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Must-have gadgets for your dog holiday cottages

Advice

Must-have gadgets for your dog

Courtney Kelly 28 November 2018

There are plenty of gimmicks and gizmos out there to go crazy for when it comes to humans – but what about cool dog gadgets for our darling pups? From the basic to the bonkers, do a little digging and you’ll find there’s lots of pet tech for your furry friend! 

From battery-operated or mains-powered dog gadgets to must-have dog gadgets that have been designed in such a way as to keep your pup entertained for hours on end, we've scoured the internet so you don't have to.

Click below to find a dog-friendly cottage or read on to find out what we’re going barking mad for in the pet gadget market…


Best gadget for energetic pups

All For Paws Hyper Fetch

£78.99, Amazon.co.uk

A dog catching a tennis ball

One of the top-rated ball launchers on Amazon, the All For Paws Hyper Fetch is the pawfect solution for less-able owners, or for those puppers that need a little more leg work to get tired out. There are plenty of models on the market, with different launchers tailored to dog size, distance range and more, but this one comes pretty close to being one of the top dogs on the market.

This hi-tech dog toy can launch balls every ten seconds, with the distance ranging from three to nine metres, and the machine can be powered using mains electricity or with six C batteries. It’s certainly an investment, but for the enjoyment your pooch will get from it (and the additional rest you might get!), we’d definitely recommend getting your paws on this, one of the best dog gadgets around.

Why not test it out on a trip to the beach? Here’s our pick of the country’s best sandy spaces that are sure to set tails wagging.

Impawtant features

  • Choose launch distance to suit your dog
  • Mains or battery powered
  • Suitable for all sizes of dog

Best gadget for new pups

Animo - Activity tracker and behaviour monitor

£60, Surepetcare.com

An Animo fitted to a dog's collarPhoto credit: Surepetcare.com

A healthy pooch is a happy pooch! This genius little gadget can track your dog’s sleep, exercise, behaviour, rest, calories burnt and much more, so it’ll be great to track how much they run on the beach on holiday in Cornwall, or how happy they are sleeping under the stars in Wales! Animo starts to collect information as soon as it's attached to your dog's collar and after only seven days, it will have learnt what your dog's normal levels of activity are, meaning you can monitor your dog’s everyday activities to keep him or her in tip-top canine condition.

The tracker has a long battery life of up to six months and you will be alerted to significant changes in your dog's behaviour. You can also give friends/family access to this info so you can ensure your pooch gets the ultimutt bill of health. It's also waterproof and weighs in at just 22 grams, meaning your dog won't even know it's there. This really is a great gadget for dog owners who like to keep a close eye on their best friend's health.

To get an exclusive discount from Sure Petcare, sign up to our Canine Club here.

Did you know that doggy doo-doo can provide a clue to your pup’s health, too? Here’s our scoop on their poop.

Impawtant features

  • Monitor all aspects of your dog’s health
  • Long battery life - 6 months
  • Waterproof, lightweight and is able to send alerts to your Smartphone 

Best gadget for pampered pups

Drinkwell Platinum Pet Water Fountain

£46.99, Drinkwell

A thirsty dog in need of a Drinkwell

H2O-h yeah! Hydration is super important for every living thing, and your pooch is no different, but long gone are the days of refilling a water bowl only for them to kick it all over the floor. This stylish little fountain has a filter that rids tap water of any nasties, with the mains power providing a steady flow of hydration that suits your pet’s intake - a gadget that will certainly make your life easier. It keeps the water cool, is dishwasher safe, and is also suitable for cats… Ew.

Is spoiling your dog with his own water fountain just the tip of the doggy-diva iceberg? Here’s our ultimate relaxation guide for dogs.

Impawtant features

  • Stream of filtered water for your four-legged friend
  • Rubber feet to prevent sliding
  • Dishwasher safe

Best gadget for hot dogs

Dog Cooling Bed

£59.99, Amazon.co.uk

One of the toughest things about being a dog is trying to cool down in the summer heat when all you want to do is run around and play! It doesn't take a lot for dogs to overheat as they're far too interested in what everyone else is doing and what they can get up to next, to look after themselves. This cool bed is a must-have dog gadget and a great way to cool down a dog that refuses to lie in the shade.

