Dogs Might Soon Be Able to Call Their Owners With New Technology

Leaving pets at home can be tough for both dogs and their humans, but Scottish scientists are working on a surprising solution. Researchers at Glasgow University, led by Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, have created a “DogPhone” that allows dogs to start video calls with their owners whenever they’re left alone.

The technology involves an electronic ball that her Labrador, Zack, can trigger to connect with her laptop. This lets him initiate a video call when he wants to check in, while Hirskyj-Douglas can also call him back. The innovation is part of the Animal-Computer Interaction Group’s experiments in helping animals engage with modern communication tools.

Her team isn’t stopping with dogs. They’ve tested touchscreen systems for parrots to call each other and created zoo technology where monkeys, lemurs, and giraffes can activate sounds, scents, or video projections for enrichment. In one study, 26 parrots used a touchscreen to video chat with other birds, showing the potential for interspecies connection across distances.

Still, not everyone is convinced. Veterinarians caution that while a DogPhone could reduce separation anxiety, it may also bring drawbacks. Dr. Bethany Hsia of CodaPet warns that screen-based interaction can’t replace real-world experiences and might even harm a dog’s health if it leads to compulsive behaviors or too much sedentary time. Similarly, Dr. Liza Cahn at Embrace Pet Insurance notes that dogs rely on smell and touch more than sight, meaning video calls may benefit owners more than their pups.

Until the science is clearer, experts recommend simpler ways to ease separation: ensuring dogs are walked, fed, hydrated, and entertained before being left alone. Puzzle toys, crate training, and calming background noise can all help.

The idea of dogs dialing up their humans mid-workday is both adorable and futuristic, but for now, old-fashioned playtime, love, and care remain the best ways to Support our four-legged companions. Technology may one day bridge the gap, but nothing beats real connection when it comes to life with dogs.

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