Skip to main content

4 Apple Watch apps every dog owner should have

Technology makes life easier in so many ways, but can it help with your dog? Absolutely! With our favorite pet apps, any Apple Watch owner can take control over their dog’s health, from tracking your daily walks to keeping an eye on him while you’re out. Whatever you need, Apple has it.

Many dog apps aim to do the same few things, but it can be tricky to tell which are the best. Luckily for you, we’ve selected some of the top-rated, most reputable apps in the digital store, so now it’s up to you to download and try them out. What are you waiting for?

FitBark

Now, your dog can be your workout buddy, too! With this collar-attached device and Apple Watch–compatible app, you can keep track of some of your pup’s most important health routines: his sleep patterns, exercise levels, and more. It’s like a Fitbit for your dog!

For users in the United States, purchasing a FitBark GPS will let you monitor your dog’s location 24/7 via both WiFi and cellular tracking. When your pet enters or exits one of your designated “safe zones,” which you can set up manually on the app, you’ll automatically have a notification sent to your watch.

FitBark tracks much more than just activity. Both FitBark models — with and without GPS abilities — monitor your dog’s sleeping habits, mobility, skin itchiness, and even anxiety levels all with one device! FitBark makes it easy to add your veterinarian or family to your pup’s account, so now everyone can keep track of Fido’s health. Plus, it’s motivation to help get you moving, too!

a man standing in tall tan grass with his dog stops to check his smart watch
Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock

Tractive Dog Walk

If you want to keep track of your dog’s activities but aren’t ready to commit to a whole device, Tractive Dog Walk lets you do exactly that. Just open the app when you’re ready to get moving and tap the start button to, well, start! It’s super easy to use, so you won’t be distracted from enjoying walks with your best friend.

From there, the app will do most of the work for you, recording your walk on a map so you can keep track of the distance, location, and duration of your trek. If you want to mark where your pup does his business, just click the corresponding button to list a number one or number two on the map. You can even toggle features to keep track of more than one pup per walk.

Your previous walks won’t be deleted, so you’ll always be able to go back and compare. You can even share walks on social media directly through the app; you can even do it live!

Dog Training & Clicker by Dogo

With over 100 training videos to learn from, this app will be your best buddy (other than your real best buddy, of course). It has both written and video instructions, so you won’t have to rewatch the same video again and again.

A library of training and obedience videos isn’t all, of course! This app also has a built-in clicker for pups who use clicker training, though you can choose from several sounds instead of a boring old click. For dogs who are hard of hearing, choose the flashlight option instead.

Don’t know where to begin your training? No worries; just take Dogo’s onboarding quiz when you download the app. When you’re done, they’ll recommend a personalized training program just for your four-legged friend.

Here are just a few of the commands and tricks you and your pup can master with this helpful app:

  • Sit
  • Come
  • Leash walking
  • Jump over
  • Crawl
  • High-five
  • Fetching their leash
  • Focus

There’s even more to discover with Dog Training by Dogo. You’ll learn how to teach your bestie some of the most useful commands along with some impressive tricks, and before you know it, you’ll be showing off at the dog park.

a woman reclines in bed with her dog leaning into her side while she looks at her smartphone
Samson Katt/Pexels

Dog Monitor

If you want to keep tabs on your four-legged friend while you’re away, Dog Monitor will help. You’ll need a second device stationed in your room or yard — you’ll need to be able to see, after all — but once they’re both set up, you’re good to go. This app is the first to offer unlimited reach, so you can check on your pet from literally anywhere.

Although you’ll need an Apple device with iOS 6 or higher to take advantage of the video feature, other activity logs can be accessed with any device. With a simple glance at your wrist, you’ll know when your dog is resting, active, or noisy, or you can set the app to vibrate to get a subtle alert when he barks.

There are even more features to keep you connected with your pet, including a microphone and speaker system that lets you talk to him while you’re out and about. It’s certainly not the same as being with him at home, but Dog Monitor will help you stay more connected than ever before.

Whether you’re looking for an app to help keep your pup safe or one to keep him active or healthy, the Apple App Store has it all. These particular apps are highly reviewed and updated regularly, so you know you’ll be getting the best for your pet — and for you!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
How hot does concrete get in the sun? The answer might shock you
a boston terrier wearing booties lies on a blue plaid blanket

As much as dogs love going for a walk, standing on concrete during the summer can make it unbearable. It’s easy to overlook this painful detail since you’re probably used to wearing shoes, but this is why investing in dog paw heat protection is more than important for your pup’s well-being — it’s essential.
Simple accessories like dog paw nonslip booties can protect your fur baby's feet from the heat, but they’ll no doubt take some getting used to. There are many products you can consider for your pup, but nothing beats moving your walk to the beginning or end of the day. The air and the pavement will both be less scalding — which will benefit you, too!

