Three Essential Metrics to Monitor for Your Dog’s Health
Written by Maven Pet for Odie Pet Insurance
“How do I know if my dog is healthy?” – is a question all dog tutors have wondered about. As healthy as our pets may seem, there are conditions whose symptoms aren’t really noticeable to the naked eye until it may be too late. Fortunately, advances in technology have provided ways to track certain health metrics that help pet parents stay on top of their buddy’s health. Maven Pet’s service, in particular, represents an innovative solution regarding proactive pet care. Let’s dive into the world of pet health monitoring!
Monitor Your Dog’s Activity Levels
A dog’s activity levels can hint at their health status – so monitoring them is essential to answer the question, “How do I know if my dog is healthy?”. Keeping an eye on their activity and how their usual patterns change over time is key. However, it’s impossible (or at least highly impractical) for a regular person with a job to watch their dog’s every move, which is why a dog activity tracker like Maven Pet is super helpful.
Maven Pet tracks your dog’s activity and rest 24/7, giving you a clear picture of how they spend their time even when you’re not around. It starts by learning their usual patterns and defining a baseline. After an initial monitoring period, your pet’s most recent data is continuously compared with that baseline. The app even classifies activity periods in different states (resting, active, excited, and quiet).
If your dog is suddenly lethargic, shows reluctance to exercise, or disinterest in activities they usually enjoy, that could mean they’re struggling with undiagnosed pain, illness or depression. If they’re restless or much more active than usual, they may be feeling discomfort or dealing with anxiety.
Through Maven Pet’s accurate monitoring, it can alert pet tutors and even their vet in case of such irregularities (if the activity levels are significantly above or below normal). This way, they can intervene early on, which leads to more successful outcomes for our furry friends!
Track Your Dog’s Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate is a critical indicator of overall health, both in humans and pets alike. A deviation can potentially indicate stress, illness, or that a more serious cardiac or respiratory condition is at play.
An increase in respiratory rate can be an early clue that a dog may be developing heart failure and should receive medical care. It’s important to detect those signs as early as possible – the earlier the treatment begins, the higher the chances that it is successful. Additionally, more complicated treatments bring along higher costs.
Not only does Maven Pet’s smart collar track your dog’s respiratory rate daily, it does so automatically! If any significant deviations are identified, the user is immediately alerted. Therefore, the process is less prone to possible human errors, more convenient for pet parents, and can provide vets with reliable and accurate data.
Even routine tests and common procedures can be expensive – having pet insurance, such as Odie’s Illness & Injury Plan, can provide you the peace of mind of knowing you’re covered in those eventualities.
Measure Itchiness and Water Intake
Itchiness (pruritus, or that irritating feeling that makes you want to scratch your skin) is another sign that something could be going on with your dog. It comes in a number of ways, with or without other noticeable skin changes, and it can affect small areas or cover the whole body. Excessive scratching in dogs is commonly associated with allergies and other skin conditions.
Sudden changes in water consumption can also hint at infections, renal, metabolic or other health issues. An increased water intake is often an early indicator that something is wrong.
Maven Pet’s technology helps you keep track of your dog’s scratching habits and drinking patterns. It monitors how often your dog scratches themselves, alerting you to any irregularities and making it possible to identify allergy flare-ups or other possible skin conditions before they’re even noticeable. Similarly, it monitors their water consumption and helps you understand whether your pet’s water intake level is normal or unusually high/low – alerting you if that’s the case.
Having both of these indicators monitored 24/7, even when you’re not present or at night while you’re sleeping, can be invaluable to identify problems as soon as possible and prevent further complications. Maven Pet’s monitoring capabilities along with one of Odie’s insurance plans can help ensure that you’re prepared to deal with any unexpected health issues your pet may face at the best possible time.
Conclusion
So, “How do I know if my dog is healthy?” you ask. Closely monitoring these three essential health metrics is a great start! Activity levels, respiratory rate, and signs like itchiness or changes in water intake can provide valuable insights into your dog’s well-being. These indicators are often the first clues when something is off, enabling timely interventions that can make a big difference in your pet’s health outcomes.
The Maven Pet smart collar offers a seamless solution for keeping track of these vital signs. With 24/7 monitoring, it keeps you informed about your dog’s physical activity, respiratory health, and any unusual changes in behavior, all without interrupting your busy schedule. This proactive approach to health monitoring can alert you to potential issues before they become serious, giving you peace of mind and helping your dog live a healthier life.
Pairing Maven Pet’s innovative technology with a comprehensive plan like Odie Pet Insurance provides an added layer of security. This ensures you’re prepared to handle unexpected veterinary costs, making it easier to provide the best care possible when it matters most. At the same time, this combination lets you take a proactive approach to your dog’s health, helping you ensure they’re happy and healthy!
