Smart technology makes your life easier by automating various tasks. For instance, a smart thermostat will change the temperature throughout the day based on your preferences. While these innovations benefit humans, your pets can also take advantage. Here are seven smart home improvements for your pets to bring you peace of mind.
1. Smart Pet Door
Pets love going outside to roll in the grass and bask in the sunshine. When it’s time to head inside, you want to ensure your cats and dogs are the only ones entering your home. While neighborhood pets are sweet, they don’t belong in your house without permission. Conventional pet doors can also be a liability due to thieves — getting a smart door mitigates this issue.
Smart pet doors use various mechanisms to ensure your pet is the only one with access to the door. Some systems use keys attached to your pet’s collar, alerting the door when your pet wants to go through. The electronic sensors allow your pet to enter and exit as they please, making outside trips easier and keeping them busy while you’re preoccupied. Additionally, you can increase safety by setting times when the door remains locked.
2. Smart Security Cameras
Leaving your pet at home can be worrisome if you have concerns about their safety or you simply miss them. Increase your peace of mind by placing smart security cameras around your home. These devices come in all shapes and sizes, with some brands boasting cameras specifically for pets. For instance, dog cameras will notify your phone when it detects barking.
Smart security cameras benefit your home because you can tap into them wherever you are — even a thousand miles away. Most devices have complementary apps on your smartphone, letting you monitor your pets throughout the day.
Find a security camera with two-way audio to speak to your pets through the camera. They’ll enjoy hearing your voice when you’re away and feel less lonely. Dogs feel stressed when alone, so this device could give them the social boost they need to remain content and relaxed.
3. Biometric Scans
Another way to enhance security for your pet is to improve the locks on your door. Conventional locks are harder to break but can still be vulnerable to savvy thieves. Making your home impenetrable to outsiders is critical for your safety and your pets. One innovative technology to consider is biometric scans because these devices require your face or fingerprints to grant access.
Biometric scans increase safety by requiring 100% accuracy with your face or fingerprints. These systems recognize your DNA and won’t unlock for unauthorized users. Like smart cameras, you can access the biometric locks from your phone and control who can access the door. This technology is beneficial when you’re away from home and relying on a friend or neighbor to take your dog out to use the bathroom.
4. Automatic Feeder
A pet’s nutrition is key to a happy and healthy life. Their meals should include a balanced diet of essential nutrients to ensure they have the energy and strength to play all day. While the content of their food is vital, the portions and meal times are critical for your pet’s daily diet. Busy schedules can complicate feeding your pets, so delegate the responsibility to an automatic feeder.
These devices ensure your pet won’t go hungry because you can program them to disperse food at particular times. Keep the feeder stocked with kibble and you’ll ensure your furry friends have enough to eat throughout the day. Use your smartphone to adjust the food distributed at each meal, depending on your pet’s nutritional needs.
5. Smart Fountain
A terrific accompaniment to your automatic feeder is a smart fountain. Both cats and dogs can use this innovative device, as it keeps fresh water running throughout the day. You can keep the smart fountain running continuously or set the system to turn on and off automatically. Most fountains have indicators informing you of the water levels and when to refill them.
Smart fountains keep your pets hydrated all day and improve your pet’s water quality with their filters. Pour your preferred water into the fountain and let the filters remove unwanted bacteria and chemicals. While you may need to change the filters periodically, maintenance for smart fountains is generally straightforward. Obtain a large fountain for multiple thirsty pets or place various around the house for your pet’s convenience.
6. Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Cats need to do their business daily, but the odors can be unwelcome in your home. Scooping the litter box is a daily chore necessary for your feline’s hygiene, but what if you’re not home to monitor it? Your cat may need to use the litter box multiple times while you’re busy or away from home, so getting a self-cleaning mechanism will make your cat happier with a cleaner environment.
Some cats won’t use the litter box if there’s already poop inside, so a self-cleaning litter box could be just what you need inside your home. This smart device removes your cat’s feces into a separate area away from the litter. Your cat and guests will thank you later when your house smells better, free from the typical litter box odors. While you may need time for your cat to get used to the smart litter box, it will be a crucial addition to your home.
7. Robot Vacuum
Cleaning up messes comes with the territory of having a pet. Cats and dogs shed hair around the floor, requiring biweekly vacuum use and floor sweeps. While your pets don’t mean to create chaos, the messes can make your home seem untidy and bring odors.
If you have a busy schedule, let a robot vacuum take care of business around your home. This device is a terrific companion for a self-cleaning litter box because it cleans your floors and ensures tidiness in every room. Let the robot vacuum — such as a Roomba — navigate your floors and learn where the walls and furniture are. Smart technology teaches your vacuum where to clean and to avoid obstacles.
Smart Home Tech for Your Pets
As a pet owner, you want life to be as easy as possible for your furry friends. While you can’t be there for them every second of the day, you can put safety in your control with smart home technology. Smart cameras, doors and litter boxes are excellent devices that make your house more enjoyable for your pets.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a writer, editor and dedicated pet owner. He currently serves as the senior writer for Modded, a lifestyle magazine where he has explored topics on the joys of traveling with his dog, improving his home and working on his health.
