Have you ever wondered what your dog gets up to when you’re not around?
No matter how attached we are to our four-legged companions, there comes a time when fur-babies find themselves home alone.
Whether you’re at the office, running errands, or enjoying date night, a dog camera can be a handy tool for any pet owner.
However, with so many puppy cameras out there which one is the best option?
Don’t worry, we prepared this guide to precisely answer that question and save you time and money.
In this guide we’re covering what to watch out for when picking a dog camera and reviewing the top 4 in the UK.
Don’t have the time to read the whole guide? No worries. Here are the top 3 dog cameras our experts choose:
Our top picks
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Best Dog Cameras
Before we dive into the details of how to pick the best one and what to watch out for, here are our top picks for best dog cameras in the UK.
This dog camera has a great feature called the treat-tosser. If you’ve ever wished you could reward or excite your dog with treats while you’re away, now you can.
This feature allows you to give your pet incremental treats to look forward to in your absence. It’s also a way to commend good behaviour in real time.
The treat tosser is also something of a game for your dog, because rather than simply dispensing the biscuit, the Furbo throws it across the room. This is great fun for dogs who love fetch and need physical stimulation when you’re away.
The Furbo Dog Camera with full HD and wifi includes 2-way audio so you can communicate with your dog and monitor any vocalisations he might be making when left alone.
You’ll be able to detect not only barking, but whining, crying, and whimpering as well. This will give you a good idea of your dog’s mental state when left on his own. If the secret life of your dog involves yapping, you’ll get specific notifications called Barking Alerts to your mobile device.
With this camera, you’ll also have a full HD 160-degree wide-angle view of your furry friend. Check his activities, good and bad, day and night.
Because the Furbo Dog Camera is compatible with Alexa, you can add voice control by combining this monitor with a screen Alexa device. If you’re looking for the best dog treat camera, Furbo might be a great selection for you.
Features
- Automatic biscuit tosser
- 160-degree wide angle view
- Full HD and Wifi
What we liked
- Tosses treats
- 2-Way Audio
- Specially designed just for dogs
- Compatible with Alexa
- Barking alerts
Didn't like
- May not connect using mobile data
- Pricey
The Clever Dog Smart Surveillance Camera delivers audio and video alerts to your smart phone or tablet.
Conveniently, this monitor doesn't require Wifi. You can successfully connect with your 4G or 3G network. This is a tremendous advantage because many puppy cameras only connect with Wifi and users are in the dark when they’re depending on mobile data.
If you’re looking for simplicity in setup, this camera might be a good option. Just plug it in using your 5G wall charger and install the app.
Although it doesn’t rotate, this camera offers a wide view of your home. You’ll receive video and audio alerts directly to your smartphone with the Clever Dog Camera.
The quality of the picture is superior and the camera includes motion detection.
By inserting a micro card, you capture still photos and record video. The night mode offers a clear look even in low-light and dark environments.
If you’re not terribly tech savvy, the Clever Dog Camera is an option that probably won’t cause you any grief. It’s designed for ease of use and no-hassle installation.
And if price is a concern, it comes at a fraction of the cost you’ll see with other pet cameras. Because it’s so inexpensive, you can install one in each room should you so desire.
All in all, Clever Dog is a no-fuss pet monitor that allows you to communicate with your dog and keep an eye on his behaviour night & day.
Features
- Can run on your mobile network or Wifi
- Easy plug-in
- Automatic video alerts
- Motion Detection
What we liked
- Delivers video & audio alerts to your smartphone
- Easy setup
- Night vision capable
- Motion Detection
Didn't like
- The mount can be a challenge to install
- Emits a slight buzzing noise
The Neos Smart Cam is made even more effective due to its compatibility with Alexa screen devices.
Once Neos is installed, you can ask Alexa to show you various rooms in your house to keep an eye on your dog’s activities.
When noise or motion are detect, you receive a 12-second video clip alert. This goes for evening too, when Neos infrared LEDs can record up to 9 meters in the dark.
For ease of installation, this dog monitor with magnetic base attaches to any metal surface. You can also mount to a wall using the metal plate and adhesive pad that come with the camera.
It includes full HD livestream and digital zoom so you can effectively and efficiently observe your dog while you’re away from the house.
Video is stored for up to 14 days and you can download particularly funny or cute video clips to your phone.
The Neos is small and sleek with a simple design. If you’re looking for a straightforward pet monitor that provides both audio and video information, Neos might be a good choice to observe your dog’s mysterious secret life.
Features
- 12-second video clip alerts
- Full HD livestream
- Digital Zoom
- Stores video up to 2 weeks
What we liked
- Compatible with Alexa
- Night vision capable
- 2-way audio
- Motion & noise detector
Didn't like
- Installation requires a lot of personal information
- Not suitable for outdoor use
TOOGE Pet Camera is compatible with your iOS or Android smart phone or tablet.
It tracks the motions of your dog in real-time so you can monitor his activity, behaviour and vocalisations.
Infrared LEDs make night video possible with a clear resolution.
The 360-degree horizontal rotation provides a broad view of your dog’s daily routines and you can zoom, pan, and tilt from your phone.
Because the audio is 2-way, you can send greetings to your dog when he’s lonely or reprimand him when he chews the pillows.
