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November 27, 2012

Playing With Your Pet? There’s An App For That.

While Eko is nearly back to full health, the vet recommended that I keep his exercise to a minimum and build it back up over the next few weeks.  That means I am essentially living with a Kentucky Derby racehorse that I can’t let out of the starting gate. I
While Eko is nearly back to full health, the vet recommended that I keep his exercise to a minimum and build it back up over the next few weeks.  That means I am essentially living with a Kentucky Derby racehorse that I can’t let out of the starting gate. I have found a number of ways to keep Eko occupied and entertained, but it wasn’t until today that I realized I am the proud owner of the world’s most expensive dog toy – the iPad.  A quick search of the App Store revealed dozens of games and apps specifically designed for pets.  I didn’t have high expectations, but as it turns out there are some really worthwhile pet games/apps you can download on your smartphone or tablet.  Here is a quick review of some of our favorite: 1. iSqueek ($1.99)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

“What is this black magic?”

iSqueek, the first app we tested, was an instant hit with Eko.  The toy on the screen squeaks when touched and the sound immediately caught Eko’s attention.

Rhodesian RIdgeback, pet adventure

At first Eko was convinced that the Wizard of Oz must have been behind the curtain. He diligently searched all around my iPad for where the real squeak toy must be

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet blog

Eko caught on to the game and was quite happy with himself when he realized his push against the screen was rewarded with a squeak

2. PetSnap ($1.99)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

As you can see, PetSnap certainly grabbed Eko’s attention

Pets are cute, but as we all know, capturing that cuteness on camera is not always easy.  Our four legged friends aren’t as interested in the photos as we are, so they aren’t always inclined to pay attention.  PetSnap addresses that problem by adding a soundboard to your camera.  Choose from dozens of sounds to get your pet’s attention and then snap away.  Eko had zero interest in looking at my iPad, but that all changed when I played a cat sound-effect to get his attention for the above photo.

3. Friskies Catify (Free)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

Eko wasn’t the only one who got a kick out of these apps

It’s important to appreciate the simple pleasures in life – good friends, good family and putting your dog’s face on cat photos.  Take a photo of a pet or friend (or enemy) with this app and see how they would do as a feline.  This app is definitely good for a laugh.

4. Games for Cats (Free)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

Laser like focus

As we found out in America’s Pet Debate, cats are the top dog on the web.  Not surprisingly, this means that there are many more cat themed apps than dog ones. I guess since dogs are just as likely to eat your phone as play with it, that makes sense.  I’m not sure if Eko has a great-grand parent that was a cat, but he loved this laser game.  He diligently followed the pointer and happily nosed the icon to score points.  I got a few good video clips of him playing that I will post later.

5. Pet Acoustics ($1.99)

Rhodesian Ridgback, dog blog

Soothin’ Snoozin

Pet Acoustics features a number of melodies and tones that are supposed to help your pet fall asleep.  I have no idea if it works yet, but I just think this photo is hilarious.  We’ll have to report back!

6. Petcentric (Free)

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

So easy, even I can use it!

When you and your pet are ready to find adventure, the Petcentric app is the best crowd-sourced app to find pet-friendly destinations in your area.  As an added bonus, my mom says the app features “the best bloggers in the world,” but she might be a bit biased.

I definitely recommend checking out the available pet game apps for your phone/tablet – most of the games are free and will provide some fun for you and your pet.  And one final recommendation:

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Be ready to clean your screen afterwards!

Any favorite pet apps/games that we missed?

Comments for Playing With Your Pet? There’s An App For That.

  1. Tiffany F. says:

    I was waiting to see the damage Eko had caused to your iPad! At least he just used his nose and not his paws/nails like Tonto would!

  2. Marcela says:

    Lol. Thanks for the info

  3. those were just hilarious! The catify one was too funny

  4. caitlin says:

    Oh my gosh his face at the end kills me!

  5. Boomdeeadda says:

    Wow, that’s a pretty spooky cat! “don’t quit your day job Eko”. Thanks for the tips, we downloaded the same one…mr B. already tried it….it’s freaky.

  6. He he – what a lot of fun but the shot of the screen at the end is somewhat yucky!

  7. Jenny Marie says:

    Wah, I couldn’t find iSqueek on the app store! :'( I was inspired though and let my pup play with the cat’s mousey game on the iPad – she tried to chew the edge a bit and then went back to her ‘real life’ toys….. Maybe she’s not ready for the future just yet 🙂

  8. Clowie says:

    I hope he’s up to getting some exercise again soon. I’m surprised he was so gentle with the iPad.

  9. onebluedog says:

    Eko sure makes a funny looking kitty! All those games look so fun; maybe I should ask Santa for an iPad for Christmas?

  10. If I could spell hilarious, I would say this is the hilariousier on yet.

  11. Saddie says:

    Very nice. Eko is great dog. if I let my Sofia to play my tablet, Sofia will chew as what she had done for my samsung cell phone and google nexus.

  12. Shawn says:

    I was looking for Isqueek (free) an I could not find it it said its $1.99 no big deal I was just wondering if there was something I was missing?

  13. Eleenie says:

    Ooh, not feeling the catify look at all! Funny though! 🙂

  14. Whitney B. says:

    These are great! Can’t wait to try some with Sarge!

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