, woodwork, and even glass. It also has a curfew feature allowing pet parents to block outdoor access at any time. And, if a pet is already outside, it allows them to come back in before the curfew feature is activated, so that no pet will ever be inadvertently locked out.
The door is battery-operated with an indicator light that alerts when its time to replace batteries. There is also a manual lock, which can override any microchip or tag to prevent use if necessary.
Automatic ball launcher
You’re entertaining friends, but your dog wants to play fetch. You’re preparing dinner and overseeing homework, but the dog was to play fetch. You’re taking a nap, but the dog wants to play fetch. Familiar scenario? The PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher is a winner for all fetch-crazy dogs whose pet parents are tired of playing ball.
This contraption is designed to let dogs play on their own, both indoors and outdoors. It can launch standard tennis balls between eight and 30 feet, and features nine distance and six angle settings to keep pooches constantly engaged and entertained.
The launcher includes various safety features to ensure safe play, such as a motion sensor on the front of the unit that prevents the ball from launching if a dog or person is too close. Dogs can also be trained to retrieve the balls and restock the machine themselves. And there’s a sleep mode to ensure forced rest in between frenetic play sessions.
Related: