Connected technologies

Overcoming pet owners’ biggest fear

One of the biggest fears for pet owners is that they might lose their beloved pet. Now, developments in IoT technologies are bringing solutions and products that can help pet parents overcome their fears. No longer just for humans, the market for ready-to-wear technology for pets that monitors activity and biometric data is growing exponentially.

Smart collars

As the market for wearable devices grows, so does its range of product offerings with which owners can stay connected with their furry friends. For instance, GPS tracking technology – in combination with Wi-Fi or mobile network data – allows owners to trace the precise location of their pet. Similarly, numerous apps provide valuable information with which owners can safeguard or trace their pets.

The most recent additions to the product offering are collars that are connected with the owner’s smartphone. The owner receives a warning if, for instance, a puppy goes beyond the pre-set boundaries of a virtual fence. The perimeters of such a virtual fence can be fixed according to what is needed for the dog: when going for a walk, playing in the garden or going on discovery in the dog area in the park.

Another app records activities such as play, rest, body temperature, posture, physical activity, unusual changes in vital parameters and daily habits. Such essential data helps the owner to monitor pet health.

Smart toys

New technologies are also being applied in pet toys. For instance, pet games designed by behaviourists, veterinarians and ethologists to offer our furry friends stimuli aimed at their progressive cognitive growth, are now acquiring a whole new dimension, thanks to IoT technologies. Such smart toys with an interactive Wi-Fi camera enable owners to monitor, talk and interact with their pet using their smartphone.

There are even IoT-based products that combine feeding and play functions in a single solution. Such active play stations entertain, reward (through a system that delivers small doses of food) and educate puppies. All thanks to the remote intervention of the owner.

The best care when you are not there

An owner’s remote presence can prove to be extremely valuable in helping overcome or minimise pet anxiety during the time that the owner is away.

Conversely, connected solutions can overcome possible worries felt by the pet parent about pet health. Smart technology is enabling owners to monitor a pet’s sleep-wake rhythm and food intake.

Of course, technology will never be able to replace the presence of humans. But, we can embrace technology, there where it benefits the lives of both pets and pet parents.