Over the last few years, digital technology has taken over the world. It influences every aspect of our lives, from smartphones and wearable healthcare to pet care. Our focus in this article is pet care. Pet owners, specifically, dog owners, now have a wide range of innovations to choose from when it comes to gadgets for their pets. Before you start buying every new gadget that is advertised for your dog, you need to ask yourself if they are worth it for your dog's well-being.

Below are some of the most common pet gadgets available in the market and their benefits to your dog:

GPS Collars

These GPS collars have obvious benefits. There is nothing more terrifying to a pet owner than losing their dog. Unfortunately, this is something that happens from time to time, even with the most well-trained dogs. With the best GPS collars, you'll know your dog's location in real time when they go missing. You'll also get notified when your dog changes locations during the chase. Apart from regular pets, rescue animals, hunting dogs, sporting dogs, and other energetic breeds will need collars for adequate tracking.

If your dogs are always indoors, however, a GPS collar may be an unnecessary expense.Kit GPSM RoG® Hunting TR Dog V2, a hybrid GPS that works in both VHF and GSM modes, can be used by farmers who own hunting dogs. This will allow them to track the dogs' movements during hunts and also to retrieve them more quickly afterward. Another option, but not the least, is the integrated training functions to effectively train the dog remotely.

Activity Trackers

While GPS trackers keep you aware of your dog's location at all times, activity trackers measure their activities throughout the day. It tracks their sleep patterns, steps, rest time, and heart rate. Think of it as a fitness tracker for dogs. You will be alerted when something changes, which can aid early detection and treatment. Make sure you go for a high-quality tracker that collects data as accurately as possible. This way, your veterinarian can interpret sudden changes in your pet's behavior and recommend further tests when necessary.

Connected Feeders

Pets have had automatic feeders for a while now, but connected feeders are relatively new. These digital devices do more than dispatch food at specific times. You can use them to regulate portion sizes, monitor feeding, and schedule feeding remotely with your smartphone. If you work long hours and leave your pets alone, unsupervised, you will benefit from buying connected feeders. Apart from making regular feeding easier, connected feeders can also help pet owners stick to veterinary nutrition plans when the dogs are on a special diet.

Smart Doors and Virtual Fences

Using a smart door and a virtual fence will help keep your dogs safe within your premises. If you install a smart door, your dog can go out for exercise or bathroom needs, whether you are at home or not. Smart doors are also great for people with limited mobility. They can let their dogs in and out without moving toward the door. A virtual fence is an invisible boundary that's usually connected to the GPS collars. It doesn't stop the dog from leaving the premises, but it sends a warning to the owner when the dog strays too far from home.

Smart Toys and Remote Entertainment

You've probably heard of smart toys for kids, but did you know that pets also have smart toys? These toys keep your pets mentally engaged and also prevent boredom, especially when you are not around. They are perfect for high-energy dogs that always love to stay busy. There are different types of innovative toys, from robotic companions to fully automated ball launchers. Keeping your dogs mentally engaged will also make them less destructive. However, relying on these smart toys to keep your dogs engaged may reduce human interaction between you and your dog. So, use these remote entertainment options carefully to support play rather than replace it entirely.

Remote Cameras

We can't talk about useful gadgets for dogs without mentioning remote cameras. These cameras come with microphones and treat dispensers. You can use them to monitor your dogs from a distance when you aren't at home. While these surveillance systems may give you some peace of mind when you're away from your dog, they may also cause you anxiety. If you are constantly monitoring your dog's activities, you may get anxious when they start doing something naughty, like chewing furniture. They are still worth it for monitoring your pet's emotional state. 

Expensive or True Added Value?

Connected dog accessories offer several benefits, depending on the one you choose. While the use cases vary from device to device, they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, how these gadgets are used is more important than the gadgets themselves. Make sure you use them responsibly and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. When picking one for your dog, consider their health and safety. If the gadget will not add any value to your pet’s life, then it's an unnecessary expense on your part.