MELBOURNE: Scientists in Australia today claimed to have developed the world-first fitness app for dogs of all age groups that can track canine’s activities, health-related issues or behaviours that may be problematic.
Doglogbook app will give smartphone users to log the activities of their pet in a usual day like – eating, walking, playing and rate the enjoyment it gets from each activity.
Dog owners can track their dog’s health-related issues or behaviours that may be problematic, such as barking at night or destroying the house while its owner is away, the ABC Online reported.
It is also a tool to monitor dogs suffering from epilepsy.
A team from the University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science, who designed the app, said that they were giving smartphone users a chance to eliminate their pets’ stress by creating a happier lifestyle.
“If, for example, an activity the dog has enjoyed previously ceases to be enjoyable, it may prompt a visit to the vet clinic for a check-up,” DogLogBook production member Mia Cobb said.
“If an owner realises their dog only gets to do its favourite thing for 10 minutes a week, they might make some changes to enable more of that activity.”
The application is also considered a valuable tool when it comes to making heart-breaking end-of-life decisions.
“I think sometimes people find it hard to recognise what is in the best interest of the animal,” Cobb said.
Veterinarian and founder of the application Professor Paul McGreevy said many dog owners unintentionally make harmful mistakes, due to a limited understanding of their dog’s communication signals.
Research has shown the number one cause of death for dogs under the age of three is euthanasia due to behaviour problems.
“I think there are a lot of people who undoubtedly love their dogs who are making some serious mistakes, and science is there to help all of us,” McGreevy said.
“We are confident that it presents a huge potential advance for the welfare of dogs,” he said.
The data from the app will also provide a pathway for the future of veterinary sciences.
“The data generated by users of DogLogBook will be available to researchers and also used to inform and educate the next generation of veterinarians,” McGreevy said. (AGENCIES)
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