A couple of years ago, Matthew Edwards' family dog had to be euthanized due to heat stroke. This inspired the South Carolina-based engineer to ensure that other dogs not meet the same fate – the result is the Dawg Tag core temperature-sensing harness.
Currently in prototype form, the Dawg Tag contains multiple sensors that measure the dog's body temperature at several locations. An onboard microprocessor utilizes custom algorithms to combine these readings, in order to determine the animal's current core temperature – according to Edwards, his system provides a much more accurate figure than existing collars that only measure skin temperature at the neck.
The device also measures air humidity, which plays a key role in how quickly overheating can occur. Both that figure and the core temperature are displayed on a screen on the neoprene harness' water-resistant electronics module – a color-coding system lets owners know when their pet is approaching the danger zone.
The module also contains the system's USB-rechargeable battery, the charge level of which is displayed on the screen.
In the current form of the technology, users have to periodically go over to their dog and check the reading on the Dawg Tag by looking at it. Edwards tells us that down the road, however, it's possible that the system could wirelessly alert users to impending heat stroke via an app on their smartphone.
Should you be interested, the Dawg Tag is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$120 (which is 40 percent off the estimated retail price) will get you a unit, when and if it reaches production.
There's more information in the following video.
Source: Kickstarter