Author: Shaheer Jalali

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been leaving ripples in the sands of the modern technological landscape since the early 2010s. Since then, it has progressed at an astounding pace, from being able to connect multiple devices from a central point to being able to communicate, analyze data, and implement strategies independently. The impact this will have on the animal health industry is bound to be immense given that the largest responsibility of owning and caring for pet is keeping an eye on them – their movements, their health, and their activities. This is something already being addressed in part by pet care applications. But today we wish to discuss how far IoT will evolve this industry and its capabilities.  

The Capabilities of the Internet of Things

Data collection and analysis

IoT devices can collect vast amounts of data from a variety of sources, including sensors –
both external and ingestible – cameras, beacons, wearables, and other devices. IoT can integrate with other systems and integrate data from multiple sources.
This means that Petcare applications would be able to connect to other home devices to provide the most accurate and complete picture of the pet’s health and activities. Additionally, IoT systems may rely on external sources such as weather, traffic, and geographical data to provide context and enhance the accuracy of the collected data. This data can be analyzed using advanced algorithms to extract insights and identify patterns.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence

IoT devices can be integrated with machine learning and AI algorithms to enable more sophisticated analysis and decision-making. In a home-setting, it may be used to detect potential dangers to the creature like exposed sharp objects or tight corners a small animal could get trapped in. It can further analyze animal behavioral data over time to anticipate anomalies, deviant behaviors, and sense mood changes. These can often be an indicator for distress or ill-health. For example, the IoT system might note the animals’ allergic regular response and use the data to deduce from whence it originates. It can then inform the owner of this trigger and work to clear the house of airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites and mold.

Real-time monitoring

IoT devices can monitor physical environments, such as homes, petcare facilities, or buildings. Done in real-time, it can provide up-to-the-minute information about conditions such as temperature, humidity, noise volume, and air quality. Integrated with wearables or smart collars, it could use data about the animal from its eating habits, sleep patterns, movements, behaviors such as licking and scratching, or its vital signs. Hence, it provides the virtual presence of pet owners by acquiring information of pets’ eating time schedule, room temperature sensing and camera service monitoring through a web cam. The value of this cannot be emphasized enough for pet owners who are working, traveling, staying abroad for study or work. Transporting an animal across long-distances can be very stressful for a doting owner, as the temperature and enclosed environment that pets are made to endure can often be less-than-ideal. This system could ensure the constant wellbeing of the pet.

Automation

IoT devices can be used to automate a wide range of tasks at home, from controlling lights, thermostats, appliances, and security systems. A Smart IoT system can be taught the feeding and treatment schedule for the animal, and then control the food and water dispenser, the smart pet door, and provide litter box cleaning. Using prevention and encouragement feedback, the IoT system might even be able to manage the dog’s activity in the absence of the owner or other guardian.

Disability should not be treated as a death-sentence for activity-dependent animals. There are many assistive devices that pet owners can opt for to give their injured pet a happy and fulfilling life, as well as ease their burden of care. Assistive domotics is a form of home automation that is designed to cater to specific needs such as elderly or disabled animals, providing features such as automatic door opening, fall detection, and medication reminders for the pet parents. And with the help of the Internet of Things, disabled animals can climb stairs, get into and out of cars and continue on daily walks with minimal resistance. 

Predictive analytics

By analyzing large amounts of data collected from animal behavior, sensor readings, and various other IoT devices, advanced analytics algorithms can be used to predict future trends and outcomes. This can be used to identify serious health conditions in their early stages. For example, predictive analytics can be used to identify patterns in an animal’s behavior that indicate potential health problems or distress, allowing caregivers to intervene early and provide necessary care. Additionally, predictive analytics could be used to monitor the environmental conditions to ensure that they meet the animal’s specific needs. This can include adjusting the temperature or humidity levels to avoid heat stroke, dehydration or other health issues.

Conclusion

Smart PetCare will fully rearrange the industry, by collecting continuous and highly-precise data, using this to actively alter the pet’s environment. The IoT infrastructure will fully automate the process and ensure the maximum health, safety, and comfort of any animal according to its needs and requirements. 

References

“The Benefits of Using Wearable Technology for Pets”: This article discusses the advantages of using wearable devices for pets, such as GPS trackers and activity monitors, which can be integrated with IoT petcare applications. Link: https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/pets-and-wearable-tech/

“5 Ways Technology is Changing the Petcare Industry”: This article highlights the different ways technology is transforming the petcare industry, including the use of IoT applications. Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ilkerkoksal/2019/08/14/how-technology-is-changing-the-pet-care-industry/?sh=52e6757435ea

“How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet”: This article provides tips on selecting the best type of pet food, which can also be monitored and tracked using IoT petcare applications. Link: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/12/pet-food-decisions-how-do-you-pick-your-pets-food/

“Understanding Pet Health Insurance”: This article explains the importance of pet health insurance and how it can work in conjunction with IoT petcare applications. Link: https://www.valuepenguin.com/pet-insurance/what-is-pet-insurance#:~:text=With%20a%20pet%20health%20insurance,a%20percentage%20of%20the%20bill..

“Top 10 Petcare Blogs to Follow”: This article lists some of the best blogs to follow for the latest news and trends in the petcare industry, including information on IoT petcare applications. Link: https://blog.feedspot.com/pet_blogs/