Last Updated on 22/09/2026 by PetSmartify Editorial Team
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Dogs can’t tell us when something feels different. Health-monitoring technology can help us keep an eye on things we can’t easily observe ourselves, such as changes in activity, sleep, heart rate or breathing patterns. These devices aren’t a replacement for veterinary care or a way to diagnose your dog at home. They’re best used to establish normal patterns and help you notice changes worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Table of Contents
What Can a Dog Health Monitor Track?
Dog health monitors can do much more than simply count steps. Depending on the device, they can track everything from daily activity and sleep to heart rate and respiratory patterns. This information can help you understand your dog’s normal routines and spot changes that may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.
Not every device tracks all of these measurements, so it’s important to check exactly what a health monitor offers before choosing one.
❤️ Heart & Cardiovascular Data
Some of the more advanced dog health monitors can measure resting heart rate and other cardiovascular metrics, giving you a picture of your dog’s normal heart activity over time.
Certain devices may also track heart-rate variability (HRV) or provide alerts when measurements differ significantly from your dog’s usual patterns. Rather than treating these readings as a diagnosis, they can provide useful information to help you identify changes that may warrant further attention.
🫁 Respiratory Rate
Some advanced health monitors can track your dog’s resting respiratory rate, or how many breaths they take while resting.
Monitoring this over time can help establish what’s normal for your individual dog. A noticeable or persistent change from their usual pattern can be useful information to share with your veterinarian.
😴 Sleep
Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping, but their sleep patterns can change with age, activity levels, stress and other factors.
Health monitors can track things such as sleep duration, periods of rest and changes in sleep patterns, helping you see how well your dog is resting and whether their routine changes over time.
🐕 Activity & Mobility
Activity tracking is one of the most common features you’ll find in dog health monitors.
Depending on the device, you may be able to monitor:
- Daily activity levels
- Exercise and movement
- Rest periods
- Distance travelled
- Calories burned
- Changes in mobility
This can be particularly useful for monitoring exercise routines, weight-management goals or changes in activity as your dog gets older.
🧠 Behaviour
Some devices go beyond basic activity tracking to identify changes in behaviour or daily routines.
Depending on the technology, this may include monitoring patterns such as restlessness, scratching, barking, sleep disruption or changes in normal activity. These trends can give you a better picture of how your dog behaves when you’re not watching them, although they shouldn’t be treated as a diagnosis of anxiety or another behavioural condition.
⚖️ Weight & Fitness
Some health-monitoring systems can help with weight and fitness management by combining activity data with information about your dog’s weight, age, breed and daily routine.
Tracking activity and calorie expenditure over time can help you determine whether your dog is getting an appropriate amount of exercise and make it easier to monitor progress toward a healthy weight.
📊 Long-Term Trends
Perhaps one of the most useful aspects of a health monitor is the ability to look beyond a single day’s reading. Instead of asking “How active was my dog today?”, you can start seeing patterns over weeks or months.
For example, you may notice that your dog’s activity has gradually decreased, their sleep routine has changed, or their resting measurements are consistently different from their usual baseline. Having this information recorded can also give you something concrete to discuss with your veterinarian.
Remember: health-monitoring devices are tools for observation and tracking, not replacements for veterinary care. Their accuracy and features vary between products, and unusual readings should be interpreted in context rather than used to diagnose a health condition.
Our Top Dog Health Monitoring Devices
1. FitBark 2
Best for:
Pet owners who want to monitor their dog’s activity, sleep and wellness patterns without paying a recurring subscription.
The FitBark 2 is a lightweight pet health monitor designed to track your dog’s activity, sleep and overall wellness around the clock to help you understand your dog’s normal routines and spot changes over time.
✅ Features:
- 24/7 Activity & Behavior Tracking
Continuously monitors your dog’s activity levels, sleep quality, distance travelled, calorie burn, and overall behaviour. You can compare your dog’s stats against similar dogs based on breed, age, and weight, helping you set realistic health and fitness goals.
- Early Health Insights (Without Being Overly Complex)
Tracks changes in mobility, sleep patterns, and behaviour using the FitBark Health Index and Sleep Score. These insights can help you spot early signs of discomfort, anxiety, or conditions like joint issues and skin irritation before they become more serious.
- Exceptional Battery Life & Durable Design
One of FitBark’s biggest advantages is its battery life, lasting up to 6 months on a single charge. The device is ultra-lightweight (just 10g), waterproof, and rugged enough for everyday wear, making it ideal for active dogs of all sizes.
