If you’re treating your pet to something special for Valentine’s Day (or Palentine’s Day) or are looking for a pet-themed gift for a loved one, you’ve come to the right spot. I’ve created this list with unique pet gifts for every situation, not just general treats but high-tech answers to common problems.
So whether you know a pet that gets cold paws on snowy walks, a pet that needs to lose a little weight or a furry friend who gets anxious when they’re home alone, here are some gifts that can make them and their owners very happy.
Read more: 11 Home Security Myths People Still Believe (But Shouldn’t)
If your pet gets hot paws or freezing paws
Burned paws are a real risk during heat waves when pets walk on pavement and asphalt, while freezing temperatures can blister paws in the cold. But even the most eager furry friend doesn’t always like to wear protective booties. An alternative we’ve tried at CNET is Musher’s Dog Paw Wax ($26) Originally made for freezing climates, it also helps protect paws and heal blisters in the summer.
This wax isn’t for very hot pavement or conditions well below zero (in which case you should keep your doggo inside until the evening), but it will help with general protection, and your dog can safely lick it off whenever they feel like.
If your pet gets too hot when they’re trying to sleep
Shaggy-haired pets can find it hard to get comfortable sometimes, especially if their favorite sleeping spot is in the sun or by a fireplace. But you can make a difference without cranking up expensive AC. Check out this Coolaroo dog bed ($40), a raised dog bed made with cooling, moisture-resistant fabric to help improve airflow and general comfort in warm spots. It’s good for indoor or outdoor use, but when the heat arrives, we suggest keeping it in the shade.
If your pet is stressed out a lot
Leaving an anxious pet at home isn’t fun, but you can reach out with a pet cam that includes two-way audio, like this Furbo cam for $54 or this 360-degree panning cam from Petcube ($38). Both include AI alerts that can give you clues about what your pet is doing and help you calm them down.
Another trick that works for many pets is a heartbeat toy like this Weok model ($26) which simulates a mother’s soothing heartbeat.
If your pet needs to go on a diet
If your vet has advised your pet to lose a few pounds, one of the most effective methods (besides laying off the treats) is setting up a rigorous feeding schedule for them. That’s hard to manage on your own, but a smart feeder like this PetSafe 6-liter model ($130) or this version with a built-in camera from Petlibro ($106) can offer customizable, automated feeding times. You can control and change them via the app wherever you are.
If your pet gets a little destructive
A pet cam like Furbo’s $54 model can use AI alerts (with a subscription) to give you an idea if your pet has entered a danger zone, like jumping up on a sofa before chewing cushions, or carrying a show with ill intent. That can give you a chance to use the two-way audio and warn them off before damage occurs.
It’s also a good idea to distract your pet, like with this clever Woof Pupsicle ($16), a dishwasher-safe toy with a hidden treat inside that will help your pup forget everything else for a while. Or you can try this motion-activated toy bone ($30)that ensures a distraction as long as its rechargeable battery lasts (about two hours of play).
If your pet isn’t eating or drinking as they should
We like Petlibro’s pet feeder ($105)for this issue, because the camera and two-way audio let you keep an eye and ear on your pet’s eating habits for important clues as well as encouragement. And if you don’t already have one, we suggest getting a water fountain like this dishwasher-ready model from PetSafe ($25) or this wireless fountain from Petlibro ($57). A lot of animals feel more comfortable drinking fresh, moving water as they’d find in nature.
If you lose track of your pet too often
Some pets have an eye for the horizon, and that can be difficult to manage if a leash isn’t involved. Fortunately, you have other options, like this collar tracker from Petcube ($40). We tested it and really like how compact it is, and how it glows in the dark for easy tracking when a pet is hiding or running out at night. You may also want to consider this PetSafe smart collar and digital fence ($250), which allows you to set geolocation boundaries and give warnings with vibration, noise and more.
If your pet has excess energy
When your pet can’t stop moving and has more than enough energy to burn off in the day (looking at you, border collie parents), you can help out with the right devices. This useful automatic ball launcher from PetSafe ($170) can keep the fun going even when you have to be elsewhere. Or to make sure that your pet has plenty of yard time, this high-tech pet door ($420) works with an accompanying collar to open up whenever pets approach without letting in drafts — and you can change settings to control access whenever you want.
For more info, check out our guide on if a dog can really improve your home security, the best indoor cameras overall, and secret tips for cleaning out every part of your home.
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