best dog cameras
Pet owners love spending time with their dogs, but there are plenty of times when you have to leave your four-legged friend at home alone. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog does while you’re working, running errands, or visiting friends, adding a dog camera to your home is an easy and convenient way to keep track of what Fido is up to when you’re not around.
A dog camera is a particularly ideal option for any pet owner whose dog suffers from separation anxiety because you can not only monitor your dog’s behavior but also communicate with him to help keep him calm. If your dog is ill or recuperating from an injury, you can also check that she’s all right when you can’t see her in person.
To really keep track of your pooch, you have to choose the right dog camera. That means deciding what resolution you need, what angles you prefer, and how user-friendly the app should be. Considering the number of dog cameras there are to choose from, sorting through the options can be confusing.
Key considerations
Resolution and viewing angle
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Resolution: The first thing to determine when shopping for a dog camera is what resolution you need. If you only want to check in on your dog and see where he is, you might not need the highest-quality resolution. If you want to be sure Fido’s not eating anything he shouldn’t be, you’ll probably want a better resolution. For general viewing, a dog camera that offers 720p resolution works well. If you want to see in greater detail, opt for a dog camera that provides Full HD 1080p resolution.
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Viewing angle: Consider the camera’s viewing angle, too. If your dog tends to stay in one spot for most of the day, a narrow angle is probably sufficient. However, if you have a puppy who’s bouncing all around the room, you’ll likely prefer a wider angle to make sure she stays out of trouble.
App
If you want to monitor your dog in real time when you’re away from home, your dog camera should offer a live-streaming option. That means the camera must have a connected smartphone app so you can watch your dog no matter where you are. Some camera apps also send you alerts based on motion or sound detection, so you don’t necessarily have to be watching the feed to find out if your dog is in trouble.
Dog camera features
Adjustability
If you want to be able to keep track of your dog no matter where he is in your home, choose a camera that offers the ability to adjust the picture that it records.
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Zoom: Some dog cameras can zoom, allowing you to look closer at a specific area where your dog may be. A zoom feature can be helpful if you catch your dog eating or chewing something and you want to know exactly what it is.
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Pan and tilt: Some dog cameras can pan and tilt, enabling you to adjust the camera angle to get a better view of an area the camera might not normally capture. These features are handy for when you notice your dog reacting to something and you want to pan over to the window or door to see what has her attention. If you choose a camera that doesn’t pan or tilt, make sure that it has a wide-angle lens to capture as much of the room as possible.
Two-way audio
If you want to be able to interact with your dog through your camera, it’s important to choose a model with two-way audio. This type of camera is equipped with both a microphone and a speaker, allowing you to speak to your dog through the camera’s app on your smartphone or other device. With the two-way audio, you can reassure a dog who’s suffering from separation anxiety or tell your dog to get off the furniture. Choose a camera with a high-quality speaker and noise-cancelling microphone to make sure your dog can hear you clearly. You want to reassure, not agitate, your pooch.
Night vision
Your dog may not always be home alone during the day when there’s plenty of light for clear camera images. For those occasions when your dog is home alone at night, it helps to have a camera with night vision. This allows you to see your dog even if the lighting conditions in your home are poor. Most cameras offer only black-and-white night vision, but you’ll see be able to see your pet clearly enough in a darkened room.
Motion and sound detection
Some dog cameras are equipped with motion and sound detectors, which means you’ll get an alert on your smartphone or other device when your dog moves or makes a noise near the camera. If you’re interested in sound detection, opt for a camera that allows you to adjust the sound levels it picks up or you could get an alert every time your dog scratches his ear.
Treat dispensing
If you want to distract your pooch from the fact that she’s alone, you may prefer a dog camera with a treat dispenser. Fill the camera’s treat compartment with your dog’s favorite snack and use the camera’s app to dispense a treat to reward good behavior or calm your dog. Some cameras allow you to set a schedule for dispensing treats. Your dog can stay busy waiting to see when she’ll get her next snack rather than worrying about when you’ll be home.
Memory
If you can’t monitor your pet as carefully as you’d like, choose a dog camera with ample memory so you can store videos to look at when you have time. Some models have internal flash memory that isn’t expandable, so you’ll be limited in how many videos you can store. Other cameras accept an SD memory card, so you can choose the size you prefer and replace it as it gets full. You can also find dog cameras that offer cloud storage for videos, though you may have to pay a monthly fee for the service.
Dog camera prices
Dog cameras vary in price based on resolution, audio, and other special features. Most models range from $33 to $380.
Inexpensive
Most low-cost dog cameras offer 720p resolution and don’t provide two-way audio, but some have night vision and motion detection. These models, which typically cost between $33 and $100, are ideal if you only want a camera to check on your dog occasionally.
Mid-range
Most of these dog cameras have 720p resolution, but some can provide high-definition 1080p resolution. Many have two-way audio, as well as night vision and motion detection. Some even dispense treats. These cameras, which range from $100 to $250, are a good option if your dog has some mild separation anxiety issues and you want to be able to interact with her throughout the day.
Expensive
The priciest dog cameras offer 1080p HD resolution for extremely clear images, two-way audio, night vision, motion, and sound detection, and treat dispensing capabilities, and they’re equipped with two-way video, so your dog can see you, too. These cameras range from $250 to $380 and are ideal if your dog has severe separation anxiety.
Tips
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Let your dog sniff and check out the camera. Before setting up the dog camera, let your pet check it out. If your dog is familiar with the device, he’s less likely to disrupt or damage it when you’re not around.
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Monitor other pets, too. While the cameras may be marketed as dog cameras, you can use them to monitor any pet in your home, including cats.
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Don’t scold your dog for past bad behavior. If you observe your dog doing something naughty and the camera doesn’t have two-way audio, don’t scold your pet when you get home. She won’t understand what you’re reprimanding her for. Wait until she engages in the behavior in front of you to discipline her.
- Use treats to ease a pet’s separation anxiety. If your dog has separation anxiety, use the camera to dispense a treat when you observe him acting calmly and confidently when he’s left alone.
FAQ
Q. Why should I get a dog camera?
A. If your dog experiences separation anxiety, a camera allows you to interact with him and offer reassurance when you’re away from home. If your dog engages in destructive behavior like chewing the furniture, a camera enables you to watch for the behavior and correct it as it happens. On the other hand, if your dog is behaving, you can praise the appropriate behavior. If your dog has health issues, you’ll have peace of mind if you can monitor his condition while you’re away.
Q. Where is the best spot to place a dog camera?
A. You should position a dog camera in the main area of the house where your dog tends to hang out. Set it up in a spot where it can take in as much of the room as possible, but check the angle to see what the visibility actually is before leaving your dog alone for the first time.
Q. Do dog cameras include a warranty?
A. Many dog cameras do include warranty protection, but it varies from model to model. Most warranties offer a year of protection, which covers manufacturing and hardware defects but not damage that results from accidents or misuse.
