For puppies, the whole world is just one big chew toy. In order to explore their surroundings and everything in it, they use their mouths and teeth to chew through their curiosity. While this behaviour is extremely normal and expected, that doesn’t take away the fact that it can also be frustrating and destructive – especially to your furniture, shoes or even their dog beds. So if you’re a puppy parent wondering when the bite marks and chewed socks will end, keep reading. Omlet has the advice and products you need to help redirect your puppy’s chewing.
Normal puppy chewing behaviour
Just like babies, puppies experience pain and discomfort when teething. For the first 6 months of a puppy’s life, they spend much of their time chewing and biting as a way to help give their mouth and teeth some relief. It’s perfectly normal for puppies to chew as a way to strengthen their jaws, stimulate their brains and relieve anxiety – they literally can’t help it!
While some dogs can be mouthier than others, if you’re noticing your puppy chewing and biting excessively, there could be some underlying reasons to keep an eye out for. In Australia, most puppies can be adopted by a human family as early as 8 weeks old. However, sometimes these precious pint-sized pups are separated from their mother much earlier than they should, causing them severe separation anxiety and a heightened tendency to suck on fabric. As a result, puppies in this instance could display more chewing habits for longer periods.
In addition, puppies who are bored or not receiving enough attention once they are in your home could exhibit more chewing as well. But regardless if your puppy is a mild, moderate or mega chewer, this behaviour is only temporary and there are ways it can be redirected and eventually resolved.
Puppy-proof the house
The first golden rule of puppyhood that should be followed at all times is this – never leave your puppy unattended to roam free in your house. We promise it will lead to mass destruction! So the best thing you can do before you bring your puppy home is designate which room in the house will be the temporary puppy pad. We suggest a room with tile and not carpet.
The second golden rule of puppyhood is to remember to have patience. While the natural behaviour of chewing and biting can be redirected, it is a slow process that will take time and inevitably have many ‘slip-ups’ along the way. So be prepared to deal with several chewed-up socks, shoes and even dog beds.
Fortunately, Omlet has solutions as we know puppy chewing is nothing to be messed with.
Tips to redirect puppy chewing
While we do know that your puppy won’t be able to chew through their Omlet Topology Bed, we are certain that they will find something else to chew on. After all, puppies will be puppies. So here are some ways you can help redirect your puppy from chewing anything else in your home.
Did you know that puppies can get bored? Kind of hard to believe given their bubbly and inquisitive nature. But it’s true, and puppy boredom can lead to a lot more chewing. So the best way to combat this is with exercise. Because after all, a tired puppy won’t chew as much.
Just keep in mind that at their still very young age and susceptible systems, puppies can’t go on long walks or romps at the dog park. So finding ways to play with your puppy indoors is key to keeping boredom at bay. Any type of physical or mental stimulation will help alleviate the need for excess chewing.
Just as toddlers need lots of toys for added stimulation, so do puppies. So be sure you have several dog chew toy options on hand for your puppy to use. Just don’t give your puppy old socks or shoes as chew toy options – that will only cause confusion when they try to chew the new shoes left at the door.
You can also rotate chew toys every few days so your puppy has something new to clench their chew with. When selecting toys for your pup, keep their size and age in mind so that you choose ones that are appropriate for their specific needs.
How about taking those puppy chew toys to the next level with Kongs. These super hard plastic chew toys are a great way to redirect your puppy’s chewing. Designed to stand up to the sharpest of puppy teeth, a Kong toy is a great replacement for a shoe, sock or even a piece of furniture your puppy has become fond of.
As soon as you see your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t give them a Kong toy to chew instead. In time, they’ll pick the toy over the furniture. You can even stuff the Kong with one of these easy-to-make Kong recipes. Just make sure the ingredients are suitable for your puppy before serving.
What do you do if your puppy is more attracted to electrical cords instead of shoes for their chewing regularity? That can be dangerous! In the event you see your puppy going after cords or really anything that is an absolute ‘no chew zone’, you can use a repellent as a way to redirect.
Dogs hate the taste of anything bitter, so spray a bitter apple spray on the items that you want them to stay away from completely. Just make sure your spray is natural and non-toxic and it will be a safe measure to take in redirecting their chewing.
How NOT to redirect puppy chewing
It’s really important that you avoid any negative reactions or consequences as a way to redirect their chewing. You have a lifetime to look forward to with your new furry friend and if you try to stop their innate chewing behaviour the wrong way, it could lead to less trust later on. So here are a few tips on what not to do in redirecting your puppy’s chewing.
- Never place a muzzle on your puppy’s mouth
- Never try and clamp their mouth shut with your hand
- Never use a dog crate as punishment tool for chewing
Omlet and your puppy
As the experts on puppy behaviour, we know all too well how normal and frustrating the first few months of puppyhood chewing can be. That’s why our Omlet designers create products that are both beneficial and durable to withstand the power of puppy teeth. From a wide range of dog chew toys that are a perfect replacement for shoes and socks to our dog beds, which are engineered to go up against any good puppy chew session, Omlet has what you need to settle in your puppy.
This entry was posted in Dogs
So you’ve added a new puppy to your family? Congratulations! Settling a new puppy into your life comes with all the highs of precious puppy snuggles as well as the lows of “Did they chew my shoes again?!” To help you make this transition easy, we’ve gathered everything you need to know on how best to settle in a new puppy. From simple steps to puppy products, Omlet has the advice you need to make the adjustment period smooth for everyone.
Puppy’s first 24 hours
Here’s the thing about adding a puppy to your family – it’s a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Before you bring your new furry friend home for the first time, you need to make sure your home is prepped and puppy-proofed and that you have stocked up on all the new puppy essential products.
The first 24 hours at home can be an unsettling time for both of you. Everything is new to your puppy – your furniture, the space and even the smells are all foreign to your new bundle of joy. So it’s normal to expect lots of sniffing, pouncing and even some potty accidents. Likewise, you may feel a bit unsettled having a new living, breathing bouncing playmate running around. Especially if you have never owned a puppy or dog before.
While the first day together may feel uneasy or unfamiliar, fear not – it’s temporary and you both will start feeling settled in, in no time. Here are a few steps you can take in the first few weeks to make the homecoming less stressful and more enjoyable.
Introduce your puppy to their bed
Just like you have your personal bedroom where you sleep every night, you want to make sure you designate a spot in your home that is specific to your puppy as well. Having a familiar place to go to will allow your puppy to feel more comfortable and secure as they’re settling in.
The easiest way to create the perfect puppy place is with a dog bed. Not only will this be their spot for rest, but it will soon become their safe haven from any disturbances or distractions that might make them feel uncomfortable.
The Topology customisable dog bed designed by Omlet is the perfect bed for a new puppy as it will not only grow with your puppy into adulthood, but you can customise it to their needs along the way. Engineered with a solid base and superior memory foam mattress, the Topology offers a wide selection of toppers that are easily zipped on and off the bed. This not only allows you to pick a personalized topper from a variety of fabrics and colours, but it makes cleaning the dog bed as easy as one, two, zip.
Each topper is made from durable, hard-wearing materials so even the toughest of new puppy teeth can’t chew through them. Our recommendation for puppies is the Quilted Topper as the soft, plush feel will give them unbeatable comfort while also maintaining the strength to resist a hard teething session.
Keep visitors to a minimum
When you bring your new puppy home, it’s tough not to invite your mom, cousin, neighbour and even your local grocer all over to see your adorably cute new furry friend. But try to resist too many visitors over the first few weeks.
While socializing your new puppy is important, having too many visitors at once can actually become overwhelming and cause stress. So when it comes to meeting new friends, slow and steady is the best rule of thumb.
And when you do welcome visitors into your home, be sure your puppy has a safe place they can retreat to in order to feel secure, such as their dog bed or even a dog crate. Nothing makes a puppy feel more settled than the comfort of their own space.
Show your puppy where to go potty
Potty training your puppy is easy with these two simple steps: start early and be consistent. Whether you use puppy pads or the great outdoors, establishing a potty routine early on will make the process much easier on you both.
Keep in mind that your puppy is learning so much at this young age, so patience is key in potty training. Accidents will happen along the way, but with a regular schedule that starts the day they come home, your puppy will be potty trained in no time.
Let your puppy take it at their own pace
Having a puppy is kind of like having a toddler. Simple moments of playtime are filled with endless hours of excitement and it’s hard not to want to engage and play all day. But just like a toddler, all that play can make a puppy tired and knowing when to give them space is super important.
So make sure every family member is on the same page and knows how to give proper boundaries to the new addition. While it’s exciting to play with a new puppy, not all puppies want to play all the time. Every breed is different and your puppy will settle in at their own pace so long as you give them the space and time they need to do so.
Signs of a restless puppy
Imagine being transported to a completely new place you’ve never been to before and being surrounded by people and things you’ve never laid eyes on before. That’s exactly what it feels like for a new puppy when you first bring them home. All the new smells and sights can make a puppy feel restless but it’s important to make sure there are no underlying causes if the restlessness continues. Here are some signs of a restless, unsettled puppy:
Pacing
It is completely normal for your puppy to quickly traverse every room of your home during the first few days as that is how they learn about their surroundings. However, if you start to notice your puppy pacing back and forth in one particular area, this could be a sign that they are unsettled or even have some puppy separation anxiety.
When you notice this behaviour, try to limit your time away from home to frequent short getaways as opposed to long periods, if possible. And when you do have to be away for hours at a time, make sure they have a comfortable dog bed and dog crate where they can feel secure and comfortable.
Regularly waking up at night
In the first few weeks, puppy sleep is very similar to baby sleep – it’s sporadic. And while you can expect to be up a few times each night for the routine potty breaks, you want to make sure that your puppy can settle back to sleep easily for more rest.
When you start to notice they are up for more of the night than they are asleep, this could be a sign they’re unsettled. In order to help your puppy get their much-needed sleep, get them a Topology customisable dog bed so they can rest with comfort, support and ease.
Panting
Unlike humans, dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their bodies. So in order for them to cool down, they often pant as a way to try and cool themselves off but panting can also be another way you can tell if your puppy is unsettled.
If you notice your puppy panting, first check the temperature and make sure they are not just hot and need a doggy cool down. Sometimes a nap on a dog cooling mat is all that is needed to keep the panting to a minimum.
Puppy teething 101
If you’ve ever had your finger in the crossfire of puppy teeth you know all too well how sharp those tiny canines on your canine can be. Between three and eight months of age, puppies begin to have an uncontrollable urge to chew as a way to help relieve the discomfort of their gums.
And while teething is a completely normal part of puppyhood, it’s also one of the main reasons why your puppy may feel unsettled. For some puppies, the development of teeth is painful and confusing and the only comfort they can get is in biting and chewing on things. So in order to help your puppy through this unsettling process, make sure you have plenty of puppy-approved dog toys around so they can chew away on something other than your shoes and furniture.
Omlet and settling in your new puppy
There are few things in life as exciting and soul-filling as owning a puppy. Not only are you establishing a bond with your new best friend from the very beginning, but you get to experience all the wonders of puppy smells and snuggles along the way. At Omlet, we curate our products to care for and comfort your dog from puppyhood and beyond. With custom solutions like the Topology dog bed, we strive to be your one-stop resource for all things pet related. We know what it takes to make your puppy grow into a healthy and happy adult dog. So we make the products you need so you can focus on your incredible relationship with your puppy.
