Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Novel DogPhone could empower 'pandemic pups'
The accelerometer starts a video call with the owner when the dog shakes the ball.

Device enables dogs to video call their owners.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a prototype ‘DogPhone’ that could empower anxious pups to stay in touch with their owners.

The novel device, which allows dogs to call their owners, is described in a new research paper being delivered today (17 November) at the 2021 ACM Interactive Surfaces and Spaces Conference in Poland. 

It consists of an internet-connected accelerometer that detects movement, which is placed inside a ball. When the dog shakes the ball, the accelerometer starts a video call with the owner on their laptop or mobile device. 

The owner can also use the system to call their dog, and their pet is free to answer or ignore the call.

Animal-computer interaction specialist Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, who developed the prototype, said: “There are hundreds of internet-connected ‘smart toys’ on the market that dog owners can buy for their pets, from fitness monitors to remotely-controlled treat dispensers. Smart toys for pets are expected to be a 20 billion dollar industry by 2025.
 
 “However, the vast majority of them are built with the needs of dog owners in mind, allowing them to observe or interact with their pets while away from home. Very few of them seem to consider what dogs themselves might want, or how technology might benefit them as living beings with thoughts and feelings of their own.”

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas worked closely with her 10-year-old labrador, Zack, and colleagues at Aalto University in Finland to develop the prototype.

To make a device that Jack would find appealing, she first studied the types of objects and toys that Zack likes to play with and the textures he enjoys, settling on a soft ball.

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas and her team then built an internet-connected accelerometer that could be hidden inside the ball. Zack was taught how to use the ball to start a video call and was left with the toy to play with for 16 days.

Initial testing revealed that the ball was too sensitive, with Zack making a total of 18 calls, half of which were accidental. In some of the calls, Zack showed his owner some toys they often play with together and approached the screen, suggesting he wanted interaction.

The team made several refinements to the accelerometer to phase out the accidental calls and allow deliberate ones to happen more easily. As testing went on, many of the calls were still accidental, but the researchers did note more interaction between Zack and his owner.

Dr Hirskyj-Douglas used her phone to show Jack her environment, including her office, a restaurant and a street busker. Again, Zack showed additional interest in these interactions, pricking up his ears and approaching the screen.

“Of course, we can’t know for sure that Zack was aware of the causal link between picking up the ball and making a call, or even that some the interactions which seemed accidental were actually unintended on his part,” explained Dr Hirsky-Douglas. “However, it’s clear that on some occasions, he was definitely interested in what he was seeing and that he displayed some of the same behaviours he shows when we are physically together.”

Researchers believe the device could help so-called ‘pandemic puppies’ taken on during the COVID-19 lockdowns and help them find new ways to deal with separation anxiety as their owners return to work.

Image (C) University of Glasgow.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.