October is Pet Safety Month
Guest Post from Canine Journal
We often prioritize safety for ourselves and our human family, but let’s not forget our furry (or scaly) family members.
Here are some tips on how smart home technology can be used to keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals safer.
- If you’re not home, a monitored security system and smoke alarm can help the authorities respond in time to get your pets out safely.
- Turn a security camera into a “pet cam” by aiming it at the crate or room where your pet stays while you’re away. This allows you to keep an eye on them in realtime.
- If you’re worried that your dog will set off false alarms in one specific room, you may want to consider a doggy gate. A dog gate can keep your pet out of a particular place, but still, allow it to roam elsewhere.
- Some pets experience anxiety when they’re in the dark or if it’s too quiet. A dog or cat may find it relaxing to have the TV or radio on for a short time after you leave the house. You can use a smart switch to schedule your media player to turn off after a specified interval.
- During the winter months, it’s commonly dark when you leave for work and when you arrive back home. Smart lights may provide soothing light for an extra hour after you leave for work in the morning and before you get home at night (until the sun rises/after it sets).
- Use smart plugs or speakers to turn the TV on or play music. This will also calm your animal to sleep and help detract burglars who may think someone is home.
