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3 Vital Apps for First-Time Dog Owners

If you’re about to become one of the 60 million U.S. households that has a dog, you’re probably more than a little excited — after all, these animals offer love, companionship, and protection. But if it’s your first time owning a dog, it’s important to make sure you’re totally prepared.

Technology can be an incredible asset in ensuring that you know how to handle any situation that comes your way, thanks to the many great Apps now available to Dog Owners.

To make the best use of these apps, you’ll want a powerful phone in your pocket, such as the new iPhone 11 Pro. With its ultra-fast chip, amazing triple-camera system and long battery life, this phone can keep up with you no matter how many pictures you snap of your dog. For Android users, the Google Pixel 3 lets you take incredible nighttime photos and offers unlimited online storage, so you’ll have space for as many pet-friendly apps as you want.

Choose a device capable of keeping up with you and your pooch, and then dive into the numerous apps that are perfect for first-time dog owners.

Pet First Aid by American Red Cross

According to Mental Floss, Pet First Aid might literally be a lifesaver for your dog. All animal lovers should know basic first aid, but this is a particularly vital skill if you’re getting your very first dog. Rather than panicking and calling your vet constantly — or desperately Googling to find answers from questionable sources in the middle of an emergency — Pet First Aid offers easily accessed guidance from a source you can trust.

This app helps you learn basic first aid with videos, images, and quizzes. It also teaches you how to identify toxic substances, and gives you easy-to-follow guides for what to do in common emergencies. In addition, the app provides early warning signs of sickness and lets you input your vet contact information so you always have it handy. It never hurts to be prepared, and this app can be an incredible asset in stressful situations.

ScritchSpot

If you want to have lots of adventures with your new pup, ScritchSpot is the tool for you. This app helps you find local pet-friendly areas, letting you feel confident bringing your dog along with you when you go out. If you need to go somewhere without your dog, ScritchSpot can help with that too — it helps you book trustworthy, reliable dog walkers and pet sitters, taking all the stress out of finding someone to take care of your pet.

ScritchSpot’s fun camera makes noises to get your dog to look into the lens and lets you share your photos with the rest of the app-users — like a pet-centric social network. You can even enter themed photo contests. And if you’re looking for new pet products, you can read reviews and get articles that are specially curated to your needs and interests.

FitBark

You know about Fitbit, but what about FitBark? All Home Robotics explains that this app is perfect for the health-conscious pet parent. Designed to be paired with a small device clipped to your dog’s collar, the FitBark app helps monitor your dog’s sleep, mobility, and stress levels. It also allows you to easily keep track of any problems your dog is having, allowing you to make connections and spot patterns over time. If you’re into exercising, you can connect your own health tracker to FitBark, motivating you to stay healthy alongside your dog.

Chances are you’re well aware your dog needs some basic supplies, like a cozy bed, a crate to retreat to, and a leash for your walks, but beyond that, there will be other health and lifestyle concerns you’ll probably want help with. But when your dog seems sluggish, you aren’t sure if what he just ate is okay, or you just want to know if he’s upset by storms, there are apps that can come to your rescue. If your phone is outmoded, snag one that can handle the tools you need, and soon you’ll become the perfect dog parent.