- Monitor Mobility, Anxiety & Skin Conditions
Beyond basic fitness tracking, FitBark provides useful indicators for:- Mobility and joint health (e.g. osteoarthritis or recovery progress)
- Anxiety levels when your dog is alone
- Skin conditions through sleep disruption patterns (e.g. itching or irritation)
- Human + Pet Fitness Integration
Syncs with popular platforms like Fitbit, Apple Watch, Apple HealthKit, and Google Fit. This allows you to compare your activity levels with your dog’s, encouraging healthier habits and more consistent exercise together.
- Vet & Trainer Collaboration
You can invite your veterinarian, trainer, or family members to access your dog’s data. This makes it easier to monitor progress, adjust routines, and support training or recovery plans. - No Monthly Subscription
One of FitBark 2’s biggest advantages is that there’s no monthly subscription fee. The FitBark 2 stores your dog’s data and syncs it with the mobile app via Bluetooth, so you don’t need a cellular plan simply to monitor their health and activity.
- Scientifically Trusted & Globally Used
FitBark is used by over 100 veterinary schools and research institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the Mayo Clinic. It’s trusted by pet owners in over 140 countries, adding strong credibility to the data it provides.
⚠️ Considerations
- No Advanced Vital Sign Monitoring
Unlike more advanced devices like PetPace Smart Health Collar, FitBark does not track detailed vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, or respiration. It focuses more on activity and behavioural insights rather than medical-grade monitoring. - No Built-In GPS Tracking
FitBark is not designed for real-time location tracking. If GPS is important for safety or security, you’ll need a separate device or consider an all-in-one option. - Less Suitable for Serious Medical Conditions
While it can help detect early changes in behaviour or mobility, it may not provide enough detailed data for pets with chronic illnesses or those requiring close medical supervision.
2. Invoxia Biotracker
Best for:
Dog owners who want more detailed health monitoring than a basic activity tracker provides, particularly those interested in heart rate, respiratory rate, HRV and long-term health trends. It’s also a particularly interesting option if you want health monitoring and GPS tracking in one device, rather than buying separate devices for the two purposes.
– Advanced heart & respiratory monitoring
– Activity & behavior tracking
– GPS tracking & alerts
– Lightweight & waterproof
– Subscription required for advanced features
The Invoxia Biotracker combines detailed health monitoring with GPS tracking in a single collar-mounted device. Unlike basic activity trackers, it monitors your dog’s resting heart rate, respiratory rate and heart-rate variability (HRV) alongside sleep and activity. The 2026 Edition also adds real-time, second-by-second GPS tracking when the Max GPS plan is active.
✅ Key Features
- Advanced Heart & Respiratory Monitoring
The Biotracker 2026 monitors your dog’s resting heart rate, heart-rate variability (HRV), and resting respiratory rate, providing a more detailed picture of their cardiovascular and respiratory patterns than a basic activity tracker. The device can establish a personalized baseline for your dog, making it easier to identify changes from their normal patterns over time. - Sleep, Activity & Behaviour Tracking
In addition to health measurements, the Biotracker tracks your dog’s sleep, activity and movement patterns. It can also recognize certain behaviours, giving you a broader picture of how your dog spends their day. Monitoring these patterns over time can help you understand your dog’s normal routine and notice changes that may be worth discussing with your veterinarian. - Personalized Health Alerts
With the Plus or Max GPS plan, the Biotracker can establish a personalized health baseline and provide alerts when measurements such as heart rate or respiratory rate differ significantly from your dog’s usual patterns. This can help bring potentially important changes to your attention, although these alerts are intended for monitoring purposes and should not be treated as a diagnosis. - Real-Time GPS Tracking & Escape Alerts
The Max GPS plan adds real-time GPS tracking, allowing you to monitor your dog’s location remotely and receive alerts if they leave a designated safety zone. This makes the Biotracker unusual among health monitors because it can combine detailed health information with location tracking in a single device. - Health Reports & Long-Term Trends
The Biotracker records your dog’s health and activity data over time, allowing you to look beyond individual readings and identify longer-term patterns. Depending on your plan, you can access extended history and health reports that can be useful when discussing changes in your dog’s health with your veterinarian. - Multiple Subscription Options
One of the more unusual aspects of the Biotracker is that you don’t need a paid subscription to use its basic health-monitoring features. The free Basic plan includes heart and respiratory measurements, sleep and activity tracking, and seven days of history. The Plus plan adds advanced health features, while Max GPS adds full real-time GPS tracking and additional location and health features. - Lightweight, Waterproof Design & Long Battery Life
Designed to be worn continuously, the Biotracker 2026 is lightweight and IP67 water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday use. The battery can last up to 15 days, depending on usage and connectivity, so it doesn’t need to be charged every day like some wearable devices.
