Smart Pet Supplies

Currently, our pets are getting just what they’ve always wanted, extra time with their families, but when social distancing and self-quarantining comes to an end, they may suffer from separation anxiety and loneliness as their humans return to normal work lives. According to the Humane Society a change in a family’s routine can cause anxiety in pets. Read below about the signs that a pet is experiencing separation anxiety.

• Digging and scratching at doors and windows
• Destructive chewing
• Barking and whining
• Urination and defecation of house-trained pets

Managing anxiety-driven destructive behaviors in pets includes leaving out recently worn clothes that smell like their owners and providing engaging toys for distraction. Fortunately, the market is full of smart products that help connect people and pets while they’re apart. Check out these examples:   

Furbo. Wired created a list of the best Wi-Fi-enabled treat dispensers and cameras for 2020. At the top of the list is the Furbo Dog Camera that monitors barking, dispenses treats and allows communication from owner to pet via a smart phone app. 

iFetch. A 2019 article from Design1st highlights the new iFetch product, an automatic ball launcher for dogs who love to fetch. The original iFetch comes with 3 mini tennis balls, an AC adapter (it can also run on batteries), and three distances settings (launching from 10 to 30 feet). When the dog drops the ball in the machine, it is automatically launched, keeping lonely dogs busy while their humans are gone.