Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. Our smartphones contain powerful computing ability and high-resolution cameras in a device that fits in the palm of the hand. Shopping, banking, and reading the news can now all be done using a smartphone or tablet. Modern technology is also being used to help us look after our pets. Here are some examples of how our devices can improve pet care in an increasingly tech-savvy world.
Monitor Your Dog’s Movements with Vetrax
Dogs can’t talk to us to tell us how they’re feeling. Hill’s Pet Nutrition and the pet technology company AGL have joined forces to create a device called Vetrax that aims to overcome that to a degree. This wearable monitor can identify movements so it can tell when your dog is scratching, shaking, or drinking. This data is sent directly to your veterinarian. This gives the vet the opportunity to assess any changes to your dog’s behavior.
There are a couple of specific conditions where it is expected to be most useful. Dogs with allergies are often scratching and if their pet parent is out during the day, it may not be easy to work out how severe their itch truly is. Your dog’s doctor will be able to monitor the scratching and evaluate whether the prescribed treatment is working. Movement sensors will give your vet an idea of how often your arthritic dog is up and moving, which can be a useful way to monitor their comfort levels. Similarly, if you think that your overweight dog is exercising in your backyard when he’s not being supervised, the Vetrax device will tell you the truth.
New Tech for Guide Dogs
It’s even harder to monitor your dog’s health if you’re visually impaired. Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a device that allows a blind handler to identify their guide dog’s stress level in real time. This device is built into their harness and measures the dog’s heart and respiratory rate. It is connected to vibrating motors in the handle of the harness so the pet parent can feel how fast their dog’s heart is beating and how quickly they’re breathing. It’s much easier to identify stress in their dog by feeling an increase in both heart and respiratory rate.
The Whistle GPS Pet Tracker
If your dog is an escape artist, a GPS tracker can put your mind at rest. The Whistle GPS Pet Tracker is another collar attachment that allows you to keep an eye on your dog’s location using your smartphone. You can also set a “safe zone” for your pet and the device will email or text you whenever they leave that zone. With the GPS facility, you’ll be able to pinpoint their location and bring them home quickly. The Whistle GPS also offers an activity monitor that can be shared with your vet, and a handy food and medication reminder function.
Concerns have been raised about how much technology is in our lives, but it’s not a bad thing. These tools can keep your furry companions safe and well, and many other products can also make pet parenting easier. Have a look at what’s available and you may just find one that is ideal for you and your four-legged family members.
Photo by www.youtube.com/Whistle
