Project Title: Smart Heat Sensor Monitor for Dog Safety

Objective:

This project aims to design and build a smart heat sensor monitoring system to protect dogs in the Texas Panhandle’s extreme heat conditions. The device will monitor temperature and humidity around dogs and send alerts to prevent heat stress or heatstroke, ensuring their safety.

Overview:

Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, where temperatures can be scorching, I’ve seen firsthand how the heat can affect our furry friends. Dogs, especially outdoor pets, are at risk of heat-related illnesses during hot summer days. This project combines my love for dogs and problem-solving to create a smart solution that monitors environmental conditions and keeps pets safe. The device leverages IoT (Internet of Things) technology to continuously measure temperature and humidity, alerting owners when it’s time to bring their dogs to a safer environment.

Features:

• Heat and Humidity Monitoring: Tracks real-time environmental conditions around the dog.
• Threshold Alerts: Sends warnings via a mobile app or text when conditions become unsafe.
• Battery Operated: Portable and rechargeable for everyday use, especially during outdoor activities.
• Data Logging: Stores historical data to identify trends, helping owners plan safer times for outdoor play.
• Compact Design: Lightweight, comfortable for pets, and easy to use.

Technology Stack:

• Sensors: Temperature and humidity sensors for accurate readings.
• Microcontroller: Arduino or Raspberry Pi to process data and enable communication.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for pairing with a mobile app.
• Mobile App: Intuitive interface to display conditions and send alerts.

Impact:

Living in the Texas Panhandle, where extreme temperatures are part of life, this project is designed to protect pets and raise awareness about the importance of monitoring environmental conditions. It ensures that pet owners can act proactively, minimizing the risk of heat-related health problems for their dogs.

Applications:

• Personal use for pet owners in the Panhandle.
• Deployment in local dog daycare centers and kennels.
• Use during outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or family outings.

Why It Matters to Me:

As a high school student who loves dogs and wants to make a difference in my community, I hope this project shows how technology can solve everyday challenges. Protecting pets in our region is just one example of how we can apply innovation to make the world a better place—starting right here in the Panhandle.

Example Costs and Tools:

• Temperature and Humidity Sensor: DHT22 or DHT11 Sensor, Cost: $10–$15
• Microcontroller: Arduino Uno or ESP32, Cost: $15–$25
• Battery Pack: 18650 Lithium-Ion Battery with Charger Module, Cost: $10–$20
• Display (Optional): OLED Display (128×64 resolution), Cost: $8–$15
• Enclosure/Case: Custom 3D-Printed Case or Waterproof Project Box, Cost: $10–$20
• Connectivity Module (if using Arduino Uno): ESP8266 Wi-Fi Module or HC-05 Bluetooth Module, Cost: $5–$10
• Miscellaneous Components: Resistors, wires, soldering kit, breadboard, and connectors, Cost: $15–$20
• Charging and Power Regulation: USB Battery Charger Board (TP4056) and Voltage Regulator, Cost: $5–$10
• Arduino IDE: Programming environment for microcontroller development, Cost: Free
• Mobile App Development Software: Tools like MIT App Inventor or Flutter, Cost: Free
• Cloud Platform (Optional for data storage): Platforms like Firebase or Thingspeak, Cost: Free tier available; paid plans start at $5/month
• Data Visualization Software (Optional): Python libraries such as Matplotlib and Seaborn, Cost: Free