The Pet Tech Holiday Gift Guide

By now, most people have heard of the Internet of Things (IoT), which encompasses internet-connected devices ranging from WiFi-connected coffee makers all the way to supply chain optimization systems. 

Why should humans have all the high-tech fun, though? Here are five of the best IoT gifts for your furry family members to enjoy.

1.Fitbark 2

The creators of the Fitbark 2 felt that there shouldn't be a disconnect between the efforts humans put in to eat better and exercise and the lifestyles their pets have. The Fitbark 2 is a fitness tracker for dogs with a component that allows people to link their activity level with that of their pet.

The device attaches to a dog's collar and measures things like overall activity, plus sleep quality and behavior.

Also, since the Fitbark 2 has six-month battery life, you don't have to worry about recharging it very often. The tracker can also be used when a dog goes swimming, and it's available in several colors.

2. Link AKC

The Link AKC is a GPS-enabled dog collar that keeps tabs on a dog's activity levels, as well as its health and location. You can get activity recommendations based on the pet's size, breed, and age. Link AKC also enables you to upload vaccination records to the app and to get vet-related reminders.

The location-tracking feature could give you peace of mind if your pooch often explores the neighborhood unattended. It allows you to set a safe zone for a dog as well. If they wander outside of it, you get a smartphone notification.

The complementary app also permits you to enter notes about the adventures you and your dog take while enjoying each other's company. You can also use the app to make the collar emit a sound for training purposes.

Link AKC can also activate LED lights that make your dog more easily seen at night. Estimates indicate that a dog's night vision is five times better than a human's. Although they don't need help to find their way during nighttime walks, it's always a good idea to make them as visible as possible to others.

3. Furbo Dog Camera

Does your heart sink with dread and regret when you leave for work or otherwise leave your dog for several hours? If so, you're not alone. Pet owners often feel those things, and the couple behind the Furbo Dog Camera wanted to invent a device to solve the problem.

The Furbo Dog Camera lets you peek at what your dog is doing when you're away from home. It even lets you talk to the hound to comfort it. There's also a complimentary treat tosser that helps you keep the pet engaged and rewarded while you're gone.

The Furbo Dog Nanny service is a recent enhancement to the product that gives humans alerts about strange sounds, the presence of people in the home, and other triggers that may be concerning.

The company also plans to use artificial intelligence to detect potential hazards in a room and interpret the numerous kinds of barks that dogs make when communicating.

4. Petnostics

IoT has helped people become more aware than ever of health-related warning signs. We can now tune into symptoms early and see doctors for prompt interventions when necessary. Petnostics works on the same principle for pets. It's a urine-testing system that uses special strips and your smartphone.

Collect your dog or cat's urine using available collection cups or hydrophobic litter. Then, dip a test strip into the liquid. Next, scan the strip with your smartphone and let the complementing Android or iOS app analyze the results.

The strips are the same kind that vets use and they check for 10 parameters that could identify a new health problem or a worsening chronic condition.

5. The Purple Pet Bed

This isn't a connected device for pets, but it's scientifically engineered and worth checking out when searching for a product your pet will appreciate.

The Purple Pet Bed offers four layers of comfort, including a Smart Comfort Grid that adapts to the animal's body to relieve joint pressure as they slumber. Unlike the memory foam inside a pet bed you might already own, the grid's material doesn't sag during prolonged use.

Also, the bed's cover is machine washable, odor-resistant and antimicrobial. Your pet deserves to sleep well at night like you.

Buying the Purple Pet Bed could save you from dealing with a restless pet by providing them with a snuggle spot that's genuinely comfortable.

Tech Is For Pets Too

Technology makes life easier for humans, and it may as well do the same for the faithful, furry friends in your household. These innovative products make that goal possible.