A Dog’s Behavior and an Owner’s Health

A Dog’s Behavior and an Owner’s Health

We all know that the dog is man’s best friend. But can a dog’s behavior and emotion help provide answers and insight into the well-being of the dog’s owner?

Researchers in the UK are trying to answer that question. According to the research, a dog’s mood can tell a lot about the health of its owner.

Researchers at Newcastle University are using movement sensors to track normal dog behavior when the dog is in and out of its home. The sensors monitor when the dog is moving and also keep track of when the dog is doing things like sitting, barking and other regular dog activities.

The people behind the research say checking and watching the behavior of a happy, healthy dog allows them to notice any change in the dog’s behavior. They then try to determine what’s behind the behavior change. They say changes from things such as illness or boredom can be quickly spotted.

The next step in the dog research is to see how changes in dog behavior can be used as a warning system for an elderly owner. Researchers hope the dog can alert family members if an elderly person if the person is having trouble coping. It would be a way of “keeping an eye” on an older person without invading the person’s privacy or compromising his or her personal space.

An imaging expert on the research team makes the point that humans and dogs have lived together for thousands of years and have developed strong emotional bonds.dog owner bench

Researchers point out that dogs are heavily reliant on owners and changes in a dog’s walking schedule or feeding time could be a sign that an elderly pet owner needs help.

Dogs do so much to enrich our lives. This research could prove that a dog may also be able to help save lives.