A couple of years ago, if someone told me my dog needed a fitness tracker, I’d have laughed. Now? I get alerts on my phone if she sleeps too much. And weirdly, I kind of rely on them.

It started with an automatic feeder. Not even a fancy one—just a simple timed model because I was working longer hours and kept feeling guilty about being late with dinner. It worked. She stopped pacing around the kitchen. I stopped rushing home. That was the gateway. After that came the collar with GPS. Then the motion-activated toy. Then… well, here we are.

Tech creeps into your life. Even with pets.

Feeding, for starters

This was the most obvious one. I’d forget to feed her at the same time every day, and it wasn’t fair. So I got one of those Wi-Fi feeders. Basic, not the kind with a camera or anything.

Turns out she loves routine more than I do. The machine drops the food, and she’s already sitting beside it. I didn’t think it would make much difference, but she’s calmer now around dinnertime. Less begging, more waiting. Also: portion control. I was guessing before. Now it’s measured.

Then came the collar

The GPS collar was less about curiosity and more about that one time she got out. Open gate. Wind blew it just enough. Took us an hour to find her, and I nearly had a breakdown.

The collar tracks her in real-time now. I get a little alert if she leaves the backyard. I didn’t think I’d care about things like her sleep pattern or activity chart, but… I kind of do. One week she was unusually still, even for her. Turned out to be a mild infection. We caught it fast. Vet said the extra data probably helped.

Feels weird that a tech product gave us a head start, but I’m not questioning it.

Toys with brains (sort of)

Okay, this one’s more fun than functional. I got her this treat ball that moves on its own. You load it, set the timer, and it starts rolling around the house. It’s one of those interactive dog toys that actually does what it promises—keeps her curious and active. 

Sometimes she ignores it. Sometimes she goes nuts chasing it. Either way, it keeps her engaged when I’m not around. One time it got stuck under the couch and just buzzed for ten minutes, which freaked her out, so—note to self—clear the floor first. Still, it’s better than her chewing through the couch cushion again.

And the smart home stuff

The thermostat adjusts depending on whether I’m home, sure. But it also keeps the place at a steady temp during the day so she’s not shivering or panting while I’m at work.

I also set up a speaker to play soft music when I’m gone. It’s supposed to help with separation anxiety. I don’t know if it’s scientifically proven or whatever, but she doesn’t bark as much, according to the neighbours. That’s something.

The vet-in-your-pocket thing

I didn’t expect to like virtual vet visits. Felt too impersonal at first. But during COVID, I didn’t have a choice. Booked an appointment online, uploaded a few photos of her paw (she was limping), and got advice without leaving the house.

Now I use it for questions that don’t need a full visit. Is this rash a problem? Should I switch foods? The answers don’t always change my life, but they help me sleep easier.

Is all this overkill? Probably. Maybe not.

Some people think tech like this makes you a lazy pet owner. I get it. But I still walk her, play with her, scratch behind her ears. The difference is—now I know a little more. When she’s restless. When she’s unusually quiet. When she’s eaten too fast. When she’s slowing down.

It doesn’t replace instinct, but it backs it up.

Things I didn’t like

Not every gadget works. One of the auto-toys wouldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. Another app was glitchy. And some of it’s expensive. You have to pick what matters. For me, it’s peace of mind and routines.

Also, don’t fall for the hype. Some of these things promise too much. Your dog won’t suddenly become less anxious because a robot threw them a biscuit. You still have to be present.

What’s next?

Tech’s only getting smarter. I’ve read about mood detection collars. AI that adjusts playtime based on your dog’s habits. One company’s testing a litter box that tracks cat health and sends alerts if something seems off.

It’s impressive. It’s also kind of… strange? But if it helps keep them healthy and gives us a better way to understand them, I’m not opposed.

Final thoughts

I still feed her by hand sometimes. Still chase her around the garden. Still talk to her like she understands full sentences.

But when I’m not home, or when I’m tired, or when I need backup—these little gadgets help. Not as a replacement. Just as support.

If you’re thinking about trying one, start small. Maybe a feeder. Maybe a tracker. See how it fits your life.

And if it gives your pet a little more comfort, and gives you a little more sleep?

That’s tech doing something right.