WEARABLE TECH … FOR YOUR PET? DOG AND CAT GADGETS ARE HITTING THE MARKET
Choosing the Best Typ WEIGHING YOU Both routine and unexpected vet bills can be extremely expensive. Just like people, every pet is different and has their own medical needs. When you’re shopping for health insurance for yourself, you weigh various options and make your decisions based upon the policy that best matches your medical needs. The same is true with your pets! Although pet insurance is health care coverage, more often than not, it’s much more simple than your medical insurance — in most cases, you’ll just have a deductible and a co-payment. Pet owners will usually choose from three different types of coverage for their pet: accidents only; accidents and illnesses; or accidents, illnesses, and all other medical costs. Accidents and illnesses coverage is the most popular.
If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money?
A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost. Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It’s fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals’ collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals. If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.
It should be noted that premium costs will likely vary depending on the policy type and payout limit. Almost every pet insurance policy will have some type of a payout limit, whether it is for a single treatment, a total for all of the services throughout the year, or treatments for a specific illness or condition. Depending on your pet, this is a decision you will need to consider. When it comes to pet insurance, some of the rules may be surprising. Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period of about two weeks after the policy is taken out. This means that until that two-week period is up, you
Easy March Madness Chili
Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce
1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.
Inspired by MyRecipes.com
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