Pet accessories for physical health

Dog walks

The 2019 Pet Food Manufacturers Association Report (PFMA) indicates that 73% of vets believe that obesity levels in pets have increased. Maybe not surprisingly, therefore, is that data from the UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) shows that in 2019, 13% of dogs were not walked on a daily basis. That is a staggering 1.3 million dogs. Accessories can help in fighting obesity by making walking the dog more attractive for their owners.

Utility accessories

We see the industry increasingly catering to this need with improved utility accessories, such as special ‘no pull’ harnesses with, for instance, a front attachment ring for the lead. This prevents the dog from hurting its neck, but also gives the owner better control. But fashion trends are also leaving their mark on pet accessories. Latest additions in this sector include many ‘must haves’: from the plain Halti style dog collar through to the DogMatic, with its fashionable print and bright colours.

And let’s not forget pet cats and rabbits. They can also be taken for a walk with special harnesses that are designed to match modern fashion trends, as well as being easy to fit. Whilst pet treadmills are increasingly popular for indoor pets, these do not provide the mental stimulation that a walk in the open air does.

Technology

What about a Pet Fitness Robot? This rolling, treat dispensing, interactive device encourages the dog to chase and follow it. Movements are guided with remote control (using a mobile phone) and food can be dispensed as encouragement when the pet interacts with the robot. Admittedly, it is a way to stimulate your dog or cat to move, but the downside is that your pet’s actual social needs are side-lined.

Body balance

Pet fitness equipment, such as balance equipment, similar to that used in human physiotherapy, claims to help with pet core muscle strength and body awareness. Beyond this, home agility kits for dogs, cats, rabbits and even the humble chicken, provide small jumps, poles to weave around, and tunnels to climb through. All great accessories for your domestic animal.

Monitoring exercise

GPS attachments to collars and devices linked to mobile phone apps enable owners to monitor pet exercise levels. Many such trackers are bulky or rely on batteries. But, in line with health trackers used by humans, the pet versions will soon become smaller and less obtrusive.

Dental health

Of course, physical fitness is not just down to exercise. Keeping teeth healthy can avoid costly treatments and prevents behavioural issues too. It is not always easy to clean a dog’s teeth, but accessories such as the ultimate dog cleaning toothbrush are fun for the dog to chew on. It has a number of indentations for putting in tasty dental paste. The dog’s teeth get a great workout while the plaque is rubbed away.