Keeping an eye on your pup: how security cameras bring peace of mind
We all love our fur babies, and making sure they're safe and happy is our top priority. And thanks to the tech-savvy world we live in, home security cameras have become our go-to tools for keeping tabs on our dogs.
When Soda and I moved into our new house, she gave me a scare one morning. I was on my way to work when I received a phone call from an unknown number. A lovely guy had found Soda wandering down the street. To this day, I don’t know how she got out, but that weekend I installed security cameras so I could keep an eye on her.
Here’s why having indoor and outdoor cameras are a game-changer for staying connected with your dog:
Backyard watchdog
Outdoor cameras help you keep tabs on your dog's outdoor activities; whether they're playing, exploring, or lounging in the sun. Whether you're at work or just out and about, you can open up your camera’s app on your phone and double-check what your pup is doing in real-time.
Security and intruder alerts
Beyond pet monitoring, outdoor cameras contribute to overall home security. They can alert you to potential intruders or unusual activities, providing an added layer of protection for your home and your pet.
Escape prevention
Dogs are known for their curiosity, and some are master escape artists. Outdoor cameras help you identify any attempts to dig under fences or find potential escape routes, allowing you to address security concerns quickly.
Real-time monitoring
Whether you're at work, on vacation, or simply in another part of the house, security cameras offer real-time monitoring. This instant access provides peace of mind and allows you to respond quicktly to any situations that may arise.
Checking in on behaviour
Ever wondered what your dog gets up to when you're not home? Or have you ever wondered who ate the last piece of pizza you left on the bench or how your puppy escaped their playpen? Security cameras spill the beans, letting you see if your pup is being a good boy or girl or getting into mischief.
Remote interaction
Some cameras, like my Arlo cameras, come equipped with two-way audio capabilities. This allows you to talk to your dog remotely, providing comfort and reassurance if they seem distressed or lonely. And some indoor cameras, like the Furbo camera come equipped with a treat tosser to keep your dog entertained while you’re away.
Which cameras should you get?
After doing some online research and asking friends what security cameras they have, I settled on getting three Arlo Pro 2 cameras. These cameras are suitable for indoors and outdoors. I have mine outdoors. I positioned one camera overlooking my backyard and the other two overlooking the sides of my house, including the side gates.
What I love about these cameras is that they’re wireless and have an easy to use mobile app. They have 2-way audio so you can listen in or talk to your dogs. If motion or sound is detected, you get a mobile alert straight away. They have a 100+ decibel siren that can be used via the app remotely, and they have night vision so you can see what’s happening even in the dark. To be honest, the night vision isn’t as good as I expected, however I’ve heard the later models have improved a lot.
Arlo security cameras
My cameras are from the Arlo Pro 2 series, which no longer exists. The cameras below are newer models, which have more features than mine.
Other security cameras you might like to check out
I’ve only owned Arlo security cameras; however, I’ve heard from friends that the following brands are also quite good. I’m keen to buy a few indoor cameras to see what my girls get up to inside the house when I’m out. The Furbo camera sounds amazing! Not only does it rotate to give you a 360 degree view of the room, but it also has a 4x digital zoom, 2-way audio and, best of all, it has a treat dispenser! How cool!
In a nutshell, home security cameras are more than just fancy gadgets – they're your ticket to peace of mind and a closer connection with your furbaby. Ever since I got mine, I’ve been able to relax when I'm not at home and instantly check on the girls whenever I need to. If you're thinking about investing in some tech-savvy guardian angels, know that you're not just investing in your home security, but you’re also investing in the wellbeing of your four-legged family members.
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