As a nation of pet lovers, most of us think nothing of spoiling our pets. Indeed, in 2021 alone, Americans spent a combined $109.6 billion on their pets. While we may love them unconditionally, pets undoubtedly take a lot of work. They need daily exercise, mental stimulation, lots of attention, and the right amount of healthy food. But no matter how hard we try, the demands of day-to-day life sometimes keep us from giving our pets all the support they need, resulting in separation anxiety or destructive behaviors.
Fortunately, the huge growth in the pet care market in recent years has seen pet toys undergo a radical transformation, resulting in a broad range of products designed to help meet the needs of both pets and their owners. This article will explore how IoT devices can address these needs and play an important role in pet health and wellbeing.
What Are Smart Pet Toys?
Smart pet toys are always-on, connected gadgets in all shapes and sizes. Some smart toys connect through Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, which the owner can operate through a smartphone app. Others are much simpler battery-powered devices that move or make sounds. Smart toys can benefit your pet by increasing mental stimulation, reducing boredom, relieving anxiety and stress, satisfying their natural hunting instincts, and helping with weight management. Smart pet toys and gadgets include:
- Pet wearables and activity trackers
- Treat dispensers
- Comfort aids
- Pet feeders with portion control
- Brain stimulating toys
- Exercise devices
- Smart Litterbox
Interested in adding a few technology-based solutions to your pet-friendly home? Here are a few of the best:
Devices Promoting Exercise and Playtime
The most popular smart pet toys typically keep cats and dogs entertained while home alone. Petcube Play connects to your Wi-Fi and combines a wide-angle camera and microphone. You can use it to keep an eye on your furry friend while you’re away from home and for remote interaction. Its two-way communication mode lets you talk to your pet, while its remotely-controlled low-intensity laser pointer even lets you “play” with them when away. While automatic iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers may not require an app or smartphone, they’re just as effective at keeping your dog entertained, active, and fit. Additionally, the Cheerble is a smart gadget that jumps and rolls around to keep cats on their paws for hours.
Pet Tracker and Activity Monitoring
A GPS tracking device is a great way to keep your dog safe while playing in the yard. It combines Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular technology that enables you to set up safe zones and keep updated on your pup’s location. A great option is the Whistle 3 GPS Pet Tracker and Activity Monitor, which will notify you instantly if your dog strays too far or comes to any harm. The tracker also helps you keep tabs on your pup’s movements, monitoring how much he rests and exercises during the day.
Smart Pet Feeders
Whether you aren’t at home to feed your four-legged friend on time or you want to regulate how much food they get, smart pet feeders are great for both cats and dogs. For example, the PetNet smart feeder assesses pet dietary requirements and creates a custom feeding regimen. You’ll also get an alert each time your pet has eaten and when you need to purchase more food. You can adjust feeding schedules online while monitoring your pet’s daily, weekly, or monthly calorie intake. There’s also the Petzi Treat Launcher that will dispense a snack for your pet, while the integrated camera lets you keep a watchful eye on them while you’re away.
How Ambiq Helps
Smart pet devices need to run effectively without regularly needing removing and charging due to inefficient battery life. Particularly, pet trackers need to deliver regular and precise location updates for the owner’s peace of mind. Efficient microprocessors such as the Apollo Series from Ambiq® ensure such devices can last for days (sometimes weeks!) with only a single charge.
As the features of smart pet products continue to develop and owners demand more from their devices, Ambiq technology continues to deliver. Our customers can develop and expand the capability of their devices without compromising battery life. Explore Ambiq’s family of state-of-the-art solutions that will usher in a new generation of pet toys, location and activity trackers, and more.
