Not only is parenting a toddler difficult, but parenting a pet can be tricky as well. Often, you will wish your furry friend could talk, as in the absence of a mutually understandable language, it often becomes difficult to understand what they are feeling. Dr. Shantanu Kalambi, Chief Veterinary Officer, Supertails, shares a solution. “Did you know that about 30% of dogs experience stress when left alone? This shocking statistic underscores the importance of understanding the emotional and physical well-being of our pets. Although we cannot always be there to monitor their every move, modern technology offers a powerful solution: activity tracking.” Dr. Kalambi shares his insights on the issue.
What is pet activity tracking?
If you think pet activity tracking is a new trend, think again. As Dr. Kalambi explains, “Pet activity tracking isn’t just a trend; it’s a vital tool in preventive healthcare. By tracking your pet’s daily patterns, we can detect subtle changes that may indicate underlying health issues long before visible symptoms appear. It’s like having a 24/7 health monitor for your furry family member.”
How tracking pet activity helps
Dr. Shantanu Kalambi highlights the key areas where activity tracking can help you understand and care for your pet better:
1. Activity level: energy meter
Your pet’s daily activity level is a barometer of their overall health and mood. Sudden changes in activity can indicate a variety of problems: increased activity may indicate anxiety or restlessness, while decreased activity may indicate pain, illness, or depression. Consistent activity patterns generally reflect a happy, healthy pet. By tracking these patterns, you can quickly identify when something may be wrong and take appropriate action.
Also read: Summer pet care: 5 essential tips to protect your furry friends in hot weather
2. Sleep Pattern: A Window to Health
Just like humans, pets need good sleep for optimal health. Activity trackers can tell you how much your pet sleeps during the day and night, the quality of his sleep (light vs. deep sleep), and whether there are any disruptions to his normal sleep patterns. Changes in sleep behavior can be early signs of stress, pain, or illness, allowing you to address problems immediately.
3. Heart and respiratory rate: vital signs
Advanced pet activity trackers can monitor heart and respiratory rates, providing important health information. Increased rates may indicate stress, excitement, or underlying health issues, while lower-than-normal rates may indicate fatigue or certain medical conditions. Tracking these vital signs over time can help identify trends and potential concerns. This data can be invaluable for both you and your veterinarian in maintaining your pet’s health.
4. Calorie Burn: Matching Diet and Activity
Understanding your pet’s energy expenditure helps you provide the right nutrition. By tracking calories burned during activities, you can adjust food portions based on daily activity levels and prevent obesity by balancing intake and output. This tailors your pet’s diet to their needs, promoting optimal health and weight management. An adult dog should weigh 35-40 kg; an increase of 10% is considered overweight, and an increase of 20% obesity. Studies show that 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese, which shortens their lifespan compared to lean pets.
5. Behavior change: detecting discomfort
Subtle changes in behavior can be early warning signs of health problems. An increase in restlessness may indicate pain or anxiety, while sudden lethargy may be a sign of illness. Changes in regular behavior, such as eating or playing, may also indicate discomfort. By keeping an eye on these patterns, you can spot potential problems early and seek veterinary help if needed.
6. External factors: considering the context
Tracking pet activity can help you understand how external factors affect your pet. Weather conditions can affect activity levels, changes in household routines can influence your pet’s behavior, and seasonal changes can affect activity and sleep patterns. This context allows you to better understand your pet’s data and make informed decisions about their care.
“Pet activity tracking is a glimpse into your pet’s world. By understanding their daily patterns and changes, you can provide them with better care, detect potential health problems early, and strengthen your bond with your furry companion,” says Dr. Kalambi.