⚠️ Considerations
- Subscription Required for Full Features
While you can use the Biotracker’s core health-monitoring features without paying a monthly subscription, you’ll need a paid plan for the more advanced health analysis and full remote GPS functionality. - It’s also important to remember that health-monitoring data shouldn’t be treated as a diagnosis. The device can help you establish your dog’s normal patterns and identify changes worth discussing with your veterinarian, but unusual readings should always be interpreted in context.
3. PetPace Smart Health Collar
Best For:
Dog owners who want the most comprehensive health-monitoring system + veterinary support, particularly if you need to keep a closer eye on a senior dog, a dog with an ongoing health condition, or a dog recovering from illness, surgery or treatment.
PetPace continuously tracks vital signs such as pulse, HRV, temperature and respiratory rate, alongside activity, sleep and posture. It also provides AI-powered health insights and near real-time alerts based on your dog’s individual baseline.
✅ Key Features
- 24/7 Health Monitoring
Tracks your dog’s vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, pulse, activity, sleep, and even heart rate variability (HRV) every 2 minutes. Using AI-powered analysis, the collar can detect subtle changes that may indicate illness, pain, stress, or discomfort before symptoms become obvious. This makes it especially valuable for senior dogs, post-surgery recovery, or pets with ongoing health conditions. - Telehealth & Vet Integration (AskaVet)
Get access to licensed veterinarians 24/7 via chat or video through the built-in AskaVet feature. You can also enable remote monitoring, allowing your vet to track your dog’s health data continuously. The ability to share detailed AI-generated health reports helps your vet make faster, more accurate treatment decisions, all stored securely within the PetPace app. - GPS Tracking & Apple Watch Compatibility
Monitor your dog’s location and health data in near real-time directly from your smartphone or Apple Watch. Receive instant alerts if unusual patterns are detected in activity, rest, or behavior, helping you respond quickly if something seems off. - Advanced Health Modules for Special Conditions
Includes optional condition-specific monitoring programs such as epilepsy tracking (beta) and pregnancy monitoring. These specialized modules provide deeper insights during critical health stages, offering a more tailored and proactive approach to care. - Durable, Comfortable & Long Battery Life
Designed for everyday wear, the collar is lightweight, waterproof (IP68/IP66 rated), and available in multiple adjustable sizes to suit different breeds. The battery lasts up to 3 weeks when used indoors with Wi-Fi, reducing the need for frequent charging.
⚠️ Considerations
- Subscription Required for Full Features
While the hardware is powerful, most advanced features, including telehealth, AI insights, GPS tracking, and condition-specific monitoring are only unlocked with a paid subscription. This adds an ongoing cost that may not suit all budgets. - Limited Functionality Outside the U.S. & Canada
Some features, particularly telehealth and full app capabilities, are optimized for North America. Users in other regions may experience limited functionality, especially when relying on Wi-Fi-only support. - Higher Price Point Than Basic Health Trackers
Compared to simpler devices, PetPace is a more premium investment. However, the added medical-grade monitoring may justify the cost for pets with specific health needs.
Dog Health Monitoring Devices Comparison
| Feature | FitBark 2 | Invoxia Biotracker 2026 | PetPace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sleep monitoring | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Heart rate | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Respiratory rate | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| HRV | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Behaviour monitoring | Limited | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS tracking | ❌ | ✅* | ✅* |
| Health alerts | Wellness trends | ✅* | ✅ |
| Vet data sharing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Subscription required | ❌ | Optional | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 6 months | Up to 15 days | Up to 3 weeks** |
| Best for | Activity & wellness | Advanced health + GPS | Comprehensive health + vet support |
* Depends on the Invoxia/PetPace plan.
** Depending on PetPace configuration and usage.
Which Dog Health Monitor Should You Choose?
When choosing a device, consider factors such as:
- The dog’s breed, size, and activity level.
- The specific health concerns being addressed.
- The device’s features, accuracy, and ease of use.
- The cost and subscription fees.
Choose FitBark 2 if… you mainly want activity, sleep and wellness tracking without a subscription.
FitBark 2 is the simplest option of the three and has an exceptionally long battery life, making it a good choice for everyday monitoring without having to regularly charge or manage the device.
Choose Invoxia Biotracker if… you want heart rate, respiratory rate and HRV monitoring, with the option to add GPS.
