Dickerson Oxton - March 2022

DOG AND CAT GADGETS ARE HITTING THE MARKET Wearable Tech … for Your Pet?

Shamrock and Roll HOWTO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN KANSAS CITY

If you don’t have a smartwatch or fitness tracker, you almost certainly know someone who does. Wearable tech is big business. Companies have already introduced options for adults and kids, and the next frontier is tech for your pet. Pet wearables are already on the market, and consumers have shown a willingness to spend money on their furry companions. So, what does pet tech do — and is it worth your money?

Kansas City has a long and rich connection to the Irish, dating back to the 1800s. During the 19th century, millions of Irish citizens migrated to the U.S., and many of them ended up right here in KC. It’s therefore fitting that our town knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right. If you’re looking to wet your whistle, you probably don’t need our help finding one of the many local Irish pubs where you can get a drink. But what if you’re looking for more family-friendly fare? We’ve got you covered. SNAKE SATURDAY Kick off the festivities early with this North Kansas City tradition. This annual parade has long been a hub of family fun. The event, planned for March 12 (the week before St. Patrick’s Day), was on hiatus for the A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often upends a person’s life after an accident. These injuries can happen due to a car accident, blow to the head, fall, act of violence, or many other circumstances. TBIs can also result in secondary brain injuries, which may not emerge until hours or days after the original injury. They are invisible to the naked eye but can cause just as much damage. A primary brain injury occurs as a direct result of trauma. TBIs can result from a blow to the head or a rapid forward and backward movement that shakes the brain inside the skull. Some TBIs are closed brain Their Causes and Lo SECONDARY BR

A missing pet is every owner’s worst nightmare, and sadly, many animals don’t make it home safe. Microchipping has become common, but a standard chip only assists if someone else finds your pet and brings them to a vet or shelter. Wearable GPS technology, however, tells you how to find Fido now. With a small device, owners can constantly monitor their pets’ locations and quickly find their whereabouts if they get lost. Most pet GPS trackers also serve as activity monitors. Owners of outdoor cats can keep tabs on where they’re spending their time and whether they might be encountering dangerous situations. You can also learn whether your pet is getting enough exercise or if you need to increase their playtime. It’s fun to see a map of where your cat has been — but seeing the world through their eyes is even better. Pet cameras attach to animals’ collars and record everything from their point of view. If you regularly leave your pet in someone else’s care, the camera can function as a safety device to ensure they’re being treated properly — and that you’re getting your money’s worth. Wearables for your pet also provide convenience. For households with multiple pets, there are now food and water bowls that dispense only when a certain microchip is present. And a pet sensor for your doggie door is practical if you want the dog to go in and out of the house without bringing along other animals. If you’re worried about your pet’s safety, investing in one of these devices can give you peace of mind — money well spent. But if you’re just curious about how many steps your cat takes each day or hate getting up to feed the dog, it might be worth waiting. As they become more commonplace, pet wearables, like their human counterparts, will eventually decrease in price.

injuries, where the cranium is not pierced, while others are penetrating brain injuries, which create an open head wound. All TBIs can have profound effects. Some may be temporary, while others may be permanent.

A secondary brain injury is a side effect of the primary brain injury. TBIs can cause swelling, bleeding, or bruising. These responses can generate additional damage to the brain, resulting in secondary injury. Some symptoms include vision problems, memory loss, personality changes, seizures, persistent and severe headaches, and trouble sleeping.

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