Get them sat on this cooling bed for a 5-minute break and it will soon reduce their temperature. This particular dog bed uses the natural properties of water to absorb the heat from your dog and expel it into the air, but you're welcome to take a look at this post by The Spruce Pets which offers a choice of several cooling beds. Pick out the best one for your pampered pooch!

As well as keeping your canine cool, here are our tips for helping your dog enjoy the summer as much as you do.

Impawtant features

  • Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
  • No electricity needed – just add water
  • Suitable for larger dogs

Best gadget for anxious pups

Furbo Dog Camera

£169, Furbo.com

A dog up close to a camera

We know that if you had it your way, you’d have your beloved hound at your side 24/7. But it’s a sad fact that sometimes we need to leave our four-legged best friends on their own, creating anxiety for both you and your pet.

The Furbo Dog Camera has got to be one of the best gadgets for dogs home alone. It allows you to check up on your dog by streaming live video to your phone. You can communicate with your pup and even toss him a treat if he’s being a good boy (when isn’t he?!). A barking alert lets you know when your dog isn’t happy, so you can calm him down, throw him a bone and count down the minutes until you’re reunited again

Impawtant features

  • 1080p HD camera
  • Two-way audio
  • Tosses up to 100 treats

Best gadget for hairy pups

Ultimate Dog Comb

£19.99, Pawaid.co.uk

The Ultimate Dog CombPhoto credit: Pawaid.co.uk

We love our dogs, but they’re called ‘fur babies’ for a reason and the trail of hair they leave behind them isn’t always their most lovable characteristic. Pet parents will always have to clean up after their pup, but it doesn’t have to be a constant fight against the fluff.

The Ultimate Dog Comb is certainly one of the must-haves for dog owners. Its ergonomic design makes de-shedding comfortable and easy and also helps to reduce further shedding. This tool will keep your pup's coat nice and smooth without breaking the bank. Plus, its self-cleaning retractable shedding edges mean you can spend less time washing this gadget and more time playing with your pup!

To get an exclusive discount from Pawaid, sign up to our Canine Club here.

Impawtant features

  • Removes loose hair from topcoat and undercoat
  • Has rubber bristles for massage and dermal stimulation
  • Designed by pet passionate dog owners

Best gadget for hungry pups

LickiMat

£13.95, Rufflesnufflemats.com

The LickiMatPhoto credit: Rufflesnufflemats.com

Chances are you’ll know a dog that gives you the puppy-dog eyes as if he’s never been fed before in his life, then wolfs down a bowl of food quicker than you can say ‘Pedigree Chum’. But it turns out this isn’t so great for your four-pawed pal’s digestion.

One of our favourite unique dog products, the LickiMat makes eating a little more challenging for your pup, but it's much more than just that. It's a way to stay entertained whilst simultaneously helping to reduce bloating and slow down your pup's eating habits. Spread peanut butter over the mat or a mash a frozen banana into it and watch as your dog licks the soft rubber surface - perfect for dogs with sensitive tongues.

As well as preventing boredom, the LickiMat can reduce anxiety in dogs and curtail any destructive behaviour (which will, in turn, reduce your own anxiety!)

To get an exclusive discount from Ruffle Snuffle, sign up to our Canine Club here.

Impawtant features

  • Aids your dog’s digestion
  • Promotes healthier teeth and gums and improves breath
  • Environmentally friendly, silicone-free and recyclable 

Best gadget for young pups

PetSafe Clik-R Trainer

£5.39, Amazon.co.uk

They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but you can certainly try with the help of this clicker, which could turn your cheeky pup into a certified Good Boy. Used alongside treats, your dog will associate the clicking sound with rewards, making training quicker.

The positive reinforcement can be used to teach obedience, good behaviour and agility and can strengthen the bond between you and your best friend.

As well as learning to sit, walk to heel and bark on command, here are 31 hilarious lessons only puppy parents will learn.

Impawtant features

  • Effective way of training your dog
  • Uses clicks for positive reinforcement
  • Portable and easy-to-use design

Stick to the traditional…

Dog enjoying treats from the welcome hamper at dog-friendly cottage Waves at Pevensey Bay

If all else fails, we highly recommend a treat and a game of fetch to keep your pooch happy. This doggy hamper you receive on arrival at one of our cottages, Waves at Pevensey Bay, will have your pooch smiling from ear to floppy ear; but there’s plenty more fun to be had at all of our other doggy cottages too! 

Paw through our full collection and find your ultimutt dog-friendly holiday.


Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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