Pet Cameras: Do Dogs Watch And Care?

Pet cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your furry friend while you're out of the house. They can help you monitor your pet's health, moderate their behaviour, and engage with them remotely.

Pet cameras can also help you discover and address separation anxiety in your pet. For example, if your dog has an injury, a camera can help you keep an eye on them to make sure they're safe.

Some pet cameras have features such as laser pointers, treat dispensers, and two-way audio. However, it's important to note that some of these interactive elements can do more harm than good and cause stress for your pet.

When choosing a pet camera, consider factors such as resolution, field of view, two-way communication, Wi-Fi connection, notification alerts, treat dispensers, and price.

How do pet cameras work?

Pet cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your furry friend while you're away from home. They can help ease separation anxiety for both you and your pet, and some even let you give them treats!

Most pet cameras work in a similar way. They connect to your phone via a companion app, allowing you to monitor your pet and control the camera remotely. You can usually adjust the camera angle and zoom settings through the app, and some cameras can even be moved around your home remotely.

Pet cameras typically have motion detection and sound detection features, which can send alerts to your phone when your pet is moving around or making noise. Some cameras can differentiate between human and animal movement, and some can even detect when your pet is looking directly at the camera.

Many pet cameras also offer two-way audio, allowing you to hear your pet and speak to them through the camera's speaker. Some cameras take this a step further with two-way video, so your pet can see you on a screen.

Some pet cameras have interactive features like laser pointers and treat dispensers, which can be controlled remotely through the app. These features can provide entertainment for your pet and help ease their anxiety, although experts caution that they may also cause confusion or stress for some animals.

When choosing a pet camera, consider factors such as video quality, audio quality, motion and sound detection capabilities, interactive features, and storage options for recorded footage.

Overall, pet cameras are a great way to keep tabs on your four-legged friend and ensure they're safe and happy while you're away.

Are pet cameras worth it?

Pet cameras can be a great way to keep an eye on your furry friend while you're away from home. They can help ease separation anxiety for both you and your pet, and even help you identify any potential health or behavioural issues.

Some pet cameras offer features such as two-way audio, night vision, motion detection, and treat dispensers, which can be used to reward or comfort your pet while you're not there. However, some experts caution that interactive features like treat dispensers and laser pointers may do more harm than good, potentially causing weight gain or anxiety in your pet.

When choosing a pet camera, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. Basic streaming cameras can be a low-cost option, while more sophisticated cameras with features like cloud storage and AI capabilities will be pricier. If you already have a home security system, you may be able to use that to monitor your pet without incurring additional costs.

Overall, pet cameras can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you have a pet with separation anxiety, or if you're away from home for extended periods. They can provide peace of mind and help you stay connected to your furry friend, no matter where you are.

How much do pet cameras cost?

The cost of pet cameras varies depending on the features included. Basic security cameras that can be used to monitor pets, such as the TP-Link Tapo Indoor/Outdoor Home Security Wi-Fi Camera C120, can be purchased for around $40. On the other hand, pet-specific cameras with features like treat launchers, sound detection, and laser pointers can cost upwards of $200. For example, the Furbo 360° Dog Camera, which offers two-way audio, night vision, and a treat dispenser, typically retails for around $210.

There are also pet cameras that fall somewhere in between these price points. The Eufy Indoor Cam C120, which offers high-quality video, multiple storage options, and pet-specific features, usually costs around $55. Similarly, the Petcube Play 2, which has a built-in laser toy, two-way audio, and night vision, is priced at around $170.

It's important to note that some pet cameras may require additional fees for cloud storage or subscription services, so it's essential to consider these potential extra costs when deciding on a budget for a pet camera.

How do you train your pet to react to a pet camera?

Pet cameras can be a great way to monitor your furry friend while you're away from home, and some even allow you to give them treats! But how do you train your pet to react to the camera? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Start Slow and Generate Positive Associations

Introduce the camera slowly to your pet, especially if they are a rescue animal with possibly negative experiences with cameras. Hold the camera in your lap and click the shutter button, rewarding your pet for a lack of fearful reaction. Progress to holding the camera at different angles and positions, always rewarding them for their calm behaviour. This helps to create a positive association between the camera and treats or praise.

Use the Shutter Sound as a Marker

Use the sound of the shutter as an "audible marker" to indicate to your pet that a treat will follow shortly. This is similar to clicker training and helps your pet understand that the camera is not something to be feared.

Be Mindful of Treat Placement

When treating your pet, always make sure the treat comes from the direction of the camera when it's up near your face. This helps to direct their gaze towards the camera, creating a stronger association.

Desensitisation and Positive Reinforcement

With time and patience, your pet will likely become desensitised to the sound of the shutter click, eventually associating it with positive feelings, treats, and praise. Be sure to keep training sessions short, especially in the beginning, and always make it a rewarding experience for your pet.

Mix Up Your Routine

Avoid making your photo sessions with your pet too routine. Change up the locations, times of day, and scenarios to keep things interesting for your pet. This will help them associate camera time with fun and new experiences, rather than a boring chore.

Make it High Reward

Use treats that your pet absolutely loves and only give them these special treats during photo sessions. This will help to increase their motivation and cooperation during shoots.

Keep it Interesting

In addition to changing up locations and times, try to make the photo sessions fun and interesting for your pet. Instead of always asking them to pose, capture candid moments and explore new places together. This will take the pressure off and allow them to relax and be themselves in front of the camera.

By following these tips, you can help train your pet to react positively to a pet camera, making it a fun and rewarding experience for both of you!

What are the best pet cameras?

Pet cameras can be a great way to monitor your furry friend while you're away from home. They can also be used to help diagnose behavioural issues, such as barking or destructive habits, and even help with separation anxiety.

Furbo 360 Dog Camera

The Furbo 360 Dog Camera is a popular choice, offering a sharp 1080p video with night vision and the ability to pan a full 360 degrees. It also has a treat dispenser and two-way audio, so you can talk to your pet and give them a reward. The Furbo 360 is easy to set up and can be controlled via a user-friendly mobile app. It does require a subscription for some features, such as cloud storage and additional alerts, but the basic barking alerts are free.

Eufy Indoor Cam C120

The Eufy Indoor Cam C120 is an affordable and versatile option, offering high-quality video, multiple storage options, and useful pet-specific features. It can distinguish between people and pets, and you can set activity zones and sensitivity levels to reduce the number of unnecessary alerts. The Eufy Indoor Cam is easy to set up and can be controlled with a straightforward app. It also offers three storage options: local storage with a microSD card, cloud storage with a paid subscription, or network-attached storage (NAS).

Petcube Bites 2 Lite

The Petcube Bites 2 Lite is a more affordable alternative to the Furbo 360, offering similar features such as treat tossing and 1080p video. It can also notify you of motion and sound events and start recording automatically with a premium subscription. However, it can be a little slow to connect to the app, and it doesn't have the same panning capabilities as the Furbo 360.

TP-Link Tapo C120 2K

The TP-Link Tapo C120 2K is another budget-friendly option, offering sharp 2K video quality, motion detection, and sound alerts. It has a compact size and flexible neck for easy positioning, and you can store footage locally or on the cloud with a subscription. The Tapo app is user-friendly and makes it easy to access the live feed and various features.

Google Nest Cam (Indoor, Wired)

The Google Nest Cam is a sleek and sturdy option that integrates well with other Nest devices. It has dedicated pet-detection features and can distinguish between people, animals, vehicles, and general motion. It offers seamless smart-home integration with Google Home, but it is more expensive than some other options and lacks microSD storage. Cloud storage requires a subscription to Google's Nest Aware service.

Frequently asked questions