This entry was posted in Dogs
If you’ve ever visited a shelter or rescue, you’ve likely seen a wide variety of dogs of different ages looking for their forever home. But if you’re looking for a canine companion that’ll provide you with lots of love, fewer growing pains and a chance to slow down and enjoy life more, look no further than adopting an older dog.
Caring for a dog of any age requires work and patience. And while older dogs may come with a few more responsibilities than other rescues, don’t let those grey muzzles deter you. Adopting an older dog will save their life, but the rewards you get in return will be far greater. Let’s take a look at everything you should consider before adopting an older dog.
At what age is a dog considered old?
When it comes to a dog’s age, does it really matter? There are many misconceptions about how old a dog is when they reach their ‘senior’ years because a lot of the ageing process is heavily dependent on the specific dog breed. Many believe that a dog is technically an older dog by the time they reach the age of 7 because of the infamous 7 to 1 human to dog years rule. In other words, a 7-year-old dog would equate to the age of 49 in human years by comparison. But we’re betting there are a lot of people in their late 40s who would argue they’re not yet old!
To really try and understand if a dog is an older dog, you can look at their breed-specific average age span and then calculate the last 25% of their life as being their senior years. So, for example, if a dog’s predicted life span is 11-12 years, then their senior years would likely start around age 8 or 9. Keeping in mind that these numbers are all averages and that every dog is different even among like breeds.
Why adopt an older dog?
The better question to ask yourself is why NOT adopt an older dog? Puppies and younger dogs are great, too, but with an older dog, you receive some extra benefits that are truly worth considering when looking to add another furry member to your family. Here are some reasons you should consider adopting an older dog:
- Already toilet-trained: It would be rare to find an older dog that’s not already potty-trained. These dogs have been around awhile and ‘know the ropes’ better than their younger counterparts. So right out of the gate, you have one less basic skill to teach your new friend as they have likely already mastered it.
- Deeper connections: With age comes the knowledge of what it means to be loved by their person. Older dogs have a much better understanding of this concept, and as a result, are usually quicker to form a strong bond with you.
- Calm temperament: If you’re seeking a chilled canine companion who would rather snuggle on the sofa than chase you in the yard, then an older dog is where you should look. While older dogs still have energy to run and play, their puppy years are far behind them and they tend to be more relaxed and calm.
- Second chance matters: You can rest assured knowing that by adopting an older dog you will not only be rewarded with love and appreciation, you will also have the gratification of knowing you gave them a second chance. Every dog deserves a home filled with love and great care, and older dogs should be no exception to that.
Teaching an old dog new tricks
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but the truth is, you absolutely can! The amount of training an older dog has under their belt will vary, but they almost all have the basics covered. Training any dog requires patience and work, but chances are with an older dog, they will pick up on new tricks quicker as they tend to retain lessons faster than younger dogs and puppies.
Keep in mind that older dogs do come with older bodies, so they could get injured more easily if given new tricks that are too challenging or difficult. For that reason, make sure you really know what you are getting yourself into before adopting an older dog. Take time to research the specific dog breeds and ages that are best suited for your lifestyle before bringing home your new best friend.
Gentleness and patience are the keys to helping an older dog settle in. For many, these dogs may have spent the last few weeks, months or even years in a shelter so they will be entering your life with some expected nervousness or anxiety. Ensuring they have an easy transition into your home will require patience and time to let them get used to their new surroundings and routines.
Senior dog essentials
While every dog breed is different, most older dogs want to spend the rest of their best years doing what they love most – relaxing! So in order to make sure your older dog is as comfortable as they can be, here are some essentials you should have:
- Supportive dog bed: Just as mattresses are important to us as we age and change, so too are the beds that our dogs sleep on. And that is especially the case for older dogs. To give your older dog the most comfortable sleep, you need a supportive memory foam mattress that will provide the utmost comfort for their joints and muscles. The Topology dog bed, designed by Omlet, is not only a practical and stylish bed for your older furry friend, but it’s engineered with versatility for you to customize specifically for your dog!
- Temperature regulators: Like us humans, dogs tend to become more sensitive to temperatures the older they are. These senior pups are more susceptible to heat stroke and heat exhaustion as they age. So ensure they have a way to cool down fast when the temperatures rise by getting them a cooling dog mat that can be placed on their dog bed or directly under their bodies for immediate relief. And to keep them extra cosy and warm in the winter, make sure you have plenty of soft, snuggly dog blankets to snuggle with.
- Easy clean options: All dogs like to sleep but older dogs like to clock in a few more hours each day than their younger canine counterparts. Because your older dog will be spending more time snoozing, you want to make sure you have a dog bed that is easy to clean and care for so as not to disrupt their coveted nap times. The Topology dog bed toppers are a great option as they are machine washable and easy to clean. Keep an extra one on hand so you can make sure your dog always has a fresh set of sheets to zip on.
Omlet and older dogs
There really is no better gift you can give to a dog or yourself than by adopting. Whether you choose a puppy or an older dog, the rewards you receive in giving these amazing animals a good life are priceless. At Omlet, our mission is to make products that help bring you and your canine companions closer together. From dog beds, to dog bowls and every dog product in between, we want the designs that we create to be just as comfortable, supportive and enjoyable for your dog as your connection is with them.
This entry was posted in Dogs
As a dog parent, you know what it’s like to try and keep a tidy house when you have a furry friend. With leashes, dog toys, and dog beds, your house can get cluttered quickly. And while you can hide the dog accessories in a basket or storage bin, concealing the dog bed can present more of a challenge.
How do you make sure your dog bed matches your decor? Thankfully, the task of incorporating your dog’s living space into your own has become much easier with ingenious products and designs. So before you go hiding another dog bed away in the corner, read these tips on how to make your dog’s bed a style staple in your home.
What are the best bed options for your dog?
After getting home from a long day at work, we all want a cozy and comfortable spot to relax and unwind. Your dog feels the same way. The bed your dog sleeps on is often not only their sleep sanctuary but their place of escape as well. So positioning a dog bed near a walkway or in a frequently traveled path of your home is not a good idea.
What if a dog bed could be enclosed like a personal doggy home? What if instead of a worn out pillow lying on the floor, your dog’s bed could be showcased like a piece of furniture? We asked ourselves these very questions and then challenged our product designers to create a solution. After all, giving your dog a space of their own is not only beneficial to their health and well-being, but it will also make your decor space look good while doing it.
A home within a home
Meet the Fido Nook Dog House, designed by Omlet. Engineered as an elegantly modern piece of furniture to complement your home while also providing a cozy space for your dog’s bed. Now you can create a space your dog can call their own while also using it as a functional spot to place plants, pictures or even your basket for keys. But here’s the best part – any dog bed can fit inside the Nook! And by elevating your dog’s bed, you’ll raise their comfort and hygiene and protect them from dust balls, drafts and disturbances.
Having an enclosed dog den is a great way to add style and functionality to your interior. The Fido Nook comes with an optional doggy wardrobe storage where you can place all of your dog’s personal items. If it weren’t for the dog bed inside, you might just think the Nook is another sleek end table to enjoy.
Match your dog’s bed to your furnishings
If it’s not the space, but the look of your dog’s bed that is putting you off, it might be time to upgrade to a more stylish bed that matches your own sofa, bed sheets and cushions. Finding a dog bed that complements your decor is like finding the perfect throw pillow to complement your sofa. Just remember – style is important, but comfort is king when it comes to dog beds.
Is your interior decor a neutral palette with warm and soft tones? Then perhaps a soft gray or beige color dog bed will look best. But if your home decor is filled with bold and bright colors, opt for a dog bed to match your fun style! Did you know that you can not only customize your dog’s bed color but the fabric as well? With the Topology Dog bed, designed by Omlet, you can choose from 5 different fabrics to include quilted, sheepskin, beanbag, microfiber or bolster. Choose the fabric that suits your dog and then select the color that matches your decor.
It’s also important to remember that dogs shed. And those musty been-outside-in-the-mud odors can very quickly permeate their sleeping quarters. With Topology, you can wash your dog’s “sheets” when you wash your bed sheets so you both can enjoy that fresh sheet feeling! Simply zip off the topper and throw it in the washing machine for a quick and easy clean dog bed.
A stylish upgrade
To truly incorporate your dog’s bed into your interior, you can look to upgrade with accessories. Just like the blankets and pillows that adorn your couch and chairs, you can give your dog the same feeling of opulence with their own items.
A super soft dog blanket is the perfect way to upgrade your dog’s naps and your decor. Whether you drape it on their bed or over the sofa, adding a dog blanket brings texture and depth to your interior while also providing endless hours of additional comfort for your dog. It’s a win, win situation.
For the standalone dog beds, you can heighten the luxury look and your dog’s health by simply adding feet to the base of the bed. With the Omlet line of dog bed feet, you can choose from a variety of different looks and styles including wood, gold hairpin and modern metal rails. Match the feet to the tones and textures of your decor to enhance the look and feel of your space. And your dog will appreciate an elevated level of comfort and hygiene in the process.
The Omlet design options
At Omlet, we believe dogs are family members, too. So where they sleep and spend their time should be reflected in your home. Incorporating your dog’s bed into your decor doesn’t have to be difficult. And once you’ve decided if you want a dog den or just a dog bed, you can start customizing to match your interior design needs and the needs of your dog. With countless options and products, we make matching your dog bed to your decor a breeze.
This entry was posted in Dogs
Everyone deserves a day of tranquil relaxation! When the stresses of life get hectic, treating yourself to a day at the spa can make all the difference. But do you know what’s even better? Treating your best four-legged friend to a spa day! That’s right – pampering your pooch not only benefits your dog with de-stressing relaxation, but the act of giving an indulging wellness experience will bring you and your pup closer together. Here’s everything you need to know on how to give your dog a spa day.
Setting up the spa environment
When planning to treat your dog to the ultimate escape of calm and serenity, you first need to make sure you have the spa essentials on hand. Does your pup just need a blissful bath or will they get a massage and pawdicure as well? Decide ahead of time exactly what spa specials you want to give your pup and then gather the shampoos, nail trimmers and brushes all together so you have them in one place.
Next, pick out the perfect place to pamper your pooch! Whether it’s in a large bathtub, walk-in shower or outdoor lanai, make sure the spot you pick is quiet and calming. This will ensure the spa experience is relaxing. You can even play some soft music, such as classical or nature sounds, to add another layer of tranquillity.
If this is the first time you are treating your special friend to a spa experience, it’s a good idea to have one of their favourite dog blankets on hand to help them stay at ease. Some dogs are unsure about new things and having a familiar scent and snuggle will allow them to enjoy the spa day much more quickly!
Now before you begin the spa day, you want to be sure you give your dog a bit of exercise first to get them nice and tired. Help your dog ease any jittery feelings by taking a brisk walk around the block or playing a game of fetch. Giving your dog a workout beforehand will help keep you from having to workout too hard trying to keep them still during the spa! A relaxing spa day is the perfect reward after some exercise!
