Emotional studies in dogs and cats and their estimation techniques: an engineering perspective

Abstract

Dogs and cats have exceptionally developed sensory systems and abilities to recognize human signals and emotional states. It makes them invaluable in roles such as working dogs and therapy animals in human society. Understanding each other's emotional state is essential to working with them effectively. However, the low accuracy of human emotional estimation in dogs and cats is a significant issue. Due to individual differences and cognitive biases affecting human subjective assessments, automatic emotional estimation is crucial. To address this issue, there is a demand for automated emotional estimation technology. This paper provides an overview of emotional research in dogs and cats, their senses, and their roles in interaction with humans. In addition, we described automated emotional estimation technology using image/video and electrocardiography as a complement to human ability for emotional recognition of dogs and cats, and its applications for implementation. Practical implementation of automated emotional estimation technology should be adaptable to different breeds, individuals, and environmental conditions. Improving this technology has the potential to contribute to various fields, including pet welfare enhancement, veterinary care, ethology, and support for humans with dogs or cats.