These 5 Apps Can Be a Real Lifesaver for First-Time Dog Parents
If you have a smartphone, you likely use apps every day to make your life easier. But if you’re also a first-time pup parent, you may not know that you can also use smartphone apps to make your life as a dog owner easier, and even make your dog’s life easier as well.
Before you get into all of the amazing apps you can download to become a better dog parent, make sure you have a smartphone that’s up to the task, in addition to a cozy bed, nutritious food and just the right leash — all of which are essentials. Your phone needs to have the fastest web access and the compatibility to work with the latest apps, so when it’s time to upgrade or sign up for a new contract, check for carriers that offer trade-in deals or plan promos on smartphones, like the newest iPhones, which you can get for as low as $45 a month, or one of the new Androids, like the affordable Pixel3a at $399. When scouting for a new device, make sure you settle on one that meets your price, app and user preferences.
So now that you have a phone and plan that both meet your needs, you can move onto the pup parent fun: downloading some dog-friendly apps, like the ones below, for you and your furry kid.
Pet First Aid by American Red Cross
With Pet First Aid from the American Red Cross, you can have potentially life-saving pet first aid tips available at all times. Start by clicking the link above from your new smartphone and downloading the American Red Cross’s app, and consider taking a first-aid class if you really want to work on your pet safety knowledge. Couple this super helpful dog parenting app with a doggy first aid kit, and you’ll be well prepared for any accident or injury.
PupTox
One of the most common emergencies for dogs and puppies involves swallowing things they really shouldn’t. Dogs explore the world via their mouths and that instinct can get them into some serious trouble. So before you bring your new dog home, be sure to check out PupTox for a handy list of poisons and toxins that can be dangerous for your pup. From plants to pills to people food, having access to this helpful information can keep you from panicking if your dog eats something questionable and possibly even save yourself a trip to the emergency vet
Whistle
New dogs, especially rescue pups, can be a little anxious about being in a new home. You can take some steps to make your furkid feel more comfortable, but you also want to be prepared in case he/she makes a break for it. That’s where services like Whistle can provide some much-needed peace of mind. Whistle uses a tracker attached to your dog’s collar to monitor location, as well as vital health stats, so you stay updated on your pup’s health and safety.
Chewy
Keeping your home stocked with food, treats and all of those dog essentials can be a full-time job, especially when you already have a busy schedule. Thankfully, Chewy makes it easy to find all of the gear you need for your new best friend at some of the best prices you can find. Best of all, you download the Chewy app to set up and manage auto-ship options on the go, so that you’ll never run out of the supplies you need to keep your pup happy, healthy and comfortable.
iTrainer Dog Whistle & Clicker
Finally, you will want to download an app to provide your new dog with some mental and physical stimulation. The iTrainer Dog Whistle & Clicker app can do just that with countless helpful and fun sounds that will keep you and your dog entertained. You can use the clicker and whistle features to help your dog learn new commands, and squeaker or animal sounds to encourage your dog to run around and burn off all that excess canine energy.
Becoming a dog parent for the very first time comes with unconditional love, but it also comes with a lifetime of responsibilities. So make sure you’re fully prepared with the right pet apps to provide the health, safety and training help you need.
- Penny Martin