Essential Smartphone Apps that Every Dog Owner Should Have

Is there anything more adorable than a new puppy? When you first bring this bundle of joy home, it feels somewhat akin to the joy of having a newborn. The immediate instinct is to inundate your social media sphere with their adorable antics and endearing looks. However, very soon, you’ll come to realize that the responsibility that comes with adopting this new family member is not too far off from caring for a baby. The dog’s well-being in terms of frequent vet visits, regular walks, playtime, meal times, training, and numerous other considerations could potentially consume most of your time and attention.

Thankfully, in this digital age, there are numerous smartphone apps designed to streamline the process and allow you to have fun while at it. Here are some apps that are deemed indispensable for any dog owner:

**Pet First Aid**

As the joy of having a pet is interspersed with moments of worry concerning their safety, Pet First Aid steps in as a preventative measure. Retaining a distinct focus on real-time emergencies, this app forecasts information on how to handle common incidences. Furthermore, it offers insight into potential behavioral changes and provides guidance on dealing with older and sick dogs who may pose certain challenges. For expedited access to medical services, the app includes a GPS locator and a mapped directory of the nearest emergency veterinary services.

**Puppy Coach 101**

Transforming the playful puppy antics into disciplined behavior requires strategized training, and this is where Puppy Coach 101 shows its magic. The app helps formulate training lessons delivered at comfortable intervals. Breaking down the training process into manageable segments such as “name recognition”, “sitting on command”, or “crate training”, it provides instructional videos for guidance. In addition, it allows tracking of progress and lesson durations to suit the dog’s breed and age. To highlight the achievements of the training, a printable “diploma” is available at the end of the process!

**The Fat Dog Diet**

Nutrition can be a daunting task to manage, but with The Fat Dog Diet, it’s efficiently managed once and for all. This app monitors the dietary habits of your furry family member and recommends meal plans based on the dog’s weight, age, and breed. This helps ensure your dog maintains a healthy weight without you having to feel guilty about restricting their food intake or harming their health. Rest assured, this app was developed by veterinarians, but personalised consultation before commencing is advisable.

**Petoxins**

Monitoring what your dog ingests can prevent potential harm. Certain common plants can be toxic to dogs, especially when they are young. Petoxins identifies plants that are harmful to our canine friends, highlighting symptoms for early detection of poisoning. The detailed description and accompanying images of each potentially toxic plant can be a savior particularly for those new to gardening.

**Tagg**

Losing your four-legged family member can be a nightmare. With the commencement of Tagg and its corresponding GPS-collared device, this fear can be put to rest. The device is affixed to the dog’s collar and the handy app keeps you informed of your little explorer’s whereabouts at all times. Add-on features like defining a safe area within which your dog can roam, receiving alerts when your dog leaves the area, and calculating the amount of exercise your dog gets each day make this app a must-have.

These apps certainly lighten the logistical burden of having a dog. But, remember, there is no app that replaces the unlimited love and care that you provide to your furry friend.