Tooge has a unique design and looks like a small, futuristic robot.
Should you choose to install more than one Tooge dog camera in your home, you can easily view all cameras at once in the app. It’s also possible for more than one person to sign in and view the cameras at the same time.
The night vision mode will automatically turn on when light is dim, allowing you to see your dog clearly in low-light conditions.
Though TOOGE doesn’t include an SD card, you can install your own to capture videos of your dog in all his solo-glory
Features
- Remote pan/zoom/tilt
- Unique design
- Multiple users can view simultaneously
What we liked
- Motion detection
- 2-way audio
- Remote pan/tilt/zoom
- Night vision
- 360-degree horizontal rotation
Didn't like
- Setup can take some time & patience
Why You May Need A Dog Camera
There are various reasons someone might want or need a puppy camera.
It's fun
Dog monitors are a fun, and sometimes funny, method of observing your pet’s antics when he’s got the run of the house.
To see how well your pup is coping being left alone
Some pet owners are curious whether their dogs cry, bark, or whine once they have left the vicinity.
If an owner is gone for hours at a time, it can be difficult to know just how vocal your dog is about missing his best friend.
This information can be incredibly helpful as neighbours can be easily agitated or alarmed by distressed animals.
What Does A Dog Camera Reveal?
Separation anxiety
Knowing your dog’s specific behaviour and his potential for separation anxiety can help you create a game plan for how to best support your pet from afar.
Separation anxiety occurs when some dogs are left alone. Other than barking and crying, this acute anxiety can have other manifestations.
A dog might abuse furniture, destroy pillows and shoes, drag toilet paper through the house, urinate, or any number of actions that indicate distress.
Although it can be difficult to see your dog in this state, understanding your dog’s needs can help you better train him and prepare your home.
Sibling dynamics
If you have more than one dog, the camera might reveal some surprising dynamics between your pets when you aren’t in the room.
Dogs can definitely be like children. While they may be on their best behaviour when you’re home, certain bad behaviour and tantrums may emerge in your absence.
Often, this is a form of protest at not being included in pack activities.
How To Choose The Best Dog Camera
Dog cameras come in all different shapes and sizes. You can opt for a basic model or splurge for something more advanced that includes high tech features.
Depending on your needs and your intention, there are a few things to consider when looking for the best pet cameras in the UK.
There are many moderately priced options that were designed for ease of use and simple installation.
Below are some of the specific features you might want to look for in a dog camera:
Two way audio
This is a fun feature if you want to do more than just spy on your dog.
With two way audio you can speak to your pet directly, providing them with comfort, support, or specific commands.
Hearing an owner’s voice can do wonders for calming anxious dogs. And many dogs will cease bad behaviour once they hear your reprimand, even if you’re nowhere to be found.
Automatic feeder for a good boy
Some dog monitors double as an automatic feeder or treat dispenser.
This is an ingenious feature that gives you the opportunity to reward your dog when you’re away from his presence.
If the treat is propelled across the room, your dog gets the added bonus of a game and a burst of physical activity.
Night vision
If you’re often away from your pet in the evenings, night vision can help you keep an eye on things without sending your electricity bill through the roof.
Night vision also allows you to see if your dog is getting up to any funny business while you’re asleep.
FAQ
The best dog cameras are remote monitoring devices that offer anything from basic security recording to advanced features like video chat with your paw-some pal.
A good dog camera should offer two way audio, night vision, ample memory space and if you want a touch of luxury also dispense treats.
A lot of pet cameras are vulnerable to hackers. Usually they're not secured with built-in security features.
Before you choose a dog camera, check if the producer provides regular firmware updates, it can be password protected and it uses 128-bit encryption.
It's not impossible. However, Furbo camera uses the same encryption level that most banks use. So, it's above and beyond most camera options out there.
To prevent any security issues, remember to keep your username and password confidential.
Final Verdict
All of the dog cameras listed in our review are good quality. We would be hard pressed to pick an overall absolute winner.
However considering your unique needs, we could suggest which one would be best for a specific circumstance:
Neos Smartcam is our choice for those who want great quality video at a reasonable price. You could put in every room if you wanted to.
Furbo Dog Camera is the choice for those who want to spoil their pooch even when they're away. With its treat dispenser, it's a fun way to keep your pup engaged.
Haven't decided yet? Here is the top 4 in a nutshell:
Our Top Picks
- 🐾 SEE -- 1080p Full HD Camera & Night Vision: With Full HD, 160º...
- 🐾 TALK -- Talk to your dog at home to calm him down and HEAR what he is...
- 🐾 BARKING ALERT -- Furbo sends a push notification to your phone when t...
- Wireless Baby Monitor: Video, audio, alerts on smart phone and tablets, it...
- IP camera,use your own 5V wall charger(Not included), No battery inside
- Support Micro SD card, up to 32GB (not included), Best motion detection...
- Works with Alexa ask Alexa to show your kitchen lounge nursery or anywhere...
- 1080P Full HD with live stream and 8x digital zoom – 2 8mm Focal length...
- Motion & noise detection with alerts when motion or noise is detected a 12...
What is your favourite dog camera?
Wow! You made it. Give yourself a paw on the back for reading all the way here and taking care of your pup today.
If you decided on your dog camera, why not share with us in the comments section below.
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