Doggy massage
Who doesn’t love having their sore muscles massaged? Dogs carry stress and strain in their joints and muscles just like we do. So spending time gently massaging your dog can provide continuing benefits of relief and relaxation for your pup long after the spa day is over! Here are some tips on how to give your dog the ultimate spa massage:
- Always start slowly and with gentle pressure when giving your dog a massage so they can get used to the experience.
- Begin the massage by using your thumbs to make small, circular motions on your dog’s head.
- If your dog is maintaining a relaxed state, slowly work your way onto their shoulders and down their back by applying the same gentle pressure.
- Your dog may decide to roll over and request a belly rub, which is completely normal! Feel free to scratch that tummy while also massaging through any tension points.
The massage portion of the spa day may last a few minutes or more depending on your dog’s temperament and comfortability with the new experience. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and adjust accordingly so the massage remains a positive experience. Before long, your dog might just be begging you for more!
Blissful bath time
For some dogs, the ‘b’ word can be a dreaded sound that means “run for cover under the bed”! Your dog’s hygiene is vital for their health but bathtime doesn’t have to be a bad time! Creating a welcoming and calm environment is the key to success with spa day baths. Follow these essential bath time tips and your dog will start running for the tub instead of the covers the next time they hear the ‘b’ word!
- Since the bath is the spotlight of the spa day, you want to be sure you have the water temperature just right! Keep it on the warm side and add some soothing scents of lavender or chamomile oils to make it more inviting. Spa day baths should not be done with the outdoor water hose!
- Slowly introduce your dog to the bath – nobody wants a spa day to feel rushed! Once you can see that your pup is relaxed and ready to be pampered, you can slowly begin wetting down their fur.
- Apply generous amounts of shampoo onto your dog to create a luxurious lather. This is the part of the bath experience where you can really create that calming effect by gently massaging in the shampoo and getting them clean!
- Once rinsed off, towel dry your dog completely from head to tail. When done right, your dog will look just as good as they smell!
Doggy spa day baths are the best part of the experience! Not only does your dog get a soothing and relaxing treatment, but you get a clean and fresh smelling dog!
Pawdicure and proper grooming
No doggy spa day is complete without the final touches of a pawdicure and brushing! Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, you may need to spend a little or a lot of time brushing them. But even just a regular dog brush can work wonders at removing dead hair and redistributing skin oils throughout their coat. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule for your dog is essential not only for spa days but throughout the year!
When it comes to nail trimming, dogs and pet parents alike can become hesitant! But more than for just looks, keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is important in making sure they can walk and run without issue. How do you know if your dog’s nails need to be trimmed? The best rule of thumb is to listen as they walk on a hard floor – if you hear the click-clacking of nails, it’s time for a trim!
If trimming your dog’s nails on your own, be sure to start out small, only cutting away tiny tips at first. You can even use a doggy nail file to more swiftly whittle down the excess length. However, if giving your pup a pawdicure is not something you are comfortable doing, you can always seek out the assistance of a professional groomer to help!
Your dog gives you unconditional love every day! So pampering your pup with a relaxing massage, bubbly bath and essential grooming is one of the best ways you can show them the same. A doggy spa day means spending more time with your dog and that will make the experience that more special. Your dog is a big part of your world, but to your dog, you are their whole world! So give them a spa day to show them how much you care!
This entry was posted in Dogs
Your dog has lots of energy and loves to run and chase things. Be it toys, sticks or a slobbery tennis ball, the act of chasing is an innate trait in dogs. But has your dog ever chased after bubbles? An enriching game of running, chasing and jumping after bubbles is one of the best ways to engage your dog in mental and physical activity! With easy to make DIY recipes, tips and tricks, we have everything you need to know on how to make dog-safe bubbles.
Do dogs like bubbles?
What dog doesn’t like chasing after a soapy floating orb of water and popping it with their wet nose? For most dogs, playing with bubbles is as fun as any other playtime activity! While certain dog breeds may enjoy the challenge of chasing bubbles more than others, there’s no denying that every dog receives the benefits of brain/body coordination and physical movement when playing with a bubbly concoction!
Think about the last time you blew bubbles for your child or even just for yourself. There was running, chasing, jumping and lots of fun involved! The same is true with dogs and bubbles! It’s a highly engaging activity for dogs that entertains the focus of the mind and the movement of the body! And bonus – playing with bubbles means you get to spend more time with your furry best friend!
Are regular bubbles safe for dogs?
Go to any toy store or party store aisle and you will find every colour, size and scent of bubble solution available. But are store bought bubbles safe for your dog? We don’t recommend them. Here are some important facts to consider when it comes to buying ready made bubbles for your dog:
Even though packaging is labelled “non-toxic”, it can still contain some ingredients that are harmful to your dog. Some of the chemicals used in ready made bubbles are harmless to humans but could cause chemical burns or upset stomachs for your pup, especially if your dog likes to pop the bubbles with their mouth!
Dogs like to lick in order to sense the world around them. So an accidental spill of store bought bubbles could mean lots of harm for your dog if ingested. It’s always important to remember that when using any substance around your dog, harmful or not, to keep at a safe, out-of-reach distance to avoid any disasters!
There are now a variety of “dog specific” bubbles on the market, complete with meat and bacon flavours! However, be sure you read all the ingredients before purchasing. Even with these special made solutions, there can sometimes be a remnant of ingredients that will still pose a danger to your dog if ingested.
DIY dog-safe bubble recipes
With too many unknowns that come with store bought bubbles for your dog, it’s best to stick to at home recipes that you can make yourself. Not only are these DIY bubbles inexpensive and easy to make, but they are safe for every member of your family to play with – two and four legged alike!
The following recipes all include washing up liquid and it’s important to note that the amount used will not harm your dog in bubble form. However, still adhere to the “keep out of reach” rule when playing with these bubbles as an accidental ingestion of the entire solution could cause your dog some serious GI issues.
Simple solution
1 cup water + 1 Tbsp washing up liquid (ex: Fairy)
Combine together in a bottle or dish until well mixed.
Advanced solution
½ cup biodegradable washing up liquid + 1 cup water + 1 tsp glycerin
Mix together in a resealable container and store overnight for best results.
Flavoured solution
1 cup water + 2 Tbsp castile (vegetable-based) soap + 1 Tbsp glycerin + 1 tsp bone broth
Mix well in an airtight container and let it stand overnight before using.
Now that you have the bubble solution, it’s time to make bubbles! You can use a variety of household items to help create the popping party – straws, strainers and even whisks all work well at creating bubble magic! You can even bend a paperclip into a rounded shape to try and mimic a traditional bubble stick! No matter how you choose to make bubbles, your dog’s going to love it!
How to introduce your dog to bubbles
Just as with any new experience, some dogs may be initially confused with bubbles. Can you remember the first time you saw these tiny water circles floating around you? It was strange wasn’t it! So be patient when first introducing your dog to bubbles. Let’s check out these helpful tips:
Doggy see, doggy do: One of the best ways you can show your dog that bubbles are tons of fun is by chasing them yourself. When they see you having fun, they will quickly understand they can, too! If you have kids, get them in on the fun as well and before you know it, the whole family will be chasing bubbles around!
You can also get down on your dog’s level and gently blow a few bubbles so they can get a better viewpoint. Hold a bubble in your hand and pop it with your nose so your dog can experience the wonder of this activity.
Bubble machine: If you have kids, you’re in luck!, because that means you most likely have a bubble machine. And when it comes to making bubbles for your dog, what better way than with one of these! All of the homemade dog-safe bubble recipes are ok to use in a machine and will make your job much easier on producing bubbles!
Safety measures: All dog-safe bubbles contain soap – and soap is slippery! So to avoid any potential slips or falls, it is best to have your dog play with bubbles outdoors. If indoors is the only option, be sure to do the activity on a non-skid surface so fido doesn’t lose footing! Be sure to also pay close attention to your dog when playing with bubbles and never leave them unattended. Too many bubbles near the eyes means irritation for your dog, so if you see them acting uncomfortable, immediately wipe away any soapy residue before you resume play!
Seeing your dog chase, jump and snap at bubbles is not only entertaining, it’s also great exercise! But if for any reason your dog doesn’t find the fun in bubble play, or gets bored with them quickly, you can always encourage continued play with dog toys! And don’t forget to have a comfortable dog bed for fido to rest on when all that bubble playtime is over!
This entry was posted in Dogs
Creating a doggy obstacle course at home is much easier than you think! You already have materials in and around your house that can be used for agility and provide your dog with the incredible benefits of physical exercise and mental stimulation. And any activity that involves you and your dog working together is sure to build a closer bond between you both! Start your obstacle course today with these simple tips and tricks!
Can all dogs do agility?
The great thing about agility training is that every dog breed can do it! The only exceptions to this type of activity would be puppies younger than 12 months due to their still developing joints or any dog that has a medical condition, such as arthritis. But, if your dog falls into one of these categories – there are still many ways you can keep your dog active and stimulated!
So what exactly is agility? Simply put, agility is a series of obstacles paired together to form a course for your dog to navigate through with direction. It doesn’t matter if your dog has training experience or not – you can start easy and small and work your way up as you and your dog learn more.
You love spending time with your dog and creating an obstacle course is just one more way to bring you both closer together! As with any new activity, if you have any concerns about your dog’s ability to participate, consult with your vet first to be sure.
Safety first!
Before getting started creating your at home doggy obstacle course, you want to make sure you pick out a location with enough space to allow room for lots of movement. This may be indoors or outdoors depending on your home and backyard. The most important thing to remember in keeping this activity safe for your dog is to remove any objects from the area that could potentially hurt your dog or get damaged. After all, your dog will be running and jumping!
Now that you have your course location picked out, you want to make sure your dog is familiar with listening to and following commands. Any doggy obstacle course is only as good as the human that is verbally navigating where to go, so make sure you practice simple commands so you both are comfortable and stay safe. Your dog doesn’t have to become a professional but a simple understanding of commands such as sit and stay are a great starting point!
Once your obstacle course is set up, you want to make sure you give your dog a good warm up before running through it. You wouldn’t try a new physical activity without first properly stretching, right? The same goes for your dog! Just a quick walk around the block or a game of fetch will suffice to warm up your dog’s muscles to safely enjoy the obstacles.
Hurdles and jumps
If you and your dog are new to obstacle courses, jumping is a great first activity to try. But how do you know what height to set your jumping bar to? It all depends on your dog! Smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds, only need a short height to try and clear while bigger dogs, like Labradors and German Shepherds, should be able to jump over higher obstacles.
So what can you use to create a hurdle for your dog to jump over? Here are some great ideas with materials you likely have at home already:
- Grab two laundry baskets and a curtain rod. Place either end of the curtain rod onto each laundry basket and, voila! You have a jumping hurdle! Move the rod up or down for varying heights depending on your dog’s ability.
- Have any PVC pipes laying around from an old plumbing project? These make a perfect tool to make a hurdle of any height!
- Check your beach bag for a leftover pool noodle – they make great jumping hurdles! Not only are they soft, they are also easy to hold for your dog on their first obstacle run!
