Dog Days of Summer: Best Smart Tech for Pets Home Alone

It’s the height of summer – the dog days, as they say – and while many of us are planning beach days and backyard BBQs, one member of the household often gets left behind:

Your pet.

Whether you’ve got a curious cat or a lovable Labrador, leaving your furry family member home alone can stir up a little guilt… and a lot of questions: Are they safe? Are they cool enough? Are they barking at every delivery person? Did they just chew through another throw pillow?

Luckily, today’s smart home tech offers a ton of pet-friendly solutions that help you stay connected, in control, and worry-free – even while you’re away.

Here’s a roundup of the best smart gadgets for pet parents during the summer (or any season), and how to make sure your home internet is ready to keep up with it all.

1) Smart Pet Cameras (With Treat Tossers!)

Forget the days of guessing what your pet is up to while you’re gone. Smart cameras now come loaded with features like:

• Two-way audio (so you can talk to your pet… or tell them to get off the couch)
  
• Motion detection
  
• Night vision
  
• Treat dispensers (yes, really)
  
• Built-in lasers for playtime

Popular models: Furbo, Petcube, Eufy Pet

These cameras let you check in from your phone – whether you’re at work or on a weekend getaway – and some even notify you when your dog barks or your cat jumps up on the counter.

Pro Tip: Make sure your home Wi-Fi is strong where the camera is placed. Mesh Wi-Fi systems work great for this.

2) Smart Thermostats to Keep Pets Cool

The dog days of summer are called that for a reason. It’s the time of year when Sirius, the Dog Star, is in conjunction with the sun. The ancient Romans believed this bright star added its heat to the sun, making the period from July to August the hottest of the year. 

So how do you prevent that star from turning your cherished pets into hot dogs? Smart thermostats that keep them nice and cool!

Smart thermostats let you:

• Monitor and adjust temps from anywhere
  
• Set “pet comfort” zones
  
• Get alerts if temps go too high or too low
  
• Save energy while keeping your home pet-safe
  

Pair them with smart sensors to monitor temps in specific rooms where pets hang out.

3) Smart Pet Doors (Freedom, with Boundaries)

These aren’t your average doggy doors. Smart pet doors:

• Use microchip or collar tag recognition
  
• Only open for your pet (not the neighbor’s cat or raccoons)
  
• Lock/unlock remotely via app
  
• Track your pet’s in/out activity
  

Ideal for fenced yards or patios, these doors give pets freedom while keeping your home secure.

4) Pet-Safe Smart Plugs and Sensors

Want to turn on the fan if it gets hot? Or schedule a white noise machine for a nervous dog? Smart plugs are your best friend.

You can automate devices on a schedule, control them remotely, and pair with sensors for temperature or motion. They’re cheap, easy to set up, and help you create a calming environment even when you’re not home.

5) Smart Feeders = No Missed Meals

Whether you’re running late or heading out for the weekend, smart pet feeders ensure your furry friend stays fed on time, every time. Features include:

• Custom feeding schedules
  
• Portion control
  
• Backup battery options
  
• App alerts when food is running low
  

Just make sure your Wi-Fi signal is solid in the kitchen or wherever the feeder lives.

Is Your Internet Ready for Your Smart Pet Tech?

Here’s the thing, all these devices rely on a strong, reliable Wi-Fi connection. If your internet is slow, spotty in certain rooms, or overloaded by other devices, your smart pet tech may not function properly. 

But there’s usually an easy fix for these issues. You can run a speed test near your pet’s room or setup. Consider boosting your internet plan if you’ve added lots of smart devices recently. You can also upgrade your router or add a mesh system, if needed.

And SmarterHome.ai can help you compare faster internet plans in your area! Just call our helpful agents and we can find you the perfect plan that fits your speed and budget needs. 

Smart Security Can Help Both Pets & People

Many smart security systems also help with pet care. For example, indoor cameras can double as pet monitors, smart sensors can tell you if a door or gate is open, and app-based alerts can notify you of abnormal activity – such as your dog pacing near the door for too long.

A smart security system offers not only peace of mind, but also a better quality of life for your four-legged friends. 

Final Thoughts: Take Care of Them, Even When You’re Away

You love your pets like family – and now you can care for them like family, even from afar. With smart home tech and a reliable internet connection, you can create a space that’s safe, comfortable, and calm for your pets year-round.

So during these dog days of summer, take comfort knowing your pets are relaxed, even if you’re not home to see it.

Want a Smarter Setup for You and Your Pets?

At SmarterHome.ai, we help you compare internet plans and home security packages so you can stay connected to the ones who matter most – whether they walk on two legs or four.

Talk to one of our expert agents today and create a home that works for every member of your pack.