What is wearable technology for dogs?
Discover how these gadgets can benefit your pet
WHAT ARE WEARABLE ACCESSORIES?
Approximate reading time: 7 minutes
Technology is advancing in giant steps, but not only for humans, but also for our inseparable companions: dogs. These animals are part of many people's families, and just as we can benefit from the utilities and services of new technologies, so can our furry friends. Wearable accessories are small devices that people can carry with them throughout the day, usually integrated into their clothing or body. They can take the form of watches, bracelets, necklaces, belts and even clothing. Its functionalities are diverse: measure sports performance, collect health metrics, send locations to locate elderly people, etc. This wearable technology is slowly reaching pets, with different devices that can help your dog a lot. But what exactly is wearable technology for dogs?
Table of contents
- Types of wearable technology for dogs
1. 'Wearables' to see what your dog does
2. 'Wearables' to monitor your dog's health
3. 'Wearables' to know the location of your dog
- How to choose the best wearable for your dog?
Types of wearable technology for dogs
Wearable devices for dogs are technological accessories that are placed on the collar to monitor their health or notify their owners of their location, who can consult these metrics on an app on a linked smartphone. This wearable technology for dogs is usually small in size so that it is not invasive for the animal and can be carried comfortably during walks or when left alone at home. There are different types of wearable devices for dogs depending on the information we want to collect from our furry friend.
1. 'Wearables' to see what your dog does
Some of the most common doubts that arise when we leave our dog alone at home are whether they will be okay or what they will be doing at that moment. Well, with wearable devices like a pet camera you can know where your dog is. The image will show you everything that is right in front of your furry friend, finding out their location but also what they are doing: if they are lying down, walking or even getting up to some mischief. These technological devices are very useful in case you suspect that your dog suffers from separation anxiety. But be careful: even if the wearable allows you to interact with your pet, we do not advise you to do so. Think that your dog will hear your voice but will not be able to use their nose to smell you, which is the main sense with which these animals identify their owners. This could cause confusion and more anxiety. However, wearables with cameras for dogs are highly recommended to collect information about their behavior to share with the veterinarian or ethologist and thus address the problem more efficiently.
2. 'Wearables' to monitor your dog's health
Some dog pathologies show the first symptoms when they are already very advanced. This is why preventive veterinary care is so important. In this sense, wearable technology designed to record the health of dogs is a great advance that will allow us to extend the life expectancy of our dogs. These devices allow us, through an app on our phone, to check health data such as heart rate, breathing, or even sleep cycles. In addition, they offer the option of preparing reports that can be discussed and analyzed with the veterinarian, anticipating any ailment that could reduce our dogs’ quality of life. Experts have said that these technologies can detect heart disease in dogs from the early stages, making it easier to address the problem promptly and avoid complications.
3. 'Wearables' to know the location of your dog
GPS devices for dog collars are the most popular wearables on the market. Unlike cats, which usually stay indoors, dogs go outside every day, which increases the risk of getting lost. Moreover, even though our dogs love being at home with their owners, they have a strong exploring instinct, so any smell or sound could catch their attention and make them run away. With GPS wearables, you can know where your dog is at any time. You just have to check the linked app on your phone to locate your dog on the interactive map and track their direction in real time. Many dog owners today invest in these devices because they feel much safer knowing that, if their pet gets lost or escapes, they can locate them and bring them back home.
How to choose the best wearable for your dog?
Once you are clear about what type of wearable you need for your dog based on your goal, you will have to consider other factors to ensure that it is quality, non-invasive for your furry friend and resistant. Here are some tips for choosing the best wearable technology for your dog:
- Comfort: make sure that the shape, material and size of the device are suitable so that your pet can wear it comfortably on the collar.
- Get them used to wearing it: no matter how light and small the device is, your dog will notice that they are wearing something strange on their collar. Before installing it, let them smell it and do some tests by putting the device on them for short periods of time. Remember: if you want to introduce any new object or routine into your furry friend's life, you will have to do it progressively to avoid stressful situations.
- Correct size: before investing in a wearable device, make sure it is not too big for your dog. Most gadgets these days are designed for medium or large dogs, as they are still too big for smaller dogs to wear on their collars.
- Water resistance: make sure that the wearable technology for your dog can get wet, as it could rain on it or even end up submerged in a puddle or the spray from a fountain. Puppies are very exploratory! If the device gets wet, the GPS may stop working.
- Battery life: wearable devices run on a rechargeable battery. Opt for a model with enough hours of autonomy to ensure it doesn't turn off while your dog uses it.