There are countless options that can be used to create a DIY hurdle for your doggy obstacle course. Just make sure they are lightweight or soft so they do not hurt your dog in all the fun. And if your dog has never jumped over a hurdle before, you can encourage them to explore the new activity with dog treats or verbal commands. No matter your dog’s age, you can teach them new tricks!
Zig zag
Next, you can move on to the weaving portion of your obstacle course. Similar to the hurdle portion, you want to make sure the materials you use for the zig zag are lightweight or soft to avoid your dog getting hurt!
Let’s take a look at some options to make a zig zag obstacle for your dog.
- If you have kids, you likely also have some small orange play cones as well. These make a great option to set up a zig zag for your dog’s obstacle course! Start spacing them out far apart to allow your dog plenty of room to navigate. As your dog gets better at weaving you can slowly move them closer together.
- Not sure what to do with all of your leftover cardboard boxes? Use them to make the perfect weaving obstacle! Not only are boxes lightweight and easy to set up, but if your dog crushes them in their run, you can simply break them down to recycle.
- Did you know some Christmas decorations make a perfect zig zag obstacle for your dog? Before you put away your plastic candy canes from the yard, try using them as part of the course. These lightweight poles are a great option to train your dog to weave in and out of.
Start out slow when teaching your dog to weave in and out of any object. With consistency of hand and verbal commands, your dog will quickly learn this new and fun activity!
Tunnels
The tunnel portion of the obstacle course may be the most intimidating for your dog if they’ve never done agility training before. One of the best ways to help your dog learn? Make sure you navigate the tunnel first to show them how it’s done!
Creating the perfect tunnel obstacle for your course is as easy as setting up items you have around your house. Here are a few options to choose from:
- Line up some chairs and drape a lightweight blanket across them. Now you have a tunnel! Show your dog how to go under the chairs by crawling through yourself so they can follow the fun! If your dog is of bigger stature, you may need taller chairs or pick a different option.
- Do you have a collapsible fabric tunnel that your kids climb through? Your dog can use this fun toy, too! Get the whole family in on the fun of a doggy obstacle course by having your child show your dog how to crawl through the tunnel first.
- Those large cardboard boxes can be used once again! Open up both ends of the box to create a square-shaped tunnel and watch your dog run in and out with ease.
While some dogs may enjoy running through tunnels more than others, agility training is an enriching experience for every dog!
Putting it all together
Once you have created each individual obstacle, you can start to put them all together to create the ultimate course! Be sure you have practised the hurdles, zig zag and tunnels all separately before you set them up in any sequence. This will ensure your dog is familiar with what to do.
You can set up the course any way you like! Does your dog like the zig zag the best? Put that obstacle at the start of the course to encourage movement through the rest of the obstacles. Once you have created each separate obstacle you can move them around to try different combinations and course options!
The trick to any successful doggy obstacle course experience is patience, consistency and fun! And having plenty of dog treats on hand will help to encourage activity and reward hard work! Creating an at home obstacle course is a great way to add exercise to your dog’s life and create a closer connection between you and your best friend!
This entry was posted in Dogs
If you’ve ever given your dog a Kong you know how fantastic these indestructible toys are at keeping your pup active and stimulated for long periods of time. Not only are they great for games of fetch, but they’re also great for stuffing yummy treats inside to encourage mental agility with reward! To better help your dog’s natural instinct of hunting food, here are some delicious recipes you can make to stuff inside your dog’s Kong!
Kong benefits
Before we dive into the treats, let’s first explore why Kong toys are so beneficial for dogs in the first place. The hard rubber chew toy was first invented over 40 years ago by Joe Markham as a way to stop his German Shepherd from chewing up all his socks. Since then, dogs all over the world have enjoyed the fun of a Kong toy! It not only encourages positive chewing habits, but also improves oral health.
For dogs who are prone to separation anxiety and being left alone for too long, the Kong is also a great way to keep their brains distracted and engaged. Dogs are innately programmed to chew – it’s how they search out the world around them. So having a toy like the Kong that is virtually indestructible is a great way to keep your dog busy and happy!
The Kong was specifically designed with a hole in the middle to house treats and encourage a dog’s natural instinct to hunt for food. The act of hunting the food out of the Kong provides dogs with increased mental stimulation that is super beneficial to their overall growth and development! We know it’s important to maintain a well-balanced diet for your dog, so adding these small, healthy treats to the Kong will provide the benefits of good nutrition and activity!
Recipe #1 – Savoury Snacker
For the dog who craves the savoury tastes and smells of meat, this recipe is sure to get the tails wagging! These ingredients are staples of most households and the recipe is simple to make!
- Take one small sweet potato and microwave or bake it until it is soft in the centre. Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, scoop out the inside of the potato into a bowl and mash with a fork to get any lumps out.
- Next, boil plain chicken until thoroughly cooked. You want to make certain this meat is not seasoned as some spices can be detrimental for a dog to ingest. Once the chicken is completely cooked, fork shred a small piece into smaller bite sized pieces and add it to the bowl of sweet potato.
- Last, shred one small carrot into fine pieces and add it to the mixture.
- Stir all ingredients together until they mix and marry completely.
You can add the mixture just as it is to the Kong from here or roll into small balls and place in the freezer for a frozen savoury treat later! Either way, your dog will love hunting down the savoury morsels of this yummy treat!
Recipe #2 – Sweet Treat
Did you know that dogs have a sweet tooth just like we do? While the taste buds of a dog are a fraction of that of humans, their smell is a million times stronger! And when dogs smell the delicious, sugary scents of sweet food they can’t help but indulge! So if you want to treat your sweet pup to a sweet treat, here is a recipe that is sure to have them begging for more.
- Take one cup of plain greek yoghurt and put it into a bowl.
- Next, add two large tablespoons of any nut butter – peanut, almond or cashew are some great options! Whatever you have on hand in your pantry will work!
- Finally, chop up fresh strawberries into small bits or mash up some fresh blueberries into a fine mixture. The sweetness of the fruit is what makes this treat so indulge-worthy!
- Now mix all the ingredients together and then smooth out the mixture onto a parchment lined pan. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 2 hours so it can completely harden. When you are ready to stuff the Kong, simply break off a piece and place it inside!
This sweet treat is sure to provide hours of engaging activity for your dog – with a delicious reward for their work!
Recipe #3 – Dinner Delight
Is your dog an “invite me to the dinner table, too” kind of dog? If your pup has a hard time keeping their nose (and their mouth!) away from the dinner table, this Kong stuffed recipe is sure to occupy their time so you can enjoy a peaceful meal.
- About one hour before your dinner is ready, boil one cup of rice until tender and add to a bowl to let it cool.
- Take one can of plain salmon canned in water and drain it into a strainer so only the salmon meat is left. Mash the salmon into small pieces with a fork and add it to the cooked rice.
- Next, finely chop up some fresh spinach and mix it into the rice and salmon mixture.
- Depending on the size of your Kong, take one spoonful of the combined ingredients and spoon it into the Kong. Then place the stuffed Kong into the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat, take the Kong out of the freezer and give it your pup! We guarantee they will be happily entertained and licking away for the entirety of your dinner, if not longer, with this frozen, delicious treat! And you will have enough of this recipe leftover to make more Kong dinner treats another time.
The Kong toy is a favourite of so many dogs and pet parents because they are easy to stuff with shop bought treats, or allow you to create your own recipes. Making homemade treats to stuff in your dog’s Kong is as easy as combining a base, a protein and an add-in. Some other simple ingredients to consider are cottage cheese, yoghurt, peanut butter, ground turkey, and apples. No matter what treat you make your dog, be sure to have a sturdy and easy-to-clean dog bowl on hand so they can eat any leftovers without much mess. Try out one of these recipes today and let us know how your dog liked them in their Kong!
This entry was posted in Dogs
Christmas is a wonderful time to celebrate everyone that we love, including our dogs. With wagging tails to welcome you home and sweet snuggles to keep you warm, our furry friends really are part of the family!
But how can you ensure your dog enjoys the festive period, too? Is it ok for your furry friend to dine on the traditional family feast? Fetch yourself a seat at the table as we outline everything you need to know to make sure your dog stays safe and has fun this Christmas!
Safe Christmas foods for your dog
While feeding your dog from the table can be tempting, serve up safe Christmas foods in their normal dog bowl or as you would a treat. And to be sure your dog doesn’t consume anything harmful, here is a list of some safe foods you can let your pup indulge in small bites:
- Turkey – That’s right! Your dog can have a few nibbles of the star of the show! Turkey is a great source of protein for your dog and they will undoubtedly love a bite (or two!) of the savoury meat. Just be sure their portion is fully cooked, unseasoned, and doesn’t include any skin or bones, which aren’t safe for your dog to devour.
- Potatoes – Serve your pup up some boiled or mashed sweet potato, but be sure to keep it plain with no salt or butter added. Spices like garlic and onion will make them sick, so stick to the plain potato variety when serving your dog at dinner! Dogs can also eat sweet potato – rich in beta carotene, fibre, vitamins, and a super treat for your dog at Christmas!
- Other vegetables – Sprouts, swedes, parsnips and green beans are very popular with dogs, as is a raw or cooked piece of carrot. Again, be sure not to add any seasoning, butter or sauces before you give the vegetables to your pet pooch, and moderation is key!
Not safe Christmas foods for your dog
As any dog owner understands, the nose knows! And especially at Christmas, a dog’s nose will sniff out almost any food or flavour! So in order to make sure your dog stays safe this holiday season, here are a few foods that you want to make sure you avoid letting your furry friend feast on.
- Bones – Give a dog a bone, right? Wrong when it comes to turkey bones! It may seem only natural to give your dog a bone from the carved turkey, but doing so could be very dangerous to their health. Unlike dog chew designed bones that are safe for your dog to gnaw on, turkey bones can be small and splinter, causing your dog to potentially choke.
- Chocolate – Chocolate is a staple in most homes over the holidays, but this tasty treat is not one to share with dogs. Theobromine, which is found in chocolate, can be deadly to your furry friend – even in small amounts. So, no matter how much they give you the puppy eyes treatment, don’t let them have any,
- Gravy – We all know that gravy over a Christmas roast is delicious but it can be harmful for dogs. With its high salt and fat content, this is one Christmas food not to feed fido.
In the unlikely event that your dog does happen to eat any unsafe foods this Christmas, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately to seek help.
Fido fun at Christmas
One of the best parts of Christmas is the time off from work to relax and enjoy with friends and family. And no family member is more excited about getting to spend time with you than your dog! The most magical time of the year is meant to make magical new memories and who better to do that with!
So take full advantage of this quality time to do more fun activities with your dog. If your furry friend is used to quick morning or afternoon walks before and after work, use this extra time off to linger longer on those strolls. Or, create new adventures and memories by exploring new trails or parks in your area.
What if it’s too cold where you live to be outside for long periods of time around Christmas? Just take the pawty inside! Stock up on some favourite dog toys so you and your dog can play for hours while staying cosy and warm. Your dog will love a good game of “fetch and seek” and you will love that your dog still gets exercise to tire out!
Dogs and guests at Christmas
When Christmas rolls around, you are bound to welcome friends and family into your home. While most dogs love meeting new people and getting pets and pats from strangers, some pups can get very anxious and stressed with too much commotion.
