What is it?

A camera with built-in speaker, microphone and treat tossing mechanism.

Loneliness or separation anxiety in pets, or "animal companions" as PETA is wont to call them, can be a real problem, particularly among dog breeds that are easily bored and need constant stimulation. Not to mention the wrench for humans who have to leave their pooch and go to work.

Thankfully there are gadgets specifically designed for this purpose such as the Furbo, a dog camera that allows you to remotely interact with your furry friend.

Good points?

Two-way communication in cameras is nothing new but what makes the Furbo great is its ability to dispense treats at the click of a button. The smartphone app's interface is easy to operate and fun as tossing a treat is performed in a similar manner to throwing a Pokeball in Pokemon GO.

The device is sturdy and won't come off worse for wear if your dog decides to take matters into their own hands when it comes to treat retrieval. The mechanism for ejecting said morsels is also well designed and functions with ease once you understand the size restrictions.

Bad points?

It would be nice to have two-way video so your dog, in return, could see as well as hear you. The treat tube can get blocked if your nibble of choice is larger than a thumbnail.

Best for ...

Those who like to keep an eye on their dog when away from home.

Avoid if ...

You have multiple dogs with one more dominant as he/she may gobble them all up.

Score: 8/10.

Furbo Dog Camera, from £189 (shopuk.furbo.com)