More and more people are looking for ways to add technology to their pets’ lives so that they can keep better track of them when they’re not home. The realm of social media has also fostered this idea of attaching cameras and microchips to our pets so that we can see what they see or track their health.
But how far does this really go? What realms could wearable devices venture into when it comes to our pets? And what does it mean for their overall well-being?
The Different Types of Wearable Technology
There are actually several categories of devices that we already place on our pets on a daily basis. The main four are the control of behavior, ID tracking, health monitoring, and maintaining safety. These have made it somewhat easier for pet owners to have control over their animals, as well as ensuring that health problems are taken care of sooner rather than later.
ID and Tracking
We’ve all heard about microchips. They’re about the size of a grain of rice and are injected between your pet’s shoulder blades. It records vital information, such as your dog’s name, age, the namer of the owner, and their address. With this implantation, a vet can wave a wand over the microchip to determine who the owner is and have the pet returned instead of sending them to the pound.
Another means of ID tracking is through GPS. GPS collars can be placed on pets so that if they ever run away or escape from the yard, they can be tracked through a cellphone.
Behaviour Control
Bark collars are one way of controlling a dog’s out-of-control barking. It can work in a variety of ways to curtail such unwanted behavior: some deliver an electric shock, others blade an alarm, while others emit an annoying smell to deter the animal. There are better ways of training your dog to stop barking, however.
Safety and Security
The use of pet cameras can tell owners what their pets are doing at any time, through the use of a mobile app on their phones. They can see if their pet is safe and secure at home, whether they’re eating or playing, or merely taking a nap.
Additionally, a pet sensor can be placed on your dog’s collar that works with pet doors. The sensor is detected and opens the door so that the animal cao go outside; this will keep unwanted animals, like raccoons and stray cats from wandering into your home through the pet door.
Tracking Health
Taking your animal to the vet can be expensive, so why not save yourself the hassle by having a device that monitors their health? The use of an RFID chip can record all of the information about your pet, including their medical history if they’re current on vaccinations, and any other treatments they’re currently on. This way, if your pet becomes lost and is picked up by animal services, they can receive the treatment they need through a simple scan of the chip.
This realm of wearable devices for pets is always expanding, including the ability to dispense food at the right time, and sensing their current emotional state. It’s making it much easier for pet owners to be able to provide their pets with the comfort and attention that they need.