So how do you make sure your dog is ok with the holiday hustle and bustle in your home? Thankfully, Omlet has the tips and products to make sure your dog stays jolly and joyful this holiday!
Extra exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog! So before the fun festivities of Christmas begin, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to tire out those wiggles. Take them on a longer walk than usual or for an extra long game of fetch outside before guests arrive. You can also play some mental stimulation games inside so they can release some pent-up energy! That way when your company arrives, your dog won’t feel chaotic or stressed!
Designate a doggie den: For the dogs who get anxious with people coming in and out of your home, creating a familiar place for them to escape to is essential! Place their bed in a quiet room or corner where they feel comfortable and secure so they can get a nap when needed. The dog beds designed by Omlet are a great snooze option for any dog as they can be customised to fit your dog’s exact needs! And if your dog is crate trained, consider upgrading their safe place to a “home within a home” with one of Omlet’s wide variety of dog crates.
Layers on layers: If welcoming guests to your home is a regular and stress-free experience for your dog, then this Christmas should be without worry! For the cuddle pups who like to snuggle family and strangers alike on the sofa, make sure you have some layers to protect your furniture and your guests! The Super Soft Dog Blankets designed by Omlet are a great option because they offer a warm, snuggly spot for your dog to land when greeting guests!
Before you roast your turkey this Christmas, remember to give thanks for the constant companion in your life! We think dogs can receive love in many different ways and that’s why we created our exclusive line of dog products to give thanks back! Making sure your dog enjoys the magic of the holiday season is just as important as the festivities themselves!
This entry was posted in Dogs
If there’s one thing that dogs have their paws on the pulse of it’s sleep! Whether on their bed, on your bed, on the couch, or on the floor, dog owners everywhere are envious of how much their dog can snooze.
But what if your dog’s sleep is not quality sleep? What if they are catching most of their snoozes during the day and are restless at night? We know that sleep is super important to our dogs so we have the tips and products to help you get your dog sleeping better through the night!
Why quality sleep is important for your dog
Just like us, dogs need sleep in order to stay healthy in mind and body. A good rest not only provides their body with the recharge needed to maintain a strong immune system, but quality shuteye also gives their brains a chance to process all the day’s events and improve their memory. This is why a comfortable and supportive dog bed is so important.
While your dog lies in a dreamland sleep, the cells in their brains and body are regenerating to allow for stronger and more healthy joints and muscles. A restful sleep also increases your dog’s natural production of antibodies which, in turn, allows them to stay healthy.
The importance of a good dog bed
How often do you replace your own mattress? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is likely every 7-10 years. But what about your dog’s bed? A quick search will show that the average lifespan of a dog bed is between 1 and 12 months. At Omlet, we decided that statistic was crazy and that something had to be done about it.
Quality sleep isn’t just important for humans, it’s important for our dogs as well. So the bed they spend so much time getting that restful sleep on is important. We know the reason standard dog beds do not last long is because they are not made to last. Designed with stuffing that is not supportive on joints and covers that are not machine washable, standard dog beds degrade (and smell!) more quickly as they are not built to handle the natural behaviors of dogs.
So we asked ourselves, how do you feel after a good night’s sleep? Refreshed? Energized? Happier? That’s because you slept on a high-performance, quality mattress. We took that knowledge and transferred it to our dog bed designs because your dog deserves all those benefits as well! At Omlet, we design our dog beds to stand the test of time when it comes to your dog’s comfort, your maintenance and the sustainability of their properties.
The Topology Dog Bed designed by Omlet is the last dog bed you’ll ever need to buy. Curated with a supportive memory foam mattress to cushion your dog’s body and a removable topper that is completely machine washable, your dog’s first sleep on this luxurious dog bed will feel just as good as their 100th sleep.
How many hours of sleep does my dog need at night?
Out of the 12 to 18 hours a day that an adult dog logs in sleep, approximately 8-9 of those hours should be spent in nighttime slumber. However, age and breed can have a big impact on these sleepy hours.
Puppies: Anyone who has ever owned a puppy knows that sleep comes quickly and often for these pint-sized pooches. With an average of 20 hours a day spent in snoozy snuggles, most puppies should be getting an average of 6-10 of those hours at night. Of course, potty breaks can account for a more staggered sleep schedule, but by 8-12 months of age, most puppies should be getting about 30%-40% of their total sleep at night.
Seniors: As we get older our sleep becomes more important – and more frequent. The same is true for older dogs. Depending on breed, most dogs will start logging more naps and earlier bedtimes around 7-8 years of age. Senior dogs require more sleep than their younger counterparts because the changes in their bodies require more downtime to recharge. Rest assured that this change in sleep pattern is completely normal and natural.
Breeds: Certain dog breeds require more shuteye than others and the results are often surprising! Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds typically only need 14-16 hours a day in order to be at their best. Whereas larger breeds, such as Great Danes and Mastiffs need closer to 18 hours a day for a fully rested recharge. When it comes to sleep, size really does matter!
Three reasons your dog isn’t sleeping at night
While there are many factors that can impact a dog’s nighttime sleep, there are three common reasons why your dog may have restless night wiggles. Here are some ways you can help them sleep better:
- High energy levels – An exercised dog is a tired dog. One of the biggest reasons your pup may not be able to settle into slumber at night is because they still have energy to get out. While keeping your dog physically and mentally stimulated all day long is important, those end-of-day, nighttime walks or play sessions are key to their nighttime sleep. So before you both snuggle in for the night, enjoy one last walk together or a round of play with dog toys to tire everyone out!
- Separation anxiety – There is a reason the saying “man’s best friend” rings so true for dog owners – our pups are family. And your dog feels the same about you! Separation anxiety can occur in any dog and leaves them feeling stressed or fearful when left alone for too long. But there are many ways you can help ease your dog’s worries and get them sleeping better through the day and night. Try keeping a soft blanket on their bed or favorite nap spot that will help provide them calm and comfort when you are out. You can also leave one of your unwashed shirts with them, too – a familiar smell will help to quickly calm the anxiety.
- Too uncomfortable – Have you ever been able to sleep well on a bumpy mattress or with a lumpy pillow? Your dog doesn’t like uncomfortable sleeping situations either, and that could be the reason they are up all night. Thankfully, Omlet has designed several sleeping solutions that are not only undeniable in dog comfort, but they can be perfectly placed anywhere in your home.
Your dog may need a more den-like space to snooze and snuggle, so the Fido Nook Luxury Dog Crate and Bed designed by Omlet is the ideal answer to snoozy prayers! Or maybe their dog bed needs an upgrade just like our mattresses often do. In that case, the Topology Dog Bed also from Omlet allows you to not only customize your dog’s specific sleeping style, but the style as well.
Can my dog sleep in a bed with me?
Sharing your bed with your dog can be a truly enjoyable experience. However, while many dog owners agree that co-sleeping with your furry friend is harmless, there can be some drawbacks to shared snuggles.
If your dog is prone to separation anxiety or regular stress, then allowing them to snooze alongside you at night may provide them with the sense of security they need to sleep restfully. Plus, snuggling with your pup is a terrific bonding experience. Allowing your dog to co-sleep with you can also strengthen both your relationship and happiness. And we all know that sleepy dogs are happy dogs!
But some of the drawbacks of sharing your bed with your dog could potentially be impactful to your health. If you have any dog hair or dander allergies, then co-sleeping at night with your dog is not the best idea. Spending the night covered in dog hair will lead to nightmares rather than good sleep. So in this case, make sure fido has a comfortable dog bed that they will love just as if it were yours!
Creating a bedtime routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, so establishing a routine around bedtime will not only appease their innate desires for consistency, but it will also ensure a better night’s sleep. We have dug up several tips that will help make nighttime tuck-in a breeze for you and your dog. Use just a few or incorporate them all to maintain a regular and restful night’s sleep!
- Because exercise is key to a dog’s sleep demeanor, start by setting a time right before bed to have one last run in the yard. Whether a long walk around the block or just a quick game of fetch, your dog’s breed and exercise needs will help you determine what activity is best to help tire them out.
- Keep mealtime consistent! Feeding your dog at the same time every night before bed triggers an association signal in their brains. When dinner in the dog bowl is served, they know that bedtime is right around the corner. And this will make sleeping through the night much easier!
- Bathroom before bedtime is essential. Just before you are ready to snuggle up under the covers, be sure your dog has one last potty break to empty their bladder. Both you and your dog will be thankful!
- If you crate train your dog for a more secure slumber, be sure to keep the crate somewhere quiet and calm for the night. Whether that’s your bedroom or another cozy spot, your dog will more easily fall asleep and stay asleep in their dog crate when in peaceful surroundings.
- Final tuck-in for bed! Make sure your dog has a comfortable and supportive bed to spend the night. The Topology Dog Bed designed by Omlet not only gives your dog the snuggled coziness they desire, but it will keep them comfy all night long. Add a soft dog blanket to their bed and bedtime is sure to be a success!
How Omlet can help upgrade your dog’s sleep
Upgrading the quality of your dog’s sleep is often just as easy as upgrading their routines and sleep spots. That’s why we designed products like the Topology dog bed,the Fido Nook dog crate and a variety of super soft and snuggly dog blankets. At Omlet, we believe the products your dog sleeps on are just as important as the bed you choose for yourself.
This entry was posted in Dogs
An anxiety dog bed can help to soothe your pup and give them a calm place to rest and recuperate. Anxiety is an issue that affects many dogs. Some breeds are prone to nervousness, and some individual dogs may have had a tough puppyhood that results in anxiety as an adult. Others may have issues such as joint pain that require extra comfort and a cosy corner. Our guide to anxiety dog beds could help you decide whether your dog would benefit from one, and the best choice for your dog to slumber.
Symptoms of anxiety in dogs
Before investing in a dog bed to help ease anxiety, you may need to identify if your pet has anxiety. Understanding your dog’s body language will help you identify a problem. The symptoms of anxiety in a dog or puppy may include:
- Hiding
- ‘Burrowing’ under blankets, cushions or on a bed (the dog bed or the owner’s bed!)
- ‘Cringing’ (with the tail between the legs)
Some dogs will express anxiety through the following:
- Whining and whimpering
- Panting when there has been no energetic activity
- Shivering
- Jumping
- Occasionally an anxious dog may even express itself through nipping and snapping.
Whilst a comfy dog bed can help to ease symptoms, if you’re concerned that your dog is showing any of these signs, you may wish to have them checked by a vet.
What can calm an anxious dog?
Treating dog anxiety is not a straightforward issue, neither in humans nor dogs. While humans can talk to someone about the issue and receive good advice, the options for a dog are more limited. Positive training can go a long way towards reducing dog anxiety and boosting confidence. Whilst a calm environment can have a very positive impact, too. A soothing dog bed can make a big difference here, giving your pet a safe place to unwind and relieve anxieties.
Dog anxiety often stems from puppyhood stress. With rescue dogs, the events in the early months of your pet’s life are often unknown. Dog anxiety is usually linked to separation, though. Out and out abuse manifests as fear and lack of confidence in dogs, but anxiety is something slightly different. A high quality calming anxiety dog bed can help pets with a mild form of separation anxiety. That is, if your dog frets when left alone, or is particularly ‘clingy’ with one member of the family.
