“Is This Pet Tech Safe?”

A Local Vet’s Guide to Products For Your Pet

From GPS-powered “invisible fences” to high-tech anxiety relief, the market for pet technology is booming. It’s easy to get drawn in by clever marketing that promises a quick fix for a common problem. But are these gadgets really safe? Are they effective?

As veterinarians, we see the results of these products firsthand…both good and bad. To help you make the best choices (and avoid any harmful ones), Oz Animal Hospital has put together a definitive guide to some of the most popular pet tech on the market.

The Trend: Cat Exercise Wheels

What They Are: Essentially a giant, free-standing hamster wheel designed for cats!

✅ Vet-Approved

  • For indoor cats, especially high-energy breeds like Bengals or Abyssinians, a cat wheel can be a fantastic tool for enrichment and exercise.
  • It helps combat boredom and obesity, providing a great physical outlet.
  •  Just ensure the wheel is well-constructed, properly sized for your cat, and introduced slowly with positive reinforcement.

The Trend: Calming Tech (Pheromone Diffusers, Anxiety Vests)

What They Are: Products like Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) that release calming pheromones, or weighted vests like the ThunderShirt that apply gentle, constant pressure.

⚠️Use With Caution

  • These tools can be helpful for mild situational anxiety, like nervousness during a thunderstorm, fireworks show, or car ride.
  • However, they are not a cure for moderate to severe separation anxiety, phobias, or aggression.
  • Think of them as a supportive tool, not a standalone solution. True anxiety disorders require a behavioral diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan from your veterinarian.

The Trend: “No-Pull” Front-Clip Harnesses

What They Are: Walking harnesses that have a leash attachment point on the chest strap, designed to gently steer a dog back towards the owner when they pull.

✅Vet-Approved

  • This is one of our favorite pieces of low-tech “tech.” Front-clip harnesses are a safe, humane, and highly effective tool for teaching better leash manners.
  • Unlike choke chains or prong collars, which rely on pain, these harnesses redirect momentum without causing harm to your dog’s neck or trachea.
  • The key to using these successfully is ensuring a proper fit (to prevent chafing).

The Trend: GPS / Satellite “Invisible Fences”

What They Are: A system that uses a collar and GPS to create a virtual boundary. If the pet crosses the line, the collar delivers a stimulus, often an electric shock.

❌ Best to Avoid

We strongly advise against these systems for two critical safety reasons.

  1. They don’t keep others out. A virtual fence will not stop other dogs, wild animals, or people from entering your yard and potentially harming your pet.
  2. They rely on fear. The correction (a shock) can create significant anxiety and fear in your dog, associating the yard with a painful experience. Furthermore, GPS signals can lag or fail, leading to inconsistent and confusing corrections. A physical fence is always the safest (and most humane) option.

The Trend: “Wireless Leashes” & E-Collars

What They Are: Remote-controlled collars that deliver a shock, vibration, or sound.

❌ Best to Avoid

  • Modern, effective, and humane training is based on positive reinforcement, rewarding the behavior you want to see.
  • E-collars operate on the principle of punishment or aversion. They can cause both physical pain (burns) and significant psychological harm, leading to increased anxiety and aggression.
  • There are far better and kinder ways to train your pet!

The Bottom Line

Technology can be a wonderful supplement to your pet’s life, but it’s not a replacement for training, safety, and professional medical advice. If you’re considering a new piece of tech for your pet, let’s talk about it. Schedule a visit, and we can help you find the best solutions for your companion’s specific needs.

At Oz Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing top-tier veterinary care that goes beyond traditional standards. Our team takes the time to understand your pet’s lifestyle, habits, and medical history to provide tailored recommendations for vaccines, preventative care, and treatment options. Choose Oz Animal Hospital for exceptional veterinary care that prioritizes your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.