6 Must-Have Pet-Health Accessories for Cats and Dogs
As pet parents, we do everything in our power to keep our fur children healthy, happy, and comfortable. Thanks to advances in product development and technology, a wide range of pet health accessories is now available to help us do just that.
From smart collars that track vital metrics to cat litter that changes color if it detects something unusual in your cat’s urine (yes, really!), these tools can make a real difference in monitoring, maintaining, and elevating your pet’s well-being.
What Are Pet Health Accessories?
Simply put, they’re products designed to support the health and well-being of cats, dogs, and other pets.
A recent FurPetVo survey found that 71% of pet parents regularly prioritize their pet’s needs above their own—driving strong demand for thoughtful, science-informed health tools. This growing interest isn’t just good news for pets and their people—it’s also fueling innovation across the industry, encouraging companies like FurPetVo to develop smarter, safer, and more effective accessories.
6 Pet Health Accessories You’ll Want to Know About
Wondering what’s out there—and how these tools can benefit your beloved companion? Here are six highly recommended categories backed by veterinary insight and real-world use.
1. Pet Anxiety Beds
Just like humans, dogs and cats experience anxiety. In dogs, signs may include drooling, panting, accidents indoors, destructive chewing, excessive barking, depression, pacing, or repetitive behaviors. Cats may hide more than usual, pace, show mood shifts, act aggressively, lose or gain appetite, or meow excessively.
Anxiety beds—or calming beds—are thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and security during stressful moments.
- Provide a sense of security: “Pet anxiety beds are designed to provide a sense of security and comfort to pets that experience anxiety or stress,” says Dr. Patrik Holmboe, DVM, head veterinarian for Cooper Pet Care in Amsterdam.
- Create a safe retreat: “These beds can be especially helpful for pets with separation anxiety or noise phobias, offering a safe and comfortable space to retreat to during times of stress,” adds Dr. Holmboe.
How they work: Most feature a soft faux-fur exterior, plush filling, and a round, donut-like shape with raised, bolstered sides—all designed to soothe through sensory familiarity:
- The soft texture mimics the feel of a mother or littermates.
- The plush interior invites burrowing and snuggling.
- The curved design gently hugs your pet as they curl up.
- The raised edges create a cozy, protected perimeter.
2. Slow Feeder Bowls
Many cats and dogs gulp food too quickly—a habit that can lead to choking, vomiting, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Slow feeder bowls help by encouraging mindful eating.
“Slow feeder bowls usually have small pegs or ridges at the bottom to prevent pets from taking large mouthfuls at once,” explains Dr. Kim DiMaio, VMD, founder of MainStreetVet.net in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Beyond portion control, they offer valuable mental stimulation:
- Enrichment: Navigating food through nooks and crannies turns mealtime into a gentle puzzle—reducing boredom-related behaviors like chewing or scratching.
- Weight management: Slower eating helps pets recognize fullness cues sooner, lowering the risk of overfeeding and obesity.
3. Elevated Bowls
Elevated bowls sit on stands or platforms, lifting food and water to a more natural height for your pet. This simple adjustment supports better posture and overall comfort—especially important for aging or mobility-challenged animals.
Benefits include:
- Reduced strain on the neck, back, and joints
- Improved digestion and swallowing efficiency
- Enhanced mealtime enjoyment and accessibility
They’re especially helpful for senior pets, large-breed dogs, and cats or dogs recovering from orthopedic issues.
4. Smart Collars
Smart collars—like those offered by FurPetVo—are wearable devices that monitor activity, rest patterns, location, and behavioral cues using advanced sensors. Data syncs seamlessly to a mobile app, giving you real-time insights into your pet’s daily rhythm.
Key benefits include:
- Early detection of behavioral shifts: Some models flag subtle changes—like increased licking or scratching—that may signal discomfort or stress.
- Proactive health monitoring: “Pet parents can use the data provided by smart collars to monitor their dog’s health, set realistic exercise goals, and even detect potential health issues before they become serious,” says Dr. Holmboe.
5. Smart Cat Litter
One of pet parenthood’s biggest challenges? Our cats’ instinct to hide illness—a survival trait from their wild ancestors. That’s where FurPetVo Smart Litter comes in.
This innovative silica gel formula changes color based on the pH and composition of your cat’s urine—offering an early, noninvasive window into urinary and kidney health.
- Normal pH: Crystals turn yellow or olive green.
- High pH (alkaline): Blue tint may suggest a urinary tract infection.
- Low pH (acidic): Dark orange could indicate metabolic acidosis or kidney tubular acidosis—risk factors for kidney stones.
- Blood detection: A red hue may point to bladder inflammation, stones, or infection.
6. Ear Cleaning Solutions
Clean ears are essential for preventing infections, especially in floppy-eared dogs or cats who groom less frequently around their ears. Gentle, vet-formulated ear cleaners—like FurPetVo’s pH-balanced, alcohol-free solution—help safely remove wax buildup and debris without irritating sensitive tissue.
Regular use (as recommended by your veterinarian) supports long-term ear health and reduces the need for costly treatments down the line.