Dog anxiety can also be brought on by discomfort. Many dogs suffer from joint pains, notably in the hips as they grow older. Lying on a blanket or a thin dog bed that’s too small will not give these dogs the comfort they need for a good night’s sleep. Which leads to a vicious circle of anxiety-inducing poor sleep and stress. An anxiety dog bed is designed to give your pet the support they and their joints need for a peaceful rest. Which could in turn help to lower their anxiety levels. Choosing the right dog bed for your pet involves a number of factors from the size, to how easy the dog bed is to wash, to material, and colour.
How an anxiety dog bed can help
A comfortable anxiety dog bed provides your worried pup with that all-important sense of security. Such dog beds may feature orthopaedic padding, dog blankets or quilts for really snuggling down, extra-soft cushions and raised sides for resting a lazy head on.
Even the best anxiety dog beds alone will not ‘cure’ a pup’s anxiety. They need to be part of a general dog-friendly environment. Combined with a consistent behavioural dog training program, a healthy diet, supplements, and – if absolutely necessary – medication. Anxiety dog beds, then, are where dog owners should start when addressing anxiety issues, but they are only part of the wider solution.
4 characteristics of an anxiety dog bed
For those searching for a soothing dog bed to help ease their pet’s anxiety, these are a few key features you should look out for:
- A raised outer border – the enclosed shape will help your pup feel safe and secure.
- Machine washable – having a dog bed that can be cleaned easily means your pet will always have a clean, comfy place to relax.
- Super soft – just like humans, dogs enjoy soft fabrics and this can help soothe them. You can always add a luxury sheepskin dog blanket for extra comfort.
- Memory foam – having an ultra comfortable mattress on their anxiety easing bed can help your pet feel at ease.
Choosing the right anxiety dog bed
Every dog is different and so requires a slightly different dog bed to soothe anxieties. Here are our top things to consider when choosing an anxiety soothing bed for your dog:
- Size – Every breed of dog has a different size, from very small dogs such as chihuahuas, to very big dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs. Choosing a small, medium, or large dog bed that will fit your dog comfortably is especially important for those pets with anxiety.
- Material – Make sure the bed has a soft material that your pup will love lying down on.
- Colour – Whilst the vital part of a dog bed for anxiety is that it fits your pet’s needs, you may also wish for it to suit your interior. Our range of beds for pets come in a wide range of colours perfect for every home.
Finding the perfect spot for your anxious dog’s bed
The central part of a calm environment for dogs is the bed. The location of the pet bed is important. It needs to be somewhere relatively quiet, where the dog can feel safe and in control. The design of a bed for dogs is equally important, and a comfortable dog mattress is the beginning, rather than the end of the story.
So, what type of bed does a dog prefer? For many dogs, a bed is simply the place where they lie down and sleep. It doesn’t even have to be the same spot each night. Some dogs like to spend one night on their allocated bed, the next night in a cool spot on the kitchen floor, and the next night your pet may want to share a bed with you. But with anxious dogs, consistency is important, and the right anxiety dog bed in the right place is the key.
An anti-anxiety dog bed can actively reduce stress and worry. When combined with anti-stress training, the anxiety dog bed can go a long way towards eliminating the issue. Calming supplements can also help, and in extreme cases, a vet will recommend anti-stress medication, too.
Do anxiety beds for dogs work?
An anti-anxiety dog bed is all about giving dogs and puppies a sense of security, reinforced by sheer comfort. The key is in the design of anxiety dog beds, and there are many models to choose from. The best options include dog beds that go the extra mile to enhance your dog’s comfort, including features such as a removable cover, orthopaedic foam, memory foam, and a washable cover (machine washable, ideally). Dogs love their comfort, and a consistently good night’s sleep, after all, is one of the best ways to tackle and reduce their anxiety.
Comfy, soothing dog beds from Omlet
We have two types of dog bed that could be used to calm anxious pups:
- Topology Luxury Dog Beds – Designed to be easy to clean, and super comfy with a memory foam mattress, this anxiety dog bed is a cosy place for your pup. Available in three different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for the dog breed you own.
- Memory Foam Bolster Dog Bed – The Bolster dog bed for anxiety is set apart by its high sides that are the ideal place for your pup to snuggle or rest its head.
A top class calming dog bed won’t cure dog or pup anxiety on its own. But a good night’s sleep is half the battle. Providing the dog with a comfortable start and end to each day, making the rest of the anti-anxiety routine a little bit easier.
Introducing Omlet petcare
Make your dog as comfy and happy as possible with our range of dog products. With cosy dog blankets, fun dog toys, and yummy treats for pups, they’ll be excited when their delivery from Omlet arrives!
This entry was posted in Dogs
We know that parting Fido from their beloved smelly, ripped bed isn’t always an easy task. And now all of a sudden, you’re in the doghouse after welcoming home an amazingly soft, ultra-comfy mattress that your furry friend refuses to sleep on! Sound familiar? Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pup’s new bed becomes top dog.
A match made in dog bed heaven
Before considering how to get a dog used to a new bed, consider whether you’ve got the right one for your dog’s needs.
We know that a new bed always takes some time to get used to but finding the right one – even trickier! The same goes for our canine companions, which is why we’ve taken all the hassle out of shopping for a new dog bed.
Super comfy, memory foam mattress, easy to clean! What if one bed could do it all? We’ve designed the ultimate sleeping retreats for dogs, which makes settling into a new bed easier than ever.
The Topology dog bed, designed by Omlet, allows you to change up the most used part of the dog bed – the top – without throwing the whole thing away. The machine washable toppers come in lots of styles to suit your dog’s needs and zip off and on in seconds for easy cleaning. No more thin, smelly dog beds – just wash or replace the topper whenever it’s time for refresh. The Topology is a bed for life – they’ll never experience bed heartache again!
Getting your dog used to their new bed
We all know how fantastic your dog’s new Topology bed is, and want them to love it too. But, to some dogs, this brand new thing in their home is ultimately, an intruder. So, how exactly can you resolve this and get them to sleep like a dog in their new bed?
Old bed? Smell ya later!
Ever noticed that your dog loves to stick their nose in everything? That’s because they have an amazing scent. In fact, their noses can detect the equivalent of a ½ a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It’s inevitable that having their old bed (however smelly it was to us) and having it replaced by a shiny, new bed can throw them off a little at first.
To make their bed feel like home again, rub your hands on the mattress, or use a familiar scent such as their favourite dog blanket, or an old t-shirt of yours, which can be placed on top of the bed.
As happy as a dog in a new bed
Build up positive associations with their new bed by using dog treats, fun and stimulating dog toys, and plenty of praise when they lie on the mattress to make it somewhere they love!
Location, location, location!
We know that dogs can sleep practically anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a preference for where they nod off. If your pup’s bed was in a suitable and safe space before, don’t put the new one somewhere else!
Make it extra cosy
You’re definitely wondering how we could possibly make our incredible memory foam dog beds any cosier. How about an incredible memory foam dog bed with a super soft sherpa luxury dog blanket? For one, dogs enjoy having layers to den in and to paw about to get comfy. A blanket is also a familiar scent, making your pup’s space will be far too irresistible to keep away from!
Remember, patience is key when getting a dog to use a new bed, and different dogs will take to their new space in their own time. But with Topology, we know that your furry friend will be blissfully enjoying hours of dreaming in no time.
This entry was posted in Dogs
When a new pet joins the family one of the first things to work out is how to crate train a puppy. It’s fantastic when a puppy quickly learns that their new crate is a safe and comfortable little den. Teach your pup to enjoy his new dog crate by introducing him to it slowly and at his own pace. Your puppy needs to feel safe inside his crate. If he ever feels frightened or forced to rest in his crate he will always be reluctant to enter. Eventually, the idea is that you will be able to command your pet to go into his crate when you want him to calm down and rest after a long walk or just before bedtime.
Making your puppy comfy in their crate
Ensuring your puppy has a comfy dog crate is the first step in training them how to use it. With an inviting dog crate that contains a soft dog bed and comforting dog blanket, your pup is far more likely to feel relaxed in the space.
Whilst your puppy is bound to grow into a larger dog, it’s important to choose the right size dog crate. Having a crate that they fit perfectly will make sure they’re as comfy and settled as possible.
How to introduce your puppy to its crate
Introducing your puppy to crate training can be easy when you follow our steps below. Remember to take it slow and to be patient with your new addition.
Step one: tempt your puppy into the crate
The first step in crate training a puppy is to get them in the crate. Tempt your puppy into the crate with a tasty dog treat while offering lots of generous praise. If he doesn’t want to go in, pick him up and place him in and then give him a treat and lots of praise. If your puppy seems scared or agitated about crate training, talk to him in a positive yet calm voice and stroke him until he calms down. Only leave your puppy inside the crate for a couple of minutes. Then move back and call him out. When he comes to you, give him lots of praise again, but don’t give him a treat. You should only give your puppy treats when they’re inside their crate.
Step two: closing the crate door
Once the first step of crate training your puppy is done, and your pet is comfortable with going in and out of the crate. Without your puppy getting agitated or frightened, you can begin to close the door. Keep it closed for just a minute and stay in range so that your puppy can see you when crate training (If your puppy does get slightly overwhelmed, open the door, invite him out and then repeat step one a few more times). After the minute is up, open the door and invite your puppy back out again. Don’t forget, give him lots of praise but not a treat when he is outside again – right now you need him to associate the treat with the crate!
Step three: praise your puppy during crate training
Repeat step two while gradually increasing the time that your puppy is spending training in the crate. After the allotted time is up, always give your puppy plenty of praise when you open the door and invite him out. Repeating this process as part of your puppy crate training routine will have them ready to use it daily in no time!
How to train your puppy to sleep in their crate at night
Starting crate training your puppy straight away is the best way to get your dog settled in quickly. It is very important that you make his crate a comfortable and enjoyable place. The idea is that the crate should provide him with a ‘den’ where he can feel safe and secure. If your puppy enjoys his little den, he will want to use it on his own accord, which will make crate training so much easier.
Here are four easy steps that will help you crate train your puppy for nigh times
Step one: exercise your puppy
The first thing to do when training your puppy to sleep in their crate at night, is to give them lots of exercise. Play with him and tire him out, feel free to use fun dog toys, so that he uses up all of his excess energy. It is really important that you do this before you start crate training your puppy, otherwise your dog might be rather reluctant to rest inside his crate.
Step two: encourage a nap
After you have tired your puppy out, invite him into his crate with a treat and lots of praise. You do not have to close the door behind him if he is not entirely comfortable with the crate. Sit with him until he calms down, and then reward him. Hopefully your puppy will want a rest, and might even have a little nap. If he falls asleep, close the door behind him and supervise him until he wakes up. Usually a puppy will only have a short minute nap, but depending on how much exercise you have given him, he could rest for up to a couple of hours.
Step three: gradually increase puppy crate training time
Next time you crate train your puppy, invite them in for a rest, extend the time to about an hour, and keep extending it by 30 minutes each time. If your puppy wakes up before an hour, sit with him until he is calm. He is more than likely to fall straight back to sleep, providing that you gave him enough exercise before you started crate training. Again, you don’t have to close the door if your puppy is not comfortable enough yet. But if he falls asleep (and hopefully he will) then close the door and supervise him until he wakes up.
