Lockdown has undoubtedly been tough on all of us, but one of the benefits has been the increased time spent at home with our beloved pets.
But with restrictions now starting to ease, you may be worried about the effect this will have on your cat or dog when they're now so used to you being around, whether that's because you've been working from home or your usual activities have been put on pause because of the pandemic.
If that's you, there are plenty of gadgets and services on hand to help your pet combat any loneliness or anxiety they might experience. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Pet gadgets
Furbo Dog Camera
This clever camera features a treat dispenser that you can fill with over 100 pieces of your dog's favourite treats. You can play a game of catch plus train your dog with positive reinforcement. There's also a two-way microphone that enables you to chat to your pooch. We love that Furbo can detect your dog barking and sends a notification to your phone so you can calm your dog right away.Review: "I bought this to give myself some peace of mind while I am away from home. It definitely does that. My dogs recognise when it is in use as the light changes from yellow to blue (colours dogs can see). They usually look up immediately when I turn it on to watch them, even if I don't activate the microphone or dispense any treats. They quickly learned to recognise the noise it makes to signal that treats are coming and come to get them very eagerly. They also seem to recognise my voice when I speak to them through the microphone and will obey commands I give them."
Interactive Feather Smart Kitten Teaser Toy
Keep your cat entertained with this teaser toy where the feather randomly pops out from 6 holes at different time intervals. With added colour LED lighting, cats are drawn into the experience to catch the feather. The game will turn off automatically after eight minutes.Review: "My cat loves this toy. I like the idea that it automatically turns off after 8 minutes which gives her a rest and prevents boredom. It isn't noisy at all. Keeps cat and me entertained."
Thundershirt Anxiety Coat
This wrap-around jacket for pets with anxiety works in the same way as a swaddle or weighted blanket, keeping your pet cocooned and providing a calming effect on pets in anxiety-provoking situations. Several sizes are available for your dog or cat.Review: "Our little Jack Russell suffers from separation anxiety and barks and gets really worked up at the slightest hint of anyone leaving the house. She also reacts to every noise outside of the house by barking or growling.I felt bad for her living in this constant state of anxiety and so thought I'd give the ThunderShirt a whirl. And WOW! So glad I did. INSTANT calm. My husband came in from the outside and instead of barking and rushing over she just sat there, cool as a cucumber and watched him come in! I've deliberately left the house several times now, and no reaction. Nothing. She's super chilled. And she seems to like being in it too."
Vealind Pet Interactive Fun Roller Exerciser
Keep your kitty entertained for several hours with this toy which has three levels of tracks with three different coloured balls that they can pat with their paw and watch spin around.Review: " Brilliant roller game for kittens and cats alike, I haven't stopped laughing since putting this together! ud83dude3bvery happy kitten she loves it! Highly recommend!"
Relaxing Music & Tv for Dogs
Relax My Dog is a subscription streaming service that provides your pooch with music and videos designed to help combat everything from loneliness to boredom, stress and anxiety. The content can be streamed for an unlimited amount of hours, great if you're at work. There's a 14-day free trial available if you want to try it out before you and subscribe.Review: "[Our dog] has a severe case of anxiety to the point where he has been prescribed Xanax. We hate drugging him, and with this app, we don't have to. The music is a natural Xanax! We save the Xanax for the nights we just want complete quiet, but the music is soothing as well and I sleep just fine with it."
KONG Classic Medium Dog Toy
This all-natural red rubber toy is ultra-durable with a bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dog's need to play. For longer playtime, stuff with tempting bits of kibble and entice with a dash of peanut butter.Review: "Kongs are simply brilliant. Great for our Springer Lab cross who is still a puppy at 9 months and I suspect will be for a long time to come. Loves to chase it rolling on the floor and chewing plus when we put a stub of carrot in it she will play for ages trying to get that last morsel out."
FREESOO Snuffle Mat for Dogs
Made of high-quality soft fleece, this dog feeding mat helps reduce your dog's energy while relieving their stress. Simply hide your dog's favourite snack in the corner of this playmat and let them get to work.Review: "This has been a godsend. My dog has been very withdrawn lately so I got this thinking it would be a bit of fun and she has become much happier and more content from the first use. Worth every penny. Bigger than I thought it would be. I use aerosol disinfectant on it to clean it. Very durable, the dog has pulled and chewed at it and it is still in perfect condition. I recommend this to all my dog owner friends. Love it and so does the dog."
Nina Ottosson by Petstages Buggin' Out Puzzle
Stimulate your cat's natural foraging instincts with this puzzle that has six hidden treat compartments to keep your cat occupied. It can also be used for daily feeding to encourage a healthy eating pace.Review: "The product arrived on time and in perfect condition. Although it isn't as popular as the other puzzle feeders I have, my cat (Bengal) does use it daily. It is more challenging for her (it takes her longer to solve), which I think is very good, but not too challenging (she always eats every last morsel). I like the fact that it requires the use of her nose and paws to access the food. I would definitely recommend this feeder to anyone who has a hyper active kitty or if your cat overeats/ eats too quickly."
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