Pet ownership brings so much joy – the cuddles, the companionship, the laughs! We could never live without our wonderful fur friends.
That said, having a pet can also introduce problems you never thought you’d have. And while we love a creative, DIY solution, it’s sometimes nice to just buy a unique product that was made to solve your specific problem.
So, we rounded up some smart products that may help make pet ownership a little easier so you can focus on the cuddles and not the conundrums.
Problem: Separation Anxiety
Solution: Pet Camera
If you’ve been working from home for a while and suddenly have to return to the office, it might be hard for you and your pet to spend so much time apart. To stay connected, consider investing in a pet cam. Many of the ones on the market also include two-way audio and a treat dispenser. This way, you can hear any noises they’re making, talk to them and even give them a treat whenever you want.
Problem: Your Dog Escapes Often
Solution: GPS Tracker
No matter how hard you try to contain them, some determined dogs will find ways of breaking free from the house or yard. And nothing is scarier than knowing your dog is wandering around somewhere and could be in danger. If this is a common occurrence in your home, it may be time to get a tracker. You can attach one to your dog’s collar and use an app to see where they are. Some even have the option to get an alert on your phone as soon as the tracker leaves a specified safe zone.
Problem: You’re Not Home in Time for Dinner
Solution: Auto-Feeder
You try to be home as soon as you can, but sometimes unexpected things come up. And when they do, you don’t want to think of your pet going hungry. In these cases, an automated feeder comes in handy. You can set it up to release a certain amount of food at set times throughout the day. This is especially useful for cat owners who don’t have to rush home for a walk, but do need to make sure their kitties are being fed.
Problem: Pets Are Eating One Another’s Food
Solution: Chip Reader Feeder
Is the dog eating the cat food? Or maybe the older, overweight cat is eating the high-calorie kitten food. Whatever your situation is, it can be frustrating trying to police the food situation. Fortunately, there are now microchip feeding bowls that are covered by a lid, which only opens when the cat whose microchip is paired puts its head nearby. Then, as if by magic, the food is uncovered just for them and closes again when they walk away.
Problem: Hair, Hair Everywhere
Solution: Hand-Held Pet Hair Vacuum
If everything you own is covered in a fine layer of pet hair… congrats, you’re a pet owner! There’s really no way around this reality if you have a pet who sheds. But there are ways of cleaning up that don’t have to be super labor-intensive. We love the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum because it’s quick and easy to use, doesn’t take up much space, and is just $37.
Problem: Pills
Solution: Pill Pocket Treats
Your dog’s health may depend on taking medication in pill form. And while you try to calmly explain how important this is, your pup just won’t listen. If that’s the case, try popping their pill into specially designed dog treats that have a little spot for a pill. We can’t promise your dog won’t outsmart you, but this is definitely worth a try.
Problem: Accidents in the House
Solution: Doggie Doorbell
Dogs that are house-trained know they’re not supposed to do their business inside, but they may not be the best at communicating when it’s time to go out. This smart, little dog bell could help. It involves training your dog to see the connection between pressing the bell with their nose and going outside. It might take some time for them to learn, but it could mean never having an accident again.
Problem: Cleaning Litter Boxes is No Fun
Solution: Self-Cleaning Litter Box
No matter how much you love your kitties, you probably don’t love cleaning their litter box. Thankfully, there are now several self-cleaning litter boxes on the market. They are programmed to automatically sift and separate litter so cleanup is a breeze. They are definitely an investment, and some require recurring purchases of special trays, but they could be worth the cost for some cat owners who despise litter box chores.
