Dog bed uses vibration technology to tackle post-lockdown anxiety in dogs
After experiencing the impact and distress of separation anxiety experienced by her family dog, a student has designed a dog bed that uses vibration therapy to help keep dogs calm.
Claudine Khalil, 21, says that when her family went back to their workplaces and she returned to university after the lockdown, her family dog Toffee, a Cavachon was so distressed it destroyed furniture as well as barking and howling constantly.
“I found it so upsetting seeing how much separation anxiety affected my dog after it became so used to us being home all the time during lockdown,” said Claudine from London, Westminster who is studying BSc Product Design at Nottingham Trent University.
“This experience inspired me to try and design something that would be able to reduce tension and stress in dogs when they struggle with solitude as a result of their owners being away from the home.”
Research shows that our pets have experienced a period of ‘hyperattachment’ during the lockdown period of the pandemic and as such are at much greater risk of separation anxiety.
The dog bed Claudine has designed features vibration technology, which utilises a sensory stimulation approach to destress and promote a calming effect in dogs. This is achieved by a vibrating box which is inserted through a zipper in the side of the bed and is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
In addition to the vibration therapy, the bed also features a memory foam padding and temperature regulation to further soothe the dog, with a changeable reflective foil layer that can be added for heat during winter or a self-cooling gel layer for the summer.
Claudine’s research included consulting with the RSPCA which said it was experiencing increased numbers of calls from owners whose dogs were exhibiting separation anxiety and very undesirable behaviour.
Her research also led her to work alongside a dog behavioural specialist as well as running a focus group with dog owners whose dogs were all experiencing separation anxiety post-lockdown.
As part of the continued development of the product it will also feature a companion phone app which utilises pressure sensors within the dog bed to alert the owner when his or her dog is in the bed. The owner will then be able to use the app wherever they are to select from a range of vibration modes to soothe and relax the dog.
Claudine, of the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, said: “I wanted to create a product which would not only help address separation anxiety experienced by dogs but also a way for owners to feel more connected to their dogs despite being away from the home.”
“Having a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, I know exactly how distressing it can be for dogs but also, their owners. I hope that my product can help dogs associate solitude with a time of relaxation and a safe space when they experience distress.”
Claudine’s product will be on display at the Art & Design Student Showcase from Saturday 28 May until Wednesday 1 June.
Product Design Senior Lecturer Dr Joseph Stewart said: “Claudine has shown how good research can inform good design.”
“Through speaking with real dog owners and specialists she identified a need for a product that can help keep dogs more calm at home and her dog bed seeks to do exactly that.”