Article by PetSure
If you’re a tech-savvy pet parent, you may have noticed the increasing buzz around ‘pettech’ and ‘pet technology’ on websites and your feed.
But what exactly is ‘pettech’, and why should it matter to you? ‘Pettech’ is a term encompassing a range of pet technology products and services aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of pets. As technology becomes more ingrained in our daily lives, it seems natural to extend its benefits to the care of our pets.
Embracing the health benefits of ‘pettech’
Pet DNA tests
Currently, a few companies offer pet DNA tests, but this category is poised to expand. These tests can determine whether your dog is a mix or pure breed, providing breed-specific care tips. As more owners get their pets tested, the databases will expand, making results more reliable. Unlike human DNA testing, privacy risks are low for pet DNA testing.
Pet activity trackers and pet heart-rate monitors
Pet activity trackers, like smart health monitoring collars, can track and gather information on your pet’s behaviour and health, including heart rate and exercise needs. These devices collect data and transmit it to mobile apps, allowing owners to monitor their pet’s health and make informed decisions about diet and activity levels.
Products like heartbeat simulation toys and pheromone-releasing plug-ins can comfort pets suffering from anxiety or stress. These products are particularly helpful during stressful situations like moving house, thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits.
Online pet service booking
Booking pet services like pet sitters, kennels, and groomers has become convenient with online platforms and mobile apps. These services streamline the process of finding and scheduling reliable pet care. Telehealth services, such as VetChat™, provide remote consultations with veterinarians, ensuring that pet owners can access professional advice and support even from a distance.
Simplifying daily pet care through pet technology
Smart pet beds
Smart pet beds can track changes in your pet’s weight and behaviour, providing early indicators of health needs. These beds can be temperature-controlled for comfort and connected to other pet tech devices, responding to your pet’s needs.
Smart pet feeders
Smart automatic pet feeders can dispense precise portions of food on a regular schedule, helping to prevent overeating. Some models come with cameras and can send alerts when food levels are low, ensuring your pet is fed on time. When synced with pet microchips, these smart feeders allow for individualised portion control in multi-pet households, ensuring each pet receives the right amount of food tailored to their needs.
Automatic litter boxes
Automatic litter boxes, such as self-cleaning models, maintain hygiene by separating waste from clean litter. Some advanced models now include sensors to track your cat’s health with a connected mobile app for monitoring.
Pet communication and entertainment
Pet cameras, interactive toys, and smart pet toys keep pets entertained and mentally stimulated. Pet cameras offer features like motion alerts, two-way communication, and treat dispensers. Interactive toys, such as robotic toys and laser pointers, provide exercise and can mimic natural hunting behaviours.
Pet apps
There are various apps designed for pet parents to help with training, behaviour tracking, finding pet-friendly locations, and connecting with other pet parents. Training apps offer tutorials, while first aid apps can provide valuable information for handling pet emergencies. There’s even an app that analyses canine poop to alert pet parents to potential digestive issues. By simply taking a photo of the poop, the app can assess its colour, texture, and consistency, providing insights into the pet’s digestive health – detecting issues like parasites, dietary intolerances, or gastrointestinal infections, allowing for timely treatment.
Enhancing pet security and training
Smart doors
Smart doors provide secure access for pets while keeping unwanted animals out. These doors read the pet’s microchip or collar tag and only open for authorised pets, ensuring safety and freedom.
AI Dog Robot “Nannies”
AI dog robot nannies are designed to interact with pets and, provide companionship. They can even monitor their behaviour while pet parents are out of the house. Equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors, these robots can detect changes in a pet’s mood or health, sending real-time alerts to pet owners.
The future of pet technology
The pet tech industry is still developing, promising new innovations in the coming years. Future advancements may include ancestral databases for pets, facial recognition for pet doors and feeders, smaller robotic toys for cats, personalised diets, advanced litter solutions, and more.
Sources
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