Most things involved with keeping a pet remain unchanged: you feed them, you stroke them, you take them for walks and occasionally you have to take them to the vet.
But while our lives seem to change every day with each new development or invention, it sometimes seems that microchip identification is about it when it comes to using the wonders of modern technology for the benefit of our pets.
But fear not, because boffins around the world are making the most of their training, skills and ingenuity to develop exciting gadgets for pet owners that can make our lives easier and their lives more fun.
This month, we’re taking a look at a few of our favourite recent pet gadgets and pet tech.
Doggy DNA
If you’ve had your DNA analysed by one of the leading genealogy companies, you’ll know that it’s not just about identifying long-lost relatives. DNA analysis can also enable you to identify potential health issues, particularly useful if you want to know if you’ve inherited a genetic condition from your parents.
Now, DNA technology has extended to the world of dogs as well, with over 200 health tests that can determine a number of important factors to help you stay on top of your dog’s wellbeing.
And while you may not be able to draw up a huge family tree going back multiple generations, a dog DNA test can identify its breed mix down to 1%, meaning that when someone asks you what breed your dog is, you can be extremely specific!
The robot friend for your cat
While we naturally worry about what our dogs will get up to when left alone for any length of time, we seem to just assume our cats will be okay. They’ll either sleep or go for a walk round the neighbourhood. But it seems that cats can get bored, especially if you were spending loads of time with them during lockdown but are now out at work all day again.
EBO is an automatic device that will entertain your cat while you’re away by interacting with it, playing with it and generally ensuring it’s kept engaged, while also learning and adapting to its individual personality, mood and preferences. You can pre-programme a schedule, it’s equipped with collision sensors and even boasts a 1080p HD camera so you can watch your cat have fun with its new friend from wherever you happen to be.
And when it needs to recharge its batteries, it will automatically return to its dock, meaning you never have to worry about it running out of energy.
The neverending game of fetch
We generally run out of energy well before our dogs do! Meanwhile, as we get older, we still want the companionship our dogs offer, but may not be able to give them the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.
The iFetch Too automatically launches tennis balls for your dog to chase, with three distance settings (10, 25 or 40 feet) plus a random option which means your dog will never know what’s coming next. And if you train your dog to drop the tennis ball back into the machine when he’s fetched it, it can keep him entertained for as long as he has the energy and enthusiasm to keep chasing!
The automatic cat litter cleaner
And so we come to what is undoubtedly our favourite piece of pet tech. At Green Lane Farm, we have to clean out a fair few litter trays each and every day and, while you do get used to it, it’s not a task that’s ever overburdened with enthusiastic volunteers.
The Litter-Robot 3 Connect uses sifting technology to ensure there’s always clean litter for your cat to use, reduces smells after your cat has used it and can reduce litter usage by as much as 50%. It will also notify you via an app on your phone when the waste drawer is full, which can be quickly and easily done without the need for scooping.
Now that’s using modern technology for the good of pet owners everywhere!
We may not be equipped with such smart pet accessories and tech here at Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, but what we can do is guarantee the warmest welcome to a home-from-home for all your pets. Based in Surrey and easily accessible for those living in and around Kingston and Chessington, our friendly and experienced team will make sure your furry family member is treated with the same consideration and care as they would get at home.
Contact us today to find out more.
