As human healthcare advances, so too does healthcare for our animal companions. Startups and established companies alike have been releasing more and more high-tech products so we can take better care of our fur babies.
In fact, according to a 2021 article by Sarah Schmidt for MarketResearch.com, sales growth rates of tech products have doubled or tripled the numbers of other non-food categories for animal companions, with sales of smart tech products for animal companions reaching almost half a billion dollars in 2019.
Here are seven recent innovative inventions for animal companions to ensure our loved ones’ health and safety in the most convenient of ways.
LITTER-ROBOT (AUTOMATIC SELF-CLEANING LITTER BOX FOR CATS)
Example of an automatic litter box (Ugrashak | Wikipedia)
People who have a difficult time searching for treasure in their Cats’ sand will be glad to hear about automatic self-cleaning litter boxes. Litter-Robot sifts through the litter after every use and its carbon filter controls any odor, making it a pleasant experience for up to four Cats a box.
The litter box is also connected to its own app, allowing human companions to track their Cats’ production through alerts and notifications.
HIPSTER HARNESS (DOG HARNESS FOR HIP DYSPLASIA)
According to a 2014 article from designboom magazine, hip dysplasia is the highest ranking skeletal problem for dogs with an 8% chance of occurrence. Though released in 2015, the Hipster Harness has gained quite a following worldwide in recent years as it helps prevent Dogs’ joint components from disconnecting.
The harness’ frame and straps provide enough support and resistance to strengthen Dogs’ hip muscles, preventing the femur from becoming displaced.
SCOLLAR (SMART COLLAR)
Example of a smart collar for animal companions
Advertised as a smart collar for any kind of animal from Cats to Dogs and even Cattle, Scollar is just one of many smart tech options for clear, complete, and consistent health data collection and management. The collar connects to a mobile app as well as a data cloud service, allowing human companions to gain a clear picture of their fur babies’ health from birth onwards.
ANDRITZ 3-ROLL AUTOMATIC ROLL ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM (FOR PELLET MILLS)
International technology group ANDRITZ recently launched the 3-Roll Automatic Roll Adjustment system for the Paladin 2000 pellet mill. Innovations like these aren’t as visible to human companions because they aren’t sold in veterinary stores or clinics. Instead, these work behind the scenes, ensuring higher-quality products and food for our animal companions.
This 3-Roll Automatic Roll Adjustment system allows animal feed manufacturers to more accurately operate their machinery in terms of roll slip control, die change, and motor power, resulting in more stable and improved pellet quality.
ANDRITZ METRIS VIBE (A SENSOR FOR MANUFACTURERS)
Another behind-the-scenes product by ANDRITZ, the Metris Vibe monitors the health status of mechanical equipment through wireless vibration and temperature sensing. The sensor is able to reduce the need for maintenance and improve safety by preventing catastrophic failure in the animal feed industry.
Metris Vibe can provide operators with advice and notifications either through web browser or an app, which means operators can pinpoint any problems during the manufacturing process quickly.
PETCHATZ (HD DIGITAL DAYCARE)
Product screenshot (PetChatz | YouTube)
PetChatz offers more than the typical video call with one’s animal companion. They call it “digital daycare” because it’s able to dispense treats, record video once it detects sound or motion, have your animal companion call you or play games, diffuse aromatherapy in case of anxiety, and stream “DOGTV” to entertain animal companions when they’re all alone.
SUREPETCARE (MICROCHIP PET DOOR)
Example of a Cat door (MJN123 | Wikipedia)
Tiny doors for animal companions aren’t all too common here in the Philippines, but they’re worth considering if you’ve grown attached to a stray or want to give your indoor Cat or Dog some more freedom.
This little door can be controlled by human companions via an app,
but it can also be opened by a microchip or RFID tag attached to one’s Cat or Dog, allowing them to come and go as they please.