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
- Pet Talk: Do dogs get along with cats?on April 27, 2024 at 10:12 pm
Logan, Mr. Wironen’s 4th Grade, Reingold School, Fitchburg DEAR LOGAN: As you know, every Monday we bring our therapy dog Sarrju and therapy cat ...
- The five dogs looking for forever homes at Many Tears Animal Rescueon April 27, 2024 at 8:00 pm
HERE is a selection of dogs from Many Tears Animal Rescue which are looking for their forever homes. If you think you would be able to rehome one of them go to www.manytearsrescue.org/ for full ...
- Best dog food for sensitive stomachs, according to expertson April 26, 2024 at 10:46 am
We interviewed experts, who explained that the best dog foods for sensitive stomachs all feature easy-to-digest formulas in a range of flavors and food types.
- Senior Shelter Dog 'Ignores' Everyone, Then 70-Year-Old Woman Meets Himon April 25, 2024 at 9:10 am
"An attendant said OGB did not like being in the shelter and had just given up," his adopter Susan Wright tells Newsweek.
- The 8 Best Dog Strollers To Take Your Pup On Walks, Runs And Moreon April 25, 2024 at 8:37 am
The best dog strollers allow pets with special needs to comfortably experience the outdoors. These strollers are vet-approved and loved by dogs.
- Sweet Moment Senior Dog With Dementia Forgets He's Already Greeted Owneron April 24, 2024 at 5:51 am
Dennis Gerard said this moment was "sad and cute at the same time" and he hates seeing his 17-year-old dog deteriorate.
- Mom of Senior Corgi Moved to Tears After Finding Solution That Changed Her Lifeon April 23, 2024 at 6:30 am
Any senior dog owner knows that it can be so darn hard to see your pet's health decline. It's gut-wrenching. So who could blame one woman when she welled-up after seeing that a new product she bought ...
- An underwater treadmill can help bring the hop back into your dog’s stepon April 22, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Whether you have bad hips or not, working out in water can be much easier on your joints than doing so on the ground. This is especially the case for dogs who need ...
- I run a pet food bank – the elderly tell me they can’t afford to keep their dogs and catson April 21, 2024 at 2:31 am
More pet owners are being forced to give up their pet due to costs. Kia-Elise Green visits the pet food banks fighting to keep animals with their loved ones by providing food parcels ...
- An arthritis drug helps old dogs, but some owners worry about side effectson April 20, 2024 at 5:33 am
Librela has been used for dog arthritis in Europe for three years. But in the United States, fears about a side effects have spread rapidly on social media.
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
- The Berkshire Edge is 10 years old today!!on April 27, 2024 at 9:09 pm
So, here’s to the next ten years. We intend to continue to serve this community. We hope you will continue to find us a useful and important part of your Berkshires experience.
- Alyssa Milano: Harvey Weinstein Isn’t Alone. Our Institutions Are Rapistson April 27, 2024 at 1:17 pm
Photo Illustration by Erin O'Flynn/The Daily Beast/Getty ImagesTwo of rapist Harvey Weinstein’s convictions have been overturned, and in New York he has been granted a new trial. And while it’s ...
- If you think you’ll never retire, a new study suggests you’re not aloneon April 27, 2024 at 6:31 am
The golden years are little more than a dream for many older Americans struggling to make ends meet, with 1 in 4 having no retirement savings at all.
- A 110-year-old man says he's never had back pain and still drives his car every day. Here are his 6 longevity tips.on April 27, 2024 at 4:26 am
Vincent Dransfield, 110, lives alone and drives his car every day. He credits movement, milk, and strong relationships with giving him longevity.
- Can older adults treat depression in their peers? USF researchers want to find outon April 25, 2024 at 6:00 am
The Do More, Feel Better program trains seniors to help other older adults plan activities, which can boost mental health.
- I'm a 41-year-old widow with young kids. Here are the 5 things no one tells you about parenting alone.on April 25, 2024 at 3:36 am
My husband died six years ago leaving me to parent our two kids alone. Making decisions by myself all the time can be exhausting.
- Inclusively | Can Wi-Fi sensing help elderly and disabled people live at home independently?on April 23, 2024 at 4:37 am
Inclusivity starts at home. Being able to live independently at home is, for many of us, fundamental to our quality of life. How can technology help us ...
- Wyoming seniors want to live independently, and many aim to helpon April 22, 2024 at 11:01 am
Wyoming’s aging population is growing at a much higher rate than the total state population, and 87% of adults believe it’s extremely or very important that seniors stay ...
- The Vincent Senior Living: Independent Living offers community, convenience & peace of mindon April 20, 2024 at 10:00 pm
Throughout Acadiana, many older residents are at a crossroads in life. They’re still active, healthy, and able to perform many daily tasks on their own. But, they are also craving ...
- Indie creatures to the core, David and Nathan Zellner cut their own path through the wildon April 17, 2024 at 1:06 pm
The filmmaking brothers have found a deep emotional connection to a family of mythical creatures led by an unrecognizable Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg.
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”]
