Monitoring the mood of a pet dog could be used as an early warning sign that an elderly owner is struggling to cope, a new report has claimed
Monitoring the mood of a pet dog could be used as an early warning sign that an elderly owner is struggling to cope, a new report has claimed.
Researchers at Newcastle University placed movement sensors on dogs to track their behaviour and identified 17 distinct activities, including chewing, barking, sitting and digging.
This allowed them to map the normal behaviour of a healthy, happy dog, which means any changes can be monitored and could indicate an issue with their owner.
The team created a hi-tech, waterproof dog collar complete with accelerometer and collected data for a wide range of dog breeds that gives an indicator of the pet’s welfare.
The research is part of Newcastle University’s drive to help older people live independently in their own homes for longer, something it has developed a centre of expertise in.
The scientists wanted to develop a system that reassures family and carers is well without intruding on that person’s privacy.
Nils Hammerla, part of the university research team, said: “Humans and dogs have lived together in close proximity for thousands of years, which has led to strong emotional and social mutual bonds.
“A dog’s physical and emotional dependence on their owner means that their well-being is likely to reflect that of their owner.
“Any changes such as the dog being walked less often, perhaps not being fed regularly, or simply demonstrating ‘unhappy’ behaviour could be an early indicator for families that an older relative needs help.
“This is the first system of its kind which allows us to remotely monitor a dog’s behaviour in its natural setting.”
The team of academics, who presented their findings at the 2013 UbiComp conference in Zurich, created a hi-tech, waterproof dog collar for the study.
Dr Cas Ladha, who led the study, said: “A lot of our research is focused on developing intelligent systems that can help older people to live independently for longer.
“But developing a system that reassures family and carers that an older relative is well without intruding on that individual’s privacy is difficult.
The Latest Bing News on:
Dogs could help the elderly
- The unwanted shelter dog who found his way to Westminsteron May 12, 2024 at 3:00 pm
ERIE, Pa. — A strange thing happened a few years ago when Christine Longnecker, who teaches horseback riding in and around Erie County, Pennsylvania, brought her new rescue dog, Miles, to a class.
- The best dry dog food of 2024, with advice from veterinarianson May 10, 2024 at 12:23 pm
We chose the best dry dog food with insights from vets. Our picks from top-rated brands include kibble for small and large dogs, seniors, and puppies.
- Best dog beds of every kind: Expert advice from veterinarianson May 9, 2024 at 11:45 pm
Dog beds come in various types and sizes, so choosing the right one for your furry little friend is not easy. Our experts will help you find the best dog bed.
- Is Dog Pee Killing Grass in Your Lawn? Here’s How to Fix Iton May 9, 2024 at 4:36 am
Q: My older dog doesn’t like going for walks anymore ... Nitrogen is a fertilizing nutrient for lawns and can help your lawn turn lush and green. However, the concentrated levels of nitrogen ...
- Maurillo: What to know about aging dogs, catson May 7, 2024 at 1:30 am
Lake Life column from Robin Maurillo, of Auburn, who has worked as a veterinary technician and animal cruelty investigator for several years in central New York.
- Dog Mom's Response to Senior Golden Retriever Sleeping Where She Isn't Supposed to Is Perfecton May 5, 2024 at 5:00 am
Even pets! Whenever your dog or cat does something naughty, they're giving in to their intrusive thoughts. Sometimes, though, those intrusive thoughts lead to adorable results. Just ask senior dog ...
- Senior dog has changes in visionon May 4, 2024 at 9:15 pm
Our mixed breed dog is almost 10, and he seems to struggle somewhat when we walk him at night. He does not seem to notice certain things or movements the way he used to.
- Five trainer-approved tips to help your new dog settle inon May 2, 2024 at 12:00 am
Greenies Regular Dental Dog Treats 54-count $49.00 from Chewy Reward your dog and keep their teeth in tip-top shape at the same time with these natural dog treats designed to promote oral hygiene and ...
- Dog Who Was 'Head of Security' at Senior Sanctuary Retires There Herselfon May 1, 2024 at 9:57 am
Ginger was so good at her job, she even earned the title "Head of Homeland Security" at Old Friends, and she watched as many older dogs either found their forever homes through the sanctuary or stayed ...
- Best Pet Insurance for Senior Dogs of May 2024on April 30, 2024 at 12:23 pm
Choosing a provider can be overwhelming, but this breakdown can help. The premium on your senior dog's health insurance is directly tied to the deductible you choose. The higher the deductible ...
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Dogs could help the elderly
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Dogs could help the elderly” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
The Latest Bing News on:
Older people live independently
- New scheme encourages older people to share homeon May 12, 2024 at 10:16 pm
A woman has launched a scheme that encourages older homeowners to share their houses to bring people together. Liz Davis, from Malvern, Worcestershire, saw her late parents suffer from loneliness ...
- WA older adults fight isolation by rethinking senior housingon May 12, 2024 at 6:00 am
Intergenerational housing is a growing trend in the Seattle area. Its goal: Create opportunities for residents of all ages to socialize and support each other.
- Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at homeon May 12, 2024 at 3:00 am
With a majority of Americans preferring to live in their own homes as long as possible, experts stress the importance of modifications to keep dwellings safe and accessible. The National Institute ...
- Seniors living alone pose many challengeson May 8, 2024 at 6:00 am
As people age, continuing to live in their homes can be something they want to do. A person’s home is often full of sentimental things that were important to them ...
- Despite concern about older adults living alone, these seniors prefer the solo life: 'I love not having to answer to anyone else'on April 29, 2024 at 3:30 am
According to the Pew Research Center, 27% of U.S. adults age 60 and over live alone, compared with 16% of their peers in the 130 countries and territories studied. Despite pushback from their adult ...
- Despite concern about older adults living alone, these seniors prefer the solo life: 'I love not having to answer to anyone else'on April 28, 2024 at 5:00 pm
The number of people living alone increases every ... concerns typically raised by the loved ones of an older person who likes living alone. Will they fall or injure themselves?
- What Is Different About Living Alone With Cancer in Older Age?on April 19, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Many of the experiences of older adults with advanced cancer were common to all, irrespective of living arrangements. People in this study who lived alone shared concerns over where they may be ...
- Independent Living for Seniorson February 5, 2024 at 9:49 am
For older adults, living independently for as long as possible ... a whole neighborhood of single-family homes designated for people ages 55 or 65 and older. In these senior living communities ...
- Owning pets may help slow cognitive decline among older people who live alone, study showson December 27, 2023 at 3:56 pm
Owning a pet may help slow cognitive decline among older people who live alone, according to a study published this week. A large cohort study of adults ages 50 and older living in the United Kingdom ...
- More Aging Baby Boomers Are Living Alone — How Do They Compare With Previous Generations?on December 11, 2022 at 6:14 am
Historically speaking, it hasn’t been rare to live alone as you get older as people lose a spouse or other family members, or they are already single and simply move into a senior care facility.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Older people live independently
[google_news title=”” keyword=”older people live independently” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]