Smart tech for dogs: Feeders, smart senors and more

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you want to give your little Toto the best life possible – nutritious foods, plenty of exercise, and protection from the Wicked Witch of the West. But hectic schedules and busy personal lives, make it hard to stay connected to your best friend. That’s where today’s smart technology can help. Smart pet tech makes monitoring, feeding, and training your dog more convenient.

Use a remote-operated camera to check in with little Bark Twain. Or make sure Hairy Paw-ter gets plenty of play with an automated fetcher.

And when it comes to smart tech, there’s no place like home. Smart pet tech devices seamlessly connect to your home’s smart sensors for ultimate control. But which pet gadgets are right for you and Santa Paws? Buying everything isn’t cost-effective or practical. No worries. Here’s a list of the best smart tech for dogs that Dorothy herself would approve.

Auto Feeders and Fountains

The fastest way to your dog’s heart is through his or her stomach. Start your smart pet tech collection with an auto feeder and/or watering system. Feeders and fountains let you control your dog’s feeding and watering times while at work, on vacation, or during a weekend getaway. Smart dispensers operate via a smartphone app and come with many different features, including web video and audio. You can also use feeders to dispense medicines too. Here are some feeders and waterers to consider.

Petnet SmartFeeder

The Petnet SmartFeeder gives you the power to customize your dog’s dinner portions and dining times. By inputting your dog’s age, weight, and activity level, you can set the portion amounts to keep your fluffy friend in tip-top health. Connect the Petnet SmartFeed with your Alexa or Google Home smart speakers and find out if your dog’s eaten yet. “Alexa, when was the last time Matilda ate?”

Wagz Smart Dog Feeder

If you want the Cadillac of smart dog feeders, try Wagz Smart Dog Feeder. It comes standard with portion control, refill alerts, anti-jam technology, and built-in audio and video. Say hello at dinner time and watch to make sure your sweet baby is making a happy plate. 

PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain

With smart pet fountains, your pooch will never drink warm, stagnant water again. The PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain provides a constant stream of free-falling freshwater that ensures complete hydration. The fountain comes with replaceable activated carbon filters that remove odors and bad taste from your dog’s water.

Furbo Dog Camera

If a fully-loaded feeder isn’t enough control over your dog’s diet, spring for the Furbo Dog Camera. This innovative smart pet device is a nanny cam plus auto dog treat tosser all in one. You can listen, see, and talk to your little furry friends in high definition via smartphone. And if they’re especially good, you can trigger the Furbo to toss a treat into the air. The device also comes with a bark sensor to alert you to possible trouble at home.

Monitoring and Tracking

When you’re away from home, it’s common for both you and your dog to feel a lack of control. This can happen when there’s an escape or when separation anxiety crops up. These smart monitoring and tracking devices keep your dog safe and you in control when you’re apart.

Whistle Dog Activity Monitor

With the Whistle Dog Activity Monitor you’ll always know your dog’s location. The GPS tracker is rechargeable and attaches their collar. Use the app to set up “safe places” like your home or a pet sitter. If your dog leaves these areas, you’ll get push notifications and real-time tracking. And the Whistle also tracks your dog’s activity levels, letting you set and track daily exercise goals for better health.

PetChatz

If Fido suffers from separation anxiety or just loves seeing your beautiful face, invest in the PetChatz digital daycare for home-alone pets. The PetChatz has two-way color video and audio. It’s like Skyping with your dog — they can see your face and hear your voice too. Use your PetChatz app to dispense treats or a shot of onboard aromatherapy to calm their canine nerves.

Access

For those dog owners with inside and outside fur babies, giving them yard access can be a hassle. Opening and closing doors is a nuisance. And if you have a dog door, another problem exists — the door gives other animals access too! But smart tech has solved that problem too.

PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor

With the PetSafe Electronic SmartDoor you can control who and what comes through your dog door. Attach the PetSafe sensor to your dog’s collar. When they get close to the SmartDoor, radio frequencies from the color unlock the door automatically. And you can program more than one collar sensor. Great for homes with multiple pets. Let your dog outside, but keep your cat inside.

Training

Smart tech can even help you train your pet. Whether bark arresters or toilet training aids, these smart pet devices have you covered.

Pavlovian Puppy Potty Trainer

Ivan Pavlov himself could never have imagined how far smart technology would take his psychological theory. The Pavlovian Puppy Potty Trainer uses classical conditioning to help your little ones learn where big twos go. The Trainer comes with a pad that senses when your dog has relieved itself and dispenses a tasty treat to reward the behavior.

Hilary Thompson is a freelance writer who covers everything from home to business. You can follow her on Twitter.