Why you should protect your dog’s paws
Do you know how hot concrete can get? In an informational video from the VCA, Dr. Sarah Hoggan measures the temperature of different surfaces on a 92-degree (Fahrenheit) day:

Read more
What is the best food for older dogs? These 6 vet-approved kibbles and canned foods won’t steer you wrong
Try these veterinarian-approved dog food products for your senior dog
Senior golden retriever and Chihuahua sitting in front of food bowls

As your dog gets older, you'll need to make some changes to your home and routine to keep them feeling their best. That includes changing their dog food, too!
Although the best food for older dogs varies depending on your buddy's health, size, and specific needs, there are several guidelines you can follow to help you find a product that does the trick. Of course, your local veterinarian will be your most knowledgeable resource, especially if they have a long history with your pet. They can also recommend and approve a prescription diet for your dog, giving you even more brands, flavors, and nutrients at your disposal. And since nutrition greatly impacts overall health, investing in high-quality food is paramount.
We did some research since it can be tricky to know which kibbles and canned foods make a veterinarian's approved list. Here’s what we found, including a selection of six vet-recommended dog foods you can try with your senior dog.

What's the best food for older dogs? Here are six options and what makes them so good
Though your senior dog may be as energetic as ever, their body will need a different diet as they age. Banfield Pet Hospital’s Dr. KT Boyle, DVM, told NBC News that because older pets have particular nutritional needs, you’ll need to think about a few different factors when choosing their food.
Older dogs need fewer calories and more supplementation than younger pups, for example. This reduced caloric need is because of the way an animal's metabolism slows as they age, though the exact supplements they need depend on the individual. To find out exactly what will benefit them, have a conversation with your veterinarian. It's that easy!
Dr. Boyle notes that even though senior dog foods contain many helpful nutrients — like glucosamine and fatty acids for joint health — you might need to add supplement drops or chews to your pet’s diet. Luckily, there are many to choose from and many ways to get them.
When it comes to wet versus dry food, though, there can be benefits to both. Dogs with dental issues may find wet food easier to eat, but the texture in kibble can help fight plaque and tartar buildup on your pup’s teeth. The pet nutrition pros at Pedigree remind owners that there is no one right answer. When in doubt, ask your vet!
That being said, there are a few senior dog foods that Dr. Boyle recommends over others. These include:

Read more
Are Starbucks Puppuccinos bad for dogs? Here’s what veterinarians have to say
Can my dog have a Starbucks puppuccino? Here's what the experts say about whipped cream
A pug stands in front of a pink background and licks whipped cream off of his nose

Whether you’re inspired by the adorable viral videos or that sweet look of pleading in your dog’s eyes, letting Fido enjoy a Starbucks Puppuccino can be the highlight of your day. Despite being a little messy, this yummy treat is so worth it — who doesn’t love some happy tail wags and a cream-covered nose?
This popular Starbucks trend has left many dog owners with questions, though. What exactly is in a Puppuccino -- or "Pup Cup" -- and is it safe for dogs? Several veterinarians and canine experts have weighed in with their opinions and advice, so you’ll know exactly what to do next time you and your buddy hit up Starbucks -- or anywhere else that offers a similar treat.

What is a Puppuccino? Will I always get the same thing when I order one?
When you order your dog a Starbucks Puppuccino, or Pup Cup, all you get is a cup of whipped cream for your buddy to enjoy. Most of the time, you’ll get a three-ounce espresso cup filled with the sweet treat, but every now and then, you’ll run into a location that offers Pup Cups in kids’ or short-size cups, which are eight ounces in size. That's great news for larger dogs!
Starbucks makes its whipped cream out of two popular ingredients: heavy whipping cream and vanilla syrup. It’s rare to find a store that’s out of either of these products, so whipped cream is virtually always on the menu. Puppuccinos have become more and more popular, too — especially since viral videos of dogs enjoying this treat are nearly everywhere online — so your barista will know exactly what you’re talking about no matter what you call it. Puppuccino, Pup Cup, a cup of whipped cream -- it’s all the same!
And, as TikTok can confirm, the baristas love meeting your fur babies just as much as you love bringing them to coffee.

Read more