These days, we’re all about tracking our steps, calories, and sleep — but what about our furry companions? Dogs need regular exercise and health check-ins too, and the right tools can make a big difference. That’s where dog fitness trackers — often called “Fitbits for dogs” — come in. These handy gadgets track your pup’s activity, give you insights into their health, and help you make sure they’re staying happy and active. Let’s dive into the benefits of these trackers and explore 10 things to look for to find the best dog activity tracker for your pup.

dog

Find out how your dog spends their time.

Read more

What is a “Fitbit for dogs”?

A “Fitbit for dogs” is a wearable device designed to track a dog’s activity, movement, and sometimes even health metrics. Similar to human fitness trackers, these devices collect data on steps taken, calories burned, sleep quality, and overall activity levels. Many also come with GPS to track a dog’s location in real-time, ensuring their safety.

Whether you want to monitor your dog’s fitness, keep an eye on their health trends, or simply ensure they’re getting enough exercise, a dog fitness tracker is a valuable tool for pet parents.

How dog fitness and activity trackers support your dog’s wellbeing

There are several ways activity and fitness trackers for dogs can help you maximize your dog’s health and wellbeing. Their main benefits are:

  1. Keep tabs on your dog’s health: A fitness tracker monitors key health indicators like activity levels, sleep patterns, and respiratory rate. Keeping an eye on this data can help you spot any unusual changes early, allowing you to take action before minor issues become major health concerns.
  2. Help maintain a healthy weight: Just like people, dogs need the right balance of food and exercise to stay at a healthy weight1. A tracker helps you ensure your pup is getting enough movement throughout the day and burning off excess calories, making weight management easier.
  3. Understand behavior changes: Have you noticed your dog sleeping more than usual? Or being less active than they used to be? A sudden change in activity level could indicate stress, anxiety, or even an underlying medical issue. With a tracker, you can catch these shifts early and adjust their routine or visit the vet if needed.
  4. Keep your dog safe with GPS tracking: Some trackers come with built-in GPS, which means you can see your dog’s location in real-time. If they ever wander too far or escape from your yard, you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly where they are and how to bring them back home safely.

Help your dog stay fit and healthy

Get a complete overview of how much exercise and rest they’re getting. Compare their activity to that of similar dogs. Set daily goals.

Shop Dog Trackers

10 things to look for in a dog fitness tracker or ‘fitbit for dogs’

As we discussed, a dog fitness tracker can help you monitor their activity levels, set fitness goals, and even detect potential health concerns early. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Here are ten key features to look for if you want to find the best dog fitness tracker.

1. Activity monitoring

The first and most important feature to look for in a dog fitness tracker is activity monitoring. (Because without it, it wouldn’t be much of a fitness tracker, would it?) A good dog fitness tracker should monitor your pet’s daily activity. All of these metrics fall into the scope of activity tracking:

  • active time
  • steps
  • distance covered
  • calories burned

There might also be related features such as:

  • daily activity goal
  • breed comparison
  • leaderboards
  • badges

Activity monitoring is particularly beneficial for managing weight and ensuring your dog gets enough exercise. Both of which are essential for a long life together. It’s also just a fun way to get sporty together. Some trackers compare your dog’s activity levels with others of the same breed and age, helping you set realistic fitness goals. Or let you have a friendly competition with other dogs in your area via leaderboards.

Activity Monitoring for dogs in the Tractive GPS app screenshot
An example of a dog’s activity summary in the Tractive GPS & Health Tracker app.

2. Sleep monitoring

The next component of a good dog fitness tracker is sleep monitoring. The device should track your dog’s sleep and rest, and give you data and insights into your dog’s daily sleeping patterns. Why is sleep tracking important? Because changes in sleep and rest habits can indicate health issues, sleep disorders, or pain in dogs – all things you probably want to know about before it’s too late.

German shepherd dog wearing tractive gps dog fitness tracker

“One day, Evi’s sleep quality dropped significantly. Her active minutes also went down by about 50 minutes each day. If you’d looked at her, you would have thought she was her usual, happy, healthy self. But the data told a different story – and I decided to trust it. I went to the vet with all the information from Tractive. They took it seriously and, after examining Evi, discovered she had the beginnings of an ear infection.

