Trending pet health accessories: Are they worth it?

Elevated bowls

A simple yet incredibly popular pet care trend, online searches for elevated dog bowls are up by 54% this year alone. This increased interest is partly due to video-sharing platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where owners have been documenting their success with these raised feeding dishes. In fact, videos featuring elevated dog bowls have amassed over 95 million views on TikTok. So, are they really worth all the hype?

As any experienced pet owner will testify, every dog is different, so before placing an order for a brand-new bowl, make sure to consider your dog’s breed, age, and temperament.  In general, those dogs who will feel the most benefit from an elevated bowl are larger breeds or older dogs. For large dogs, raising their bowl to chest height means that less strain is placed on the neck, as they don’t have to reach down to the floor to eat their meals. Not only this, but it can also facilitate smoother eating and drinking simply because the food and water flows more easily down their throat.

While some believe that elevated bowls help to prevent bloat (a painful and sometimes life-threatening gastro-intestinal issue) there is a lack of research in this area, so opinions are somewhat divided. However, bloat aside, raising a dog’s bowl to chest-level is thought to aid their overall digestion and generally make eating more comfortable. The same applies to older dogs with mobility issues, weak joints, or arthritis, as they won’t need to stabilise themselves as much to reach their food.

As with any change to their routine, keep an eye on your pup and see if they are still happy and healthy when using an elevated bowl. They can be particularly useful for dogs that tend to play with their bowls, which is great if you want to make feeding times less messy!

Pet anxiety beds

Anxious behaviour can be difficult for both you and your pet, and if you’re looking for ways to soothe your four-legged friend, you may have come across pet anxiety beds. These beds come in a variety of designs, sizes, and materials and can be made for cats or dogs. Often, they tend to be a very plush, deep, or fluffy shape that emulates being in a burrow with their mother and litter, and some even have features like a self-warming base to create this comforting sensation.

Again, it’s worth noting that each pet will have its own unique temperament and will therefore react differently to environmental stresses. So, when picking out a bed for your cat or dog, make sure you think about what coping mechanisms they already have and what tends to soothe them. For instance, if your dog likes to burrow under a blanket when they feel stressed, try to find a bed with a built-in blanket or one that has a cave or igloo shape that they can seek shelter in. Alternatively, cats often feel most secure in high places, so you may opt for an elevated bed that allows them to see their territory from above.

These beds may provide your pets with comfort, but remember that issues like separation anxiety should be approached with appropriate training and (if required) veterinary advice. Man pet owners report benefits however from using accessories like anxiety beds, calming sprays and dietary supplements for an added boost to their pet’s mood and wellbeing.

Slow feeder bowls

Searches for slow feeder bowls have increased by 190% since 2018, and for good reason. It’s always beneficial for dogs to slow down their meal times, no matter what their age, breed or size. These clever bowls are actually recommended by many vets, because they prevent your pup from eating too fast and excitedly inhaling air while they’re scoffing their dinner! They work by incorporating intricate swirls, patterns, and shapes into the bowl, which your dog has to navigate to reach their food. This is why slow feeder bowls are more directly linked to preventing bloat, as eating more slowly reduces the chance of nausea, vomiting and gas build-up in the stomach.

Owners should also remember to break the food up into smaller pieces to fit into each crevice of the bowl, which will in turn reduce the risk of choking. In addition to this, figuring out how to reach each morsel of food can also provide mental stimulation for your dog, which can be particularly beneficial for hyperactive dogs who need things to focus on.

Most dogs can get accustomed to using a slow feeder bowl, however keep in mind that it may prove tricky or frustrating for breeds with shorter snouts, such as Pugs or French Bulldogs. You may also want to consider a more durable stainless steel bowl rather than plastic, opting for a dishwasher safe model as they can take a little longer to hand wash.

Chris Socratous, Senior Brand Manager at Bob Martin, comments:

“Among the wide variety of pet health accessories on the market, the most important thing to look for is what’s right for your pet’s individual needs. Whether you’re looking for something to calm your dog down or bring your cat out of their shell, every pet will react differently to new toys, food and health products.

“When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s always better to take preventative measures rather than respond to issues after they arise. This is where simple yet effective products like slow feeder bowls or elevated food bowls can make a huge difference to their everyday wellbeing. Just be sure to monitor your pet closely when introducing any new health accessories and make sure they respond positively.”