Step four: train your puppy overnight
As soon as your puppy is able to rest quietly for a few hours he should be ready to stay in the crate overnight without a problem. But remember, persistence and repetition are key. As long as you make crate training an enjoyable experience for your puppy, it will take no time at all for him to feel comfortable resting inside his little den.
Sometimes placing an old t-shirt of yours inside the crate will comfort your puppy. The smell of you will calm him down and help him sleep.
Omlet pet care
Making your new pet as comfortable in their new home is simple with Omlet. Our range of dog cooling mats and dog mattress toppers will help them settle into your home in no time.
This entry was posted in Dogs
When it comes to puppies, you should know that they sleep…well…A LOT! Yes, these amazing furballs of energy can require up to a whopping 20 hours of sleep per day depending on their breed and size. That’s almost 85% of their day spent in slumber!
But is my 8 week old puppy supposed to sleep as much as a 16 week old puppy? And how do I get my puppy to sleep through the night? Just like human babies, puppies are growing quickly and sleep is an essential factor to make sure they stay healthy and strong. Whether you are a new puppy pet parent or considering a pint-sized pal, here are some things you need to know about puppy sleep!
Why do puppies need so much sleep?
Sleep is important for puppies for the same reasons it is important for children – development! All dog breeds start out life as small, four-legged furballs. Whether they grow to the size of a Great Dane or stay as small as a Chihuahua, all dogs need sleep in order to grow.
One of the biggest benefits that sleep offers puppies is healthy brain development. At their very young age, puppies are taking in tons of new sights, smells, and sounds every day! Sleep offers their brains a chance to process all the new information and compartmentalize the do’s and don’ts of being a dog.
Have you ever seen a puppy tear across a room like a tiny tornado only to collapse into a snoozy nap seconds later? Puppies, like humans, require rest in order to restore and conserve their energy. Getting lots of sleep in the early weeks/months of life means puppies are just preparing to be healthy, energetic dogs for years to come!
But why do they need to sleep for 75-85% of the day? The “puppy stage” is short relative to the average life of a dog – lasting approximately 6 months to 2 years depending on dog breed. So obtaining more sleep on the front end helps to build their developing immune system to be healthy and strong adult dogs. When it comes to puppies and sleep, “let sleeping dogs lie”!
Typical puppy sleep
If you’ve ever raised a human baby you know all too well that life in those first few months consists of a revolving schedule of eat, sleep, play, and poop. Guess what? Puppies are much the same! As they grow and mature, puppies – like humans – will need less sleep, but here is a breakdown of average sleep hours at the different stages of puppyhood.
Birth – 8 weeks: Puppies get the most sleep in these first few weeks of life. On average, you can expect your pint-sized pal to log 18-20 hours of snoozy time each day. Frequent, short-burst naps are how they start their lives.
10-12 weeks: Your puppy is growing and sleep is still of the utmost importance! While they may still be logging lengthy sleep schedules of 18-20 hours per day, you will start to notice they have more energy during their wake hours – that’s a good thing! This means all that sleep is giving their bodies exactly what it needs.
12-16 weeks: As your puppy nears the 3 month old mark, they may start shortening their naps a bit during the day and increasing their length of sleep stretches at night. Average daily sleep for puppies this age is around 16-18 hours and that will depend heavily on your dog’s age and breed. Large breed dogs have to grow more quickly than smaller breed dogs to reach the same age maturity, so you may notice a Labrador Retriever sleeping longer than a Pug at this stage.
16-18 weeks: By now, you and your puppy have (hopefully!) settled into a sleep routine and schedule. This is the perfect time to start training your puppy! Learning new commands and how to walk on a leash are examples of “firsts” you can introduce to your puppy at this age. This is also a great time to start socialization with other dogs as most puppies will have been fully vetted at this time to safely be around the pack!
Sample puppy sleep schedule
Just like babies, puppies naturally thrive on a routine! So the earlier you can create and stick to a schedule, the better! Here is a sample sleep schedule for puppies under 16 weeks of age:
MORNING
Toilet first thing!
Eat breakfast
Toilet (repetition is key here!)**
Play with toys
Nap
Wake and toilet
AFTERNOON
Eat lunch
Explore and play
Toilet
Nap
Toilet
Nap (see a trend here?)
EVENING
Eat dinner
Play with toys
One last toilet before bed
Night time sleep
Several more toilet breaks throughout the night (especially in the early months!)
** Rule of thumb when it comes to puppies and toilet training: every month of age equals the amount of hours they can go between toilet breaks. For example, a 2 month old puppy will need to go toilet every 2 hours, a 3 month old puppy will need to go toilet every 3 hours, and so on. So be sure to position your puppy’s crate close by so you can hear the “I need to pee” whines….which could start way before dawn! But with every passing month of age, this will get later and later!
How to get my puppy to sleep through the night
The goal for most pet parents is to get their dogs to mimic their sleep patterns by logging most of their zzz’s at night. For puppies, this can be a hard task as they are still too young to go several hours between toilet breaks. So, while it’s unlikely that your puppy will sleep a straight 8 hours a night right away, there are some things you can do to eventually get there!
Exercise, exercise, exercise!
A tired dog is a happy dog and that is true for puppies, too! One of the best things you can do to promote night time sleep is make sure your puppy has lots of exercise throughout the day. In between naps, be sure to stimulate their minds with interactive games, like tug-of-war with the toys! Having a dedicated toy storage box helps cue the puppy that it’s time to use some energy!
Calm, relaxed, slow
Like humans, puppies learn by seeing the environment around them. And we all know that a calm environment promotes better sleep! So try and get all of the play and exercise in before dinner and then start to slow down and relax at least an hour before bed. Remember, puppies thrive on routines, so keep night time consistent and they will begin to learn to relax sooner.
Toilet time!
Make sure your puppy actually does “go wee wee” one last time before settling into bed! These tiny furballs get distracted easily and sometimes go outside but don’t actually “go outside” – so be sure they are emptied out before bed!
Close, comfortable and chews
In an effort to make everyone’s sleep as best as possible, try and keep your puppy’s crate close by you so you can hear them when they whimper for a wee outside! Omlet’s Fido Studio Crate is a great option as it seamlessly doubles as a nightstand or end table as well as your puppy’s sleeping quarters! Sleeping close to you will also make your puppy more comfortable – a good comfy bed will help, too! And don’t forget a chew toy or blanket to put beside them! Like human babies, puppies experience teething, and chewing can be a calming night time activity to help soothe them back to sleep!
Make no bones about it – all dogs like to sleep! But some breeds do like to hit the snooze button more than others. While these breeds are not exempt from sporadic puppy sleep, they are more likely to sleep longer – and more often! – as adults!
Saint Bernard
Pug
Great Dane
Basset Hound
English Bulldog
Owning a puppy can be an exciting and exhausting experience! But the rewards of being a dog owner far outweigh the few sleepless nights you may encounter when they are puppies! With an established routine and cozy sleeping quarters, your puppy will quickly learn great sleeping habits! And happy sleeping puppies usually grow into happy sleeping dogs!
This entry was posted in Dogs
Washing a dog bed regularly can help to ensure your pet always has a clean environment. It also minimizes the risk of fleas, germs, and dirt build up. Our guide shows you how to easily wash your dog’s bed, as well as the best beds to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Why do dog beds need washing?
An unclean dog bed can cause serious problems for your beloved pet. Infections can be passed from dog poo and urine or anything the dog has regurgitated. The bacteria in these bodily discharges can linger in the mattress for several months. There are potential problems with an unwashed dog bed that a simple brush or vacuum-clean cannot tackle. Sleeping in this unsanitary condition could result in your dog becoming ill, with the knowledge to keep their dog bed clean you’ll be able to reduce this risk.
All dog beds provide a good night’s sleep for your dog, but the best ones do far more than that. They keep dirt and bacteria at bay and make the home environment healthier for everyone.
Dog beds become dirty and smelly over time. They can also harbour flea eggs or ticks. Washing them is essential, and this can be a simple or complicated task, depending on the type of dog bed your pet has.
Washing a dog bed with a removable cover is simple. Without a removable cover, a thorough clean becomes more challenging.
Simple steps to wash a dog bed with removable covers
Washable dog beds with a cover are easier to clean than ones without a cover. Our easy steps on how to clean a dog bed with removable covers will help you give your pet a sparkling bed in no time.
How to wash the dog bed cover
- Vacuum the dust and hair from the dog bed and dog blanket to prevent the fine hairs from clogging up your washing machine filter. A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment is ideal.
- Remove the cover and vacuum the mattress and all other parts of the bed.
- The cover of the dog bed can then be washed, along with the blanket. Use a pet-safe washing liquid and, if needed, a stain remover.
Washing your dog’s mattress
Depending on the type of bed you have, you will sometimes have to wash the mattress of your dog bed too. A model like the Topology dog bed has a waterproof cover that keeps the dirt away from the mattress. Although there may be occasional leaks if the dog has soiled the bed, in which case the mattress will need washing.
- The dog bed mattress should be soaked in a bathtub of hot water using a pet-safe washing product.
- Alternatively, it can be soaked for 15 minutes in a tub of water in which two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda have been dissolved.
- Some mattresses are pliable enough to be washed in a washing machine and dried in a tumble dryer.
- Otherwise, it will have to dry outside. Choose a warm sunny day if possible – easier said than done at certain times of the year! The important detail is to choose a well-ventilated area, which will prevent mould from growing as the bed dries.
Washing a dog bed without a cover
Even if your dog bed does not have a removable cover, you can still wash it with ease. The following steps detail how to hand wash your dog bed.
- First, hoover-clean the bed, getting into all the folds and corners.
- Next, use a brush to loosen any hairs caught in the dog bed’s fabric and then vacuum it again.
- Individual stains can be spot-treated with an enzyme-based cleaner before soaking the whole bed in hot soapy water for 15 minutes. Squeeze and turn the bed a few times during this time, to remove as much dirt as possible.
- If the bed is very dirty and the water turns brown, soak the bed for five minutes and then replace the water.
- The bed should then be scrubbed all over using a damp brush dipped in baking soda. Use a toothbrush for the folds, seams and corners. This will add the finishing touches to the cleaning and will also deodorize the dog bed.
- Fill the tub with warm water again and soak the dog bed, squeezing and kneading it to remove all traces of detergent.
- Repeat until the water shows no traces of soap bubbles.
- The dog bed can then be air-dried in a warm and well-ventilated place.
Omlet’s easy to clean dog bed
The perfect easy to wash dog bed is a waterproof one made with cleaning in mind. If it has a machine washable cover that zips on, the bed can be washed and dried within a few hours. This system also has the advantage of longevity, as a worn-out cover can be replaced.
Our Topology dog beds employ this system and come in various versions and colours, all machine-washable at 30C (85F). You’ll also find the Omlet Bolster Dog Beds have removable covers for easy washing too. By matching light and dark colours to your dog’s coat, the hair will be less visible. A minor issue, perhaps, but white hair on a dark mattress, or dark hair on a white bed, looks very messy. The Topology covers are also waterproof, which protects the memory-foam mattress underneath. They come in different sizes, too, to suit all breeds of dog. Topology beds also prevent dirt from accumulating around the bed or mattress, as they have frames with legs that keep the structure off the ground.
