Here are some gadgets for pets and their owners

Kerry Keith
The Friday Flyer Columnist

Technology has certainly changed the way pets and their owners live. With over $60 billion spent each year in the United States on pet related products, there’s no shortage of innovative gear for your pet. Playing catch is one of the most beneficial activities you can do with your dog. If they still want more after you’re done try iFetch.

• iFetch allows the dog to place a ball into the funnel of the device, which will then shoot the ball 10 to 30 feet away. It can be plugged in or taken to the park where it can run on batteries. It retails for $100.
• Pet feeders have been around for years offering timers and portion control, but now you can even manage feeding times and portion sizes when you are away from home. The PetNet Smartfeeder lets you feed your pet via the PetNet app on your smartphone. You can get notifications for feeding times, meal confirmation and food supply to make sure your pet is getting just the right amount of food. It retails for $149.
• If you’re missing your pet while you are away from home, now you can interact with them from anywhere. The PetCube is an interactive wide angle pet camera that allows you to see and talk to your pet from your smartphone with the two-way audio system. It also has a laser that can be utilized from your phone to play with your pet. You can take photos or videos to keep or share. It connects to your home’s WiFi and retails for $149.
• With temperatures in the 100’s in Canyon Lake, water is the most important thing for your pet. There are some great innovations to make sure your pet always has water. For indoor pets try a fountain that continually circulates the water. Keep in mind, cats are finicky and may not like the fountain you chose, so you may have to try a few.

For outdoors, try PetSafe Drinkwell fountain. The device can be connected to your outdoor garden hose for a constant source of water for your pet. It automatically refills to the desired water level preset by the owner so no refilling is needed. The fountain has a built-in circulator and filter that keeps the water clean and fresh. It can be found on Amazon.com for $45.

• ASPCA says that over 10 million pets are lost each year. Having your dog microchipped is the most efficient way to locate your pet in case they are lost. However, there are many GPS devices that can easily be attached to your pet’s collar. Tagg Pet Tracker will send you a text or email when your pet gets out and you can locate them on a map any time. You can also view their daily exercise. It is not recommended for pets under 10 pounds. Found on Amazon.com for $70 plus a monthly fee.
• The hot weather pushes owners to walk their dogs early in the morning or late at night when the temperatures in Canyon Lake are cooler. Reflective gear and flashlights keep owners safe, but don’t forget about your pet. Attach a reflective light to their collar that either stays on or blinks and is available at all pet stores or try Halo Mini Led Dog Collar. It is extremely visible to cars and golf carts, weatherproof, rechargeable via a USB cable, and comes in three different colors and sizes. It retails for $29.
• Even though dogs are not allowed to swim in the lake, there are lots of fun water toys to keep them cool this summer. One of the easiest ways to keep you dogs cool is a plastic kiddie pool available at most discount stores.

For a longer lasting pool, try the paw and bone-shaped pools by Cozy Winters. These offer a durable, chew resistant surface. The larger “bone-shaped” pool has a plug to easily drain the pool when needed. It retails for $239, though they’ve been seen at Home Goods for half the price.

• Not ready for a pool? Try Hydro Ring by Hubs, which is a chew toy that absorbs and holds water, then slowly releases it as your pet plays. It retails for $9.99. The Chilly Bone by Multipet is a freezable teething toy that is designed for small to medium sized dogs. It retails for $4.99.
• The Waterbone attaches to any garden hose and, when the water is turned on, it will spray like any type of sprinkler. It is made of non-toxic, durable and recycled plastic so your dog can place it in its mouth and move it around to stay cool. It retails for $12.99.

Remember, to keep your pets safe from the heat. Never leave your pet in a parked car, provide ample water and shade when they are outside (tree shade and tarps are best for air flow), and keep your pets cool inside and out.