London - If you’ve ever resorted to asking your grumpy cat or dog just what is the matter with them, you might not have to wait that long for an answer.
Scientists have developed a smart collar that can reveal how pets are feeling – even if they are in pain.
Tiny sensors in the collar monitor the temperature, pulse and breathing rate of the animal, as well as their activity patterns and the number of calories they have burned.
Software built into the collar then analyses the data in the context of the pet’s health history and breed.
Owners can set up email and text message alerts to notify them of any changes and build a “personalised health profile” of their pet. They will even be able to compare the activity and performance of animals if owners have more than one pet.
Vets have welcomed the invention, saying it could help to diagnose and manage pets’ illnesses.
Developed by gadget firm PetPace, it sells for around £90 (about R1 600) in the US where it has just been unveiled, while it is expected to go on sale in the UK next year.
Robin Hargreaves, president of the British Veterinary Association, told the Veterinary Times: “This kind of monitoring system could be very helpful. However, the interpretation of the results should be made by a veterinary surgeon.” - Daily Mail