How often to wash a dog bed
Now you know how to wash your dog’s bed, you may wonder how often you should be cleaning it. Washing the dog bed cover once every week or so eliminates issues of dirt and germ build up. The frequency will depend largely on how much hair the dog sheds and how dirty it tends to get. If anyone in the household has a dog allergy, frequent cleaning is essential.
To kill any potential nasties lurking in the bedding, it will ideally need to be washed at 60C (140F). Although lots of dog bedding will have washing instructions recommending a lower temperature. A waterproof cover, which is a feature of the Topology range, prevents the mattress from soiling, and these covers can be washed at low temperatures.
Omlet petcare
Treat your dog to the accessories they deserve. Luxury dog crates that will help to crate train puppies as well as training adult dogs, to dog toys that will help build your bond, we have the items to make your dog comfy and happy.
This entry was posted in Dogs
Unlike dogs, cats like to be by themselves. In fact, by nature, felines are solitary animals and are purr-fectly happy doing life solo! But what if you, the pet parent, like having lots of animals to love on? What if you are both a cat and a dog person? Just like human siblings, cats can learn to love a new companion!
When it comes to bringing new furry friends into your one cat house, it’s important to make sure you know the rules of engagement that will best suit every tail! With a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can have a friend for your feline that you will both love equally. Let’s explore the best ways to introduce your cat to a new pet!
Preparation
As any good cat owner knows, the best way to make your home feel comfortable to any feline is to “catify” it properly! Cats like to climb and scratch and have access to escape places so your home has to be “catified”, or transformed, to suit their needs. This means having indoor cat trees for exploration and a good cat house for solitary escape when needed.
Before bringing a new pet into your home, be sure you put all of your residents cat’s items in one location in the house so they have their own separate space. This includes all climbing structures and cat beds as well all toys, food, blankets, and even their litter box. Basically any item that is a scent soaker for your cat! This will allow you to have a “basecamp” for your cat as you slowly make introductions.
A new cat friend
Some people say that cats are like spoonfuls of ice cream – you can’t have just one! There are millions of homes around the globe with two or more cats living happily together, so you, too, can do the same! Here are a few tips to help make that initial meeting and lifetime together harmonious:
Tip 1: The number one rule to remember when introducing two cats is to not let them meet face to face right away! Cats are not only solitary beings, but territorial as well, and meeting by scent only at first will better help with adjustments. Set up a separate area of your home – a guest room, office, etc. – that will be initially dedicated as the “new cat’s” home. Put all of their climbing trees, food, water, toys and litter box inside this space so it is completely separate from your resident cat.
Tip 2: After 2-3 days of bringing your new feline home, switch the “basecamp” spaces that each cat is in. If your resident cat was staying in the guest bedroom and the new cat was in the office, swap their “stuff” from one room to the other and have them stay the next 2-3 days in the new room. This will allow both cats to “get to know each other” through their respective scents before they actually meet.
Tip 3: On average, it can take a full week or more to gradually ease into the introduction process. Once both cats have successfully sniffed one another’s scents, it’s time for the official meet and greet. We suggest putting up a gate to block space between the cats for the initial meeting. With the resident cat on one side of the gate and your new feline friend on the other, slowly allow them to meet. Be sure to have treats for each of them to reward and encourage good behaviour and toys for them to play with! You can repeat this step several times over the course of a few days with the goal of getting the cats to eat their food on either side while not being too bothered by each other.
Tip 4: After several “meets” with a barrier between them, the goal is to make sure that neither your resident cat nor your new cat are showing any signs of aggression. This process could take a few weeks up to a few months depending on the disposition of each cat. Keep in mind that if your new feline friend is a kitten, this process can take a bit longer. Kittens have lots of energy and if your resident cat is older, they may respectively need more time to adjust!
Your patience and persistence will pay off! Now you can open up the space and allow for both cats to mingle together without restrictions! Congratulations – you are now a multiple cat parent!
A new dog friend
You know the saying, “they fight like cats and dogs”? We think this notion is a myth! While canines and felines are not naturally the best of friends, they can absolutely co-exist together in perfect harmony! If you own a cat and want to introduce a new dog to the mix, the steps to do so are not that different from introducing a new cat. Be sure to follow the previous tips and consider these as well:
- When you do a first face-to-face with your new dog and resident cat, make sure your cat is at the dog’s eye level. This will help level the playing, or size difference, field between the two animals!
- Have a family member or friend hold the cat while you hold the dog to ensure safety for both should either animal show aggression.
- Limit alone time together until you feel completely comfortable that both animals are able to coexist without issue.
- The goal in a cat and dog relationship is toleration – not necessarily affection. So if both animals ignore one another consider that a sign of success!
Signs of success
As with any sibling relationship, there will be growing pains and wins along the way! While there is no magic formula that will guarantee a successful loving relationship between your cat and their new friend, there are a few signs to look for!
Adult current cat + adult new cat
If both your resident cat and new cat are adults, their bond could be immediate or could take months. The best way to have a successful older cat relationship? Make sure you really know the demeanour of your current cat before deciding on which new cat to bring home. If your resident cat is a snuggler and lazy lap lounger, you want to try to make sure the new cat fits the same personality. Knowing their key behaviour traits beforehand will better provide for success sooner. You will know the two are happy housemates when they can co-exist in the same space without showing any signs of aggression!
Adult current cat + kitten
Kittens are energy furballs in motion! If your resident cat is of adult age, they may take some more time to warm up to the idea of a younger playmate. It’s a natural order for felines to want to establish hierarchy with other cats, so don’t be surprised if your once docile cat starts to hiss and swat at the new kitty. This is normal at first and should be tolerated as long as no felines are hurt in the process! A successful cat and kitten relationship can be found when boundaries are established and both cats understand them.
Adult current cat + dog
It’s true! Cats and dogs can in fact be best friends! While this is more of an exception than a rule, we have uncovered above the necessary preparations to make this relationship work well! The most important thing to remember when having both a cat and a dog in the house is that separate spaces are a successful key to this relationship! Once you have spent the time to make sure they can be around one another without aggression, be sure to always separate them to their individual spaces when unattended. Both your cat and your dog will appreciate this!
Essential products
There are many ways to make a house a home and for felines, there are many products that make them feel at home, too! Here is a list of the essential “must have” cat products you need to have for both your current cat and new cat:
Cat tree
Cats like to scratch – A LOT! So having a place where they can sink their claws into is essential – especially if you want to keep your couches scratch free! The Omlet Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree is a great option as it is completely customizable! Available in 6 sizes with a variety of accessories to choose from, this cat tree can easily accommodate all of your felines!
Outdoor cat enclosure
While we often think of cats as indoor pets only, don’t forget that these animals live outside in the wild! If you have a backyard space, consider an outdoor cat enclosure that will allow your cat to enjoy the freedom of being in nature without concern of wandering off. Bonus – the Omlet Outdoor Catio can be used by multiple cats at once! And if you lack a backyard – don’t worry! Omlet’s Cat Balcony Enclosure provides the same fully secure and escape proof experience!
Cat beds
We have the saying “cat nap” for a reason – cats love a good snooze! When owning multiple cats, be sure you have a bed for every feline because they don’t like to share! The Maya Donut Elevated Cat Bed is a great option with its customizable fabrics and machine washable capabilities!
Litter box
The biggest difference between cats and dogs? Where they go to the bathroom! And just like cat beds, you need to have at least one litter box for each cat in your house. Since cats like privacy when they are using “the loo”, consider the Maya Cat Litter Box that doubles as a sleek piece of furniture while also providing privacy! This customizable litter box design also helps minimize smells and messes!
When it comes to owning more than one cat, the keys to success are simple: preparation, persistence, and patience! Your resident cat may not know that they want a new sibling right away, but with a little bit of time and a whole lot of love, they will likely be cuddling with their new companion in no time! Happy tails!
This entry was posted in Cats
In the wild, dogs naturally seek out small enclosures like homemade dens to retreat to for sleep or safety. So it only makes sense that they look for the same comfort in our homes as domesticated animals. Dog crates are the perfect solution to this innate canine need, but how do you know what size crate your dog needs? And with all the options available, how do you choose the right one?
Dog crates come in all shapes and sizes and flavors of style so choosing the right one for your pup can be a little overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start! Thankfully, we have our paws on the pulse of finding the right dog crate!
Omlet dog crates
At Omlet, we know all too well that dogs are denning animals! They crave and even seek out small, enclosed spaces as a way to feel safe and secure. Our product team factors in that essential need when creating all our dog crates and they have come up with many different options to fit almost any dog!
When it comes to picking the right size crate, there are two things to consider:
- What is the measurement of your dog from its nose to the base of its tail?
- And is the crate big enough for your pup to comfortably stand and turn around in?
On average, most dogs do well in crates that are about 6” longer than their length and 6” taller than their height. Let’s take a look at the Omlet Dog Crates to see which one suits your dog the best:
The Fido Classic
Designed as a portable crate option, the Omlet Fido Classic Crate is perfect for the family that likes to travel with their small to medium breed dog. This easy folding, steel wire crate is super secure and can go both in your home and in your car. One of the biggest advantages of the Classic Crate is the twin door openings. This unique feature allows you to position the crate against any wall or space with the option of front or side door openings.
The Fido Classic comes with a plastic tray bottom that is easy to clean when your puppy or senior has an accidental potty spill inside. For a luxury upgrade, you can add the Fido Classic Dog Bed which comes in the same sizes as the crate for a perfect fit!
The Fido Classic is available in three sizes:
- 24 inch: Fits breeds up to 25lbs. Ex: Lhasa Apso or Pug
- 30 inch: Fits breeds up to 44lbs. Ex: Cocker Spaniel or Basset Hound
- 36 inch: Fits breeds up to 70lbs: Ex: Border Collie or Dalmatian
The Fido Studio Dog Crate
Did you know that you can have a dog crate that fits in seamlessly with your home? Meet the Fido Studio Dog Crate – a classic crate built into a contemporary piece of furniture! This brilliantly designed indoor dog crate is a perfect complement to your home as it doubles as a nightstand or end table! And not only will this crate offer your dog the safety and secure space they seek, but it also comes with a small storage compartment to keep all their toys, chews, and blankets!
Do you have a fashion forward pup? With the Fido Studio, you have the option to customize the storage area into a closet space – complete with clothing hooks and a mirror! Not only will your dog love this new space, but you can now add it to any room in your house for a contemporary and practical piece of furniture.
The Fido Studio Crate is available in two sizes:
- 24 inch: Fits breeds up to 25 lbs. Ex: Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier
- 36 inch: Fits breeds up to 70 lbs. Ex: Whippet and Pointers
The Fido Nook Dog House
If you are looking for a home within your home for your dog, look no further than The Fido Nook Dog House! This one-of-a-kind dog den is the best of both worlds. Combining the easy portability of the classic dog crate with the luxury of the contemporary furniture look, this dog house is the last crate you will ever buy!
Similar to the Fido Studio Dog Crate, the Nook Dog House offers a stylish design that complements modern and traditional interiors alike. The biggest benefit being that the classic