For our “best of” episode, we rounded up our staff picks for the best restaurants, asked Rach’s derm, Dr. Anne Chapas for the best budget skin care and gets this year’s best tech gadgets from lifestyle pro Carter Oosterhouse. And, of course, we can’t leave out our furry friends! So, we asked veterinary surgeon Dr. Courtney Campbell shares her picks for the best pet gear—including her favorite pet toys, smart tech products and more.
Best Pet Gear Pick #1: TRIXIE Fantasy Board Cat Toy
This is for all the cool cats out there! The TRIXIE Fantasy Board Cat Toy isn’t just a toy — it’s four toys in one! And each one is targeted at sharpening each of your cat’s five senses.
“Since cats cannot see close-up moving objects in as much detail as humans, they will increasingly need to rely on their senses of smell and hearing for these games, which will increase their curiosity and intelligence ,” said Dr. Courtney.
said Dr. Courtney said this cat activity board has a reservoir, multiple levels and spheres, which look like ping pong balls.
“When you put these ping pong balls in the reservoir, you can also put cat treats in there, or cat nip or blades of grass or whatever your cat likes, and essentially, they have to dig out the ping pong balls this ball to get it. ,” he said.
Additionally, the board has a slim cavity where you can also place treats.
“It changes the conditions in your home so that life is more fun for your cat. But it’s about more than just fun. It’s about being healthy mentally and physically, and that’s why environmental enrichment is so important.”
TRIXIE Cat Activity Brain Mover Toy, Slow Feeder
Best Pet Gear Pick #2: FitBark 2
FitBark 2 is a dog activity and sleep tracker. (Yes, puppies have these gadgets too!) This tracker, attached to your dog’s collar, can detect hidden conditions like pain, arthritis, and cognitive decline. It can also help fight obesity. “I think activity trackers are the way of the future!” said Dr. Courtney.
He adds that tracking your dog’s activity is key because it can tell you a lot about your pet’s quality of life.
“Movement is associated with health and happiness, and so the more movement your pet gets, potentially the more active, more social, and more engaged they are in life,” added Dr. Courtney.
“Conversely, if you see your pet’s activity level decrease, they may not be feeling well.”
FitBark 2 Dog Activity Monitor | Health & Fitness Tracker for Dogs | Waterproof, Small and Light (10 g)
FitBark
$99.95 + SUBSCRIPTION
Buy now
Best Pet Gear Pick #3: Sureflap Microchip Pet Door
Last but not least, Dr. chose. Courtney the wonderful Microchip Pet Door.
“The Microchip Pet Door prevents intruder animals from entering your home simply by opening for your pet’s current identification microchip,” explains the good doc. This is especially useful if you have many pets, but only one or several animals are outside.
He added that SureFlap has three parts: a door, a hub and an app you can download to your phone.
“Now, the way this works is that this flap actually connects to the microchip that’s in your pet, to sort out who walks through this door. It connects to the server on your Wi-Fi, and everything is set up in the app,” explained Dr. Courtney.
This device also sends you alerts on who walks through the door, and it helps track your pet’s activity.
SureFlap-Sure Petcare Microchip Pet Door
In addition to these 3 products, here are 2 bonus toys!
Bonus Pet Gear Pick #1: Train ‘n Praise Potty Training System
The Train ‘n Praise Potty Training System is a reward-based potty-training system. “Many clients think you don’t have to train the dog to go outside,” says Dr. Courtney, “and then surprised when the dog pees on the carpet” — or an alternative to carpet like clothes! This system provides an immediate reward, driving home the message of where to pot with instant positive reinforcement.
PetSafe Train N Praise Dog Treat Dispenser
Bonus Pet Gear Pick #2: Cheerble Wicked Ball PE
While we all want to play with our dogs all day, that’s not always possible. That’s why Dr. loves it. Courtney the Cheerble Wicked Ball PE. It offers 10 minutes of active play, then goes into rest mode for 30 minutes, creating a nice play-rest balance. It is made of natural rubber and TPU, which makes it easier for dogs to tear with their mouths. Plus, it’s less noisy. (Your Zoom calls will thank you!)
