Are Fitness Trackers for Pets Something to Look For in the Future?
Technology has offered a lot to those who are trying to get into shape, or simply stay fit. Now, manufacturers are taking it to the next level and helping people keep their pets healthy at the same time. Has your cat gone out the cat door less frequently? Has your dog lost interest in his ball?
Now you can see if their habits are just changing to other areas of interest, or if your pet is getting less exercise. New activity monitoring devices can be attached to a collar to see just how much exercise your pets are getting. In some cases, these devices can tell you when your pup has a fever.
How They Work
These trackers attach to your pet’s collar so that they are always on. If your dog or cat isn’t used to a collar, it might be easier for them if you put the collar on them first, and then add the device later. These devices use a wireless signal to share information with you. In some cases, you have to pay for cell or GPS service for the collar. In other cases, you simply buy the device and track it directly from your phone or tablet.
Monitor Health
One way to use these devices is to monitor changes in your pet’s behavior. In some cases, the changes are environmentally related. For example, if taking a walk outside is the way your pet gets most of his exercise, he isn’t going to get as much when it’s raining out. On the other hand, if there are no changes in the environment, and your pet’s level of activity suddenly drops off, it may be a sign of a bigger problem, like a medical issue you may not have otherwise noticed.
Some of these fitness trackers also monitor body temperature. This can help you learn when your pet is sick, but it can also let you know that your pet is in a dangerous situation. For instance, if your pet is in an enclosed room that is too hot in the summer time, their temperature may rise to unhealthy levels: something you may not realize until they wear a monitor.
Create Awareness
It’s easy to forget to spend time with your pet when your life is so busy with work and other obligations. However, it’s important for your pet to get quality time with you and time to be active. If you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, you can combine your efforts by exercising with your pet. Your dog or cat will benefit from the exercise, but he or she will also be happy that you two are spending time together.
Convenience
Did you ever wonder if your pet just sleeps all day when you are at work? Now you can monitor what your pet really does. You can even do it right from your phone so you know when they are active and when they aren’t, including when you aren’t home. This can help you provide more opportunities for exercise while you are gone. For example, if your dog is sleeping in the house all day, you might let him or her out and lock the pet door so they are more inclined to play outside.