The Biotracker sits between a basic activity monitor and a more comprehensive health-monitoring system, and you can use its basic health features without a subscription.
Choose PetPace if… you want the most comprehensive health-monitoring setup and veterinary support, particularly for a senior dog, ongoing condition or recovery.
PetPace is the most health-focused of the three, with a greater emphasis on vital signs, health alerts and sharing information with veterinary professionals.
Conclusion
Dog health monitoring devices are not a replacement for regular veterinary checkups, but they can be a valuable tool for enhancing pet care and promoting their overall well-being. By embracing this technology, we can ensure our furry companions live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Looking for a GPS Tracker Instead?
Health monitoring and GPS tracking aren’t quite the same thing. A health monitor is primarily designed to help you understand your dog’s activity, sleep and health patterns, while a GPS tracker is designed to help you locate your dog and keep track of them when they’re away from home.
Some devices, such as the Invoxia Biotracker, combine both types of technology. But if location tracking, escape alerts or keeping tabs on your dog’s whereabouts is your main priority, you’ll want to look at dedicated GPS trackers.
See our guide to the Best GPS Trackers for Dogs in 2026 →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dog health monitoring devices worth it?
They can be useful if you want to keep track of your dog’s activity, sleep, wellness patterns or vital signs over time. Rather than relying on occasional observations, a health monitor can help you establish what’s normal for your dog and make it easier to notice changes in their usual patterns.
These devices aren’t a replacement for veterinary care, but the information they collect can be useful to share with your veterinarian when you have concerns about a change in your dog’s health or behaviour.
What is the best device to monitor my dog’s health?
There isn’t one device that’s right for every dog. FitBark 2 focuses on activity, sleep and general wellness and doesn’t require a subscription. Invoxia Biotracker adds heart rate, respiratory rate and HRV monitoring, along with optional GPS tracking. PetPace provides more comprehensive health monitoring and veterinary-oriented features.
The right choice depends on whether you want basic wellness tracking, more detailed health measurements, or a more comprehensive monitoring system with veterinary support.
Can dog health monitors detect illness?
Dog health monitors cannot diagnose illness, but some can identify changes in your dog’s normal activity, sleep, heart rate or respiratory patterns.
For example, a significant change in measurements or behaviour may give you a reason to pay closer attention or contact your veterinarian. More advanced devices such as Invoxia and PetPace can monitor vital signs and provide alerts when measurements differ from your dog’s usual patterns.
These alerts should be treated as information to discuss with your veterinarian, not as a diagnosis.
Do dog health monitors track GPS location?
Some do, but GPS isn’t a standard feature on every health monitor. FitBark 2 does not include GPS. The Invoxia Biotracker 2026 combines health monitoring with GPS tracking, although its full real-time GPS functionality requires the Max GPS plan. PetPace also offers GPS/location features depending on the product and subscription plan.
Which dog health monitor is best for senior dogs?
A health monitor can be particularly useful for senior dogs because it allows you to keep track of changes in activity, sleep, mobility and other health measurements over time. For more detailed vital-sign monitoring, Invoxia Biotracker and PetPace offer features such as heart-rate and respiratory-rate monitoring that aren’t available with FitBark 2. However, the most appropriate device will depend on your dog’s individual needs and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Do dog health monitoring devices require a subscription?
It depends on the device.
– FitBark 2: No monthly subscription is required.
– Invoxia Biotracker 2026: Basic health monitoring is available without a paid subscription. Paid Plus and Max GPS plans add features such as advanced health alerts, extended history and real-time GPS tracking.
– PetPace: A subscription is required for its full range of connected health-monitoring and veterinary features.
It’s worth checking the current subscription options before buying, as the available features can vary between plans.
How long does the battery last on a dog health monitor?
Battery life varies considerably between devices.
– FitBark 2: Up to 6 months.
– Invoxia Biotracker: Up to 15 days.
– PetPace: Up to around 3 weeks, depending on usage and configuration.
If you don’t want to regularly remove and recharge the device, FitBark 2 has a significant advantage in battery life.
Can I share my dog’s health data with my veterinarian?
Yes. The ability to share health and activity information with a veterinarian can be one of the useful features of a connected health monitor. FitBark allows you to share your dog’s activity and health information with others, while Invoxia and PetPace provide more extensive health data and reporting options. PetPace also offers veterinary-oriented monitoring and telehealth features. Sharing a longer-term record of your dog’s normal patterns and any changes you’ve noticed can give your veterinarian additional information to consider alongside a physical examination.
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