By observing our dog's behavior, we can even prevent more serious health deterioration, as dogs' behavior signals the early stages of their owner's health decline.
Researchers at Newcastle University used motion sensors to track dogs' behavior both at home and in unfamiliar places. Besides offering an insight into man's best friend's secret life, the sensor monitored all of the dog's activities, barking, sitting, digging, and all other key "dog activities."
A remote monitoring system was developed for the behavior of a healthy, happy dog. This served as a reference value, and the remote system allowed any behavioral changes to be immediately detected and recorded. Deviations from usual behavior correlate with changes in the health condition of the owner who has a close relationship with the dog.
The results were presented at the 2013 UbiComp conference in Zurich by Ladha, the project leader.
"Our research focused on developing an intelligent system that helps older dog owners live longer and healthier lives," Ladha explained.
The dogs' role as disease indicators is actually useful and logical, as the health of older people can be monitored without the need for cameras, and who knows us better than the dog, who has lived closely with humans for millennia.
How the technology works
In the United Kingdom, about 30% of households have at least one dog, which means 10.5 million pets.
The team developed a high-tech waterproof collar equipped with an accelerometer, with which data was collected across a wide range of dog breeds. To establish reference values, cameras were initially used alongside the collar.
By analyzing the two data sets (collar and camera), the team recorded 17 different "dog activities" such as barking, chewing, drinking, shivering, sniffing, etc. The team evaluated the results by breed.
"The challenge was to map the different behaviors that correlate regardless of whether the collar is worn by a Bulldog or a Chihuahua," said Ladha.
The research offers the opportunity to use man's best friend as a discreet health barometer and to help dogs assist their aging owners in living longer and healthier lives.
