Cute and cuddly they may be, but even the most beloved pet can have behavior problems and needs that its owner struggles to deal with.
Technology might be the answer for keeping your four-legged pals safe, comfortable and well-behaved.
Consider these products for helping canines and felines become better family members.
Collars
Today’s collars do much more than hold dog tags or fight fleas.
The Canicom remote training collar by Dogtek allows dog owners to combine vocal commands with electronic beeps and impulses. Corrective commands can be given even if the dog is a distance away. Retails for $189. Special bark control collars also available; www.dogtek.com/products/remote-training/canicom-200-remote-training-collar.
Get a peek at your small one’s adventures with a camera developed especially for use on cats and dogs. Made by Dogtek and retailing for $99, the Eyenimal Pet Video Camera offers continuous recording of digital images for up to 2 1/2 hours. Images can be transmitted to a computer using the cable provided. www.dogtek.com/products/pet-camera.
Grooming, feeding
Automated pet feeders can be great for convenience, portion control and feeding a pet during a long absence.
Perfect Petfeeder by Pillar Pet Products is a programmable unit that asks questions about feeding times and portions. The hopper holds up to 42 cups of dry pet food. Retail price is $499. www.perfectpetfeeder.com.
Shedding can be an annoyance for pet owners. Dyson Groom Tool combines a brush and a vacuum for simultaneous grooming and cleaning. The attachment fits most Dyson upright and canister models and retails for $69.99. www.dyson.com/tools/g/groom-tool/petgroomtool.aspx.
FURminator makes a $16 Curry Comb that removes dust and loose hair from long and medium coats. It has an ergonomic handle, and it’s made from antimicrobial plastic to keep germs at a minimum.
The rubber teeth are designed to stimulate natural oil production for a healthy sheen. www.furminator.com/grooming-tools/dogs/curry-comb.
Automatic litter box
Among the innovative products in the self-cleaning litter box category is CatGenie, made by PetNovations.
The self-cleaning, self-flushing litter box hooks up to the cold water intake at a sink, toilet or washing machine. The drain hose hooks over a toilet rim or to the drainpipe behind a washing machine.
The process is intended to be a straightforward, do-it-yourself setup. CatGenie uses washable granular crystals that are considered more environmentally beneficial than cat litter. A litter box and four-month supply of crystals/sanitary solution retails for $234. www.catgenie.com.
Pet barriers
Keep cats and dogs out of restricted areas and off the furniture with Sound Barrier, a wireless indoor sonic fence that uses a collar to trigger a blast of noise, rather than an electric shock, to scare pets away. Retails for $79.99. www.hitecpet.com/soundbarrier.html.
Pet tidbits
An estimated 57 percent of American households own a dog or cat, according to Petfinders.com, an online resource for pet adoptions.
Animals learn at different paces. Be patient and supportive of your pets as they adjust to their new “toys.”
Take time to study the training tips and instructions that come with high-tech devices for pets.
Larger outlets such as Petco and and PetSmart are where many owners shop for their pets, but many smaller pet shops and animal hospitals also sell automated pet products.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