We caught it early — before it got worse — all because Tractive let me see what Evi couldn’t tell me herself.”

— Cissy, Netherlands

Read Cissy & Evi’s story.

3. Health alerts

Top-tier fitness trackers for dogs go beyond basic activity and sleep tracking by providing health insights. Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort or illness, and changes in activity and sleep level can be indicators that something might be wrong. So while you should always keep a close eye on your dog to make sure they’re doing okay, it’s also a good idea to look for a tracker that offers health alerts if abnormal patterns are detected.

Get health alerts for your dog

Our pups can’t always tell us if something’s wrong. But if their tracker detects unusual changes in their routine, you’ll get an alert, helping you catch potential issues early.

Shop Dog Trackers

4. Bark monitoring & other health indicators

In addition to the core features outlined above, some health trackers for dogs may also track:

  • barking patterns
  • licking, scratching
  • heart or respiratory rates

These can give you even more insights into your dog’s health. For example, increased barking may be an indicator of separation anxiety, whereas licking and scratching could be caused by allergies or pain.

5. GPS & real-time location tracking

For adventurous pets, GPS tracking is a must-have. A tracker with Live Tracking (like Tractive) ensures you always know where your dog is, reducing the risk of losing them. Look for related features like:

  • Virtual Fences that notify you if your dog leaves a designated safe zone
  • Or Location History, which shows you everywhere your dog has been

While these features aren’t standard on dog ‘Fitbits’, why wouldn’t you want to know where your dog is at all times if you could?

LIve GPS Tracking vs Walks in Tractive GPS app

Bonus: Track Dog Walks: Tractive lets you record the walks you take with your furry buddy – one more reason why Tractive makes the best dog activity tracker!

6. Waterproof & durable design

Dogs love to jump in puddles, swim, and roll around. Choose a tracker that is waterproof and built to withstand the rough-and-tumble lifestyle of an active pup.

Hot Tip: All Tractive GPS dog trackers are 100% waterproof, and the XL Adventure Edition is even bite-proof.

7. Lightweight & comfortable fit

Since your dog will wear the tracker daily, it should be lightweight and designed for comfort. Look for adjustable and secure attachments that fit snugly without causing irritation.

8. Battery life & charging convenience

A fitness tracker is only helpful when it’s powered on. Look for a device with long battery life, which ensures that you don’t have to charge the device frequently. Look for trackers with rechargeable batteries that can last several days or even weeks on a single charge.

Compare the battery life and other features of Tractive dog trackers here.

9. Easy-to-use mobile app

Next, choose a tracker with an intuitive app that’s easy to navigate, whether you’re a tech novice or an enthusiast. Ensure it syncs seamlessly with your smartphone, offering features like daily summaries and instant alerts.

10. Subscription & cost considerations

Finally, keep in mind that some trackers require a monthly subscription for GPS tracking and advanced health monitoring. Make sure to check the pricing and choose one that fits your budget while providing the features you need.

How to use a dog fitness tracker effectively

To get the most out of your dog’s fitness tracker, it’s important to use it correctly. Here are some key tips:

  • Set realistic daily activity goals – Every dog is different, so consider their breed, age, and energy levels when setting activity targets. A young, energetic dog may need significantly more exercise than a senior pup.
  • Understand reports and health alerts – Take time to review your tracker’s data insights. If you notice unusual changes in activity, sleep, or behavior, it could indicate a health concern worth checking with your vet.
  • Pair it with a balanced diet and exercise – A fitness tracker is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Monitor your dog’s calorie burn and adjust food intake accordingly to maintain optimal weight.

Final Thoughts

A dog fitness tracker aka Fitbit for dogs is a great investment in your pet’s well-being. By choosing one with the right features, you can keep track of their activity, ensure they stay fit, and even catch early signs of health issues. Whether you have a playful pup or a senior dog, the right tracker can help them live a healthier and happier life.

Looking for the perfect fitness tracker for your dog? Check out Tractive’s GPS & Health Tracker and give your pup the best care possible!

Get Tractive

Note: Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s exercise or health routines.