Guest blog submitted by Penny Martin
You need more than a strong leash, a comfy bed, and a big heart to be a great dog parent. If you’re a first-time dog owner, your phone is also an invaluable tool for pet ownership. That’s because your smartphone is full of great apps with tips, tools, and helpful info for dog owners.
Is Your Phone Ready for Pet Parenthood?
Before you can use your phone as your pet command center, you need a phone that’s compatible with the latest pet apps and has a fast connection to use them on the go. If your current phone doesn’t fit the bill, work a phone upgrade in your new puppy budget. iPhone users can save by looking for providers with trade-in and plan deals for new customers; Verizon, for example, offers the new iPhone 11 Pro Max for just $45.83 per month. Android fans, of course, can find deals too, but with so many options, you’ll want to read model reviews before picking the best phone for your needs and budget.
5 Best Apps for Dog Owners
If you’re a first-time dog owner, these are the five smartphone apps you need in your toolkit.
Pet First Aid by American Red Cross
Do you know what to do if your dog is choking, having an allergic reaction, or bleeding from a bite wound? The Pet First Aid app by the American Red Cross makes responding to pet emergencies easier because, in addition to step-by-step instructions, the app also includes videos that show you what to do among other helpful tools for managing your pet’s health. While not a replacement for veterinary care, this app is an invaluable resource for pet owners.
iTrainer Dog Whistle & Clicker
You’ve heard that clicker training is highly effective, but despite your best efforts, you keep leaving your clicker at home every time you and your pooch head to the nearby park. Never worry about forgetting your clicker again with the iTrainer Dog Whistle and Clicker app. This simple app has a wide variety of sounds that dog owners will find very useful when training their pets, including five clicker sounds and a dog whistle with customizable frequency. You’ll also find useful tips on clicker training in the iTrainer app.
FitBark
Did you know that more than half of all dogs in the United States are overweight or obese? Those extra pounds might make your pup look extra cute, but all that weight isn’t good for your pet’s overall health. FitBark helps you keep your dog in shape with goal setting, activity tracking, and even a leaderboard where your pet can compete for the title of Top Dog. FitBark actually tracks your dog’s activity with a collar sensor, and you can even integrate the app with your own Fitbit to get healthy and lose weight alongside your pet!
Whistle
Owners of escape-artist dogs will be relieved to learn that tracking their pet’s location is as simple as downloading an app. The Whistle app uses wearable technology to track your dog’s location and alert you by text any time your pet leaves a designated area. Not just that, the app includes real-time GPS tracking so you can get your pooch home safely as soon as possible. Whistle includes activity tracking features in addition to GPS, making it a great alternative to FitBark for pet owners who want GPS tracking.
Chewy
If you have a bad habit of running out of dog food or are tired of lugging heavy bags up your apartment stairs, order your pet supplies from Chewy instead. Chewy’s app makes it easier than ever to buy pet supplies with automatic shipments you can reschedule or add to as needed, free shipping over $49, and low prices on the top pet brands.
You have an app for everything: your social media, your bank account, and your favorite take-out habit — so why not your dog? With these five apps in your pocket, you’ll have the tools you need to be an outstanding dog owner.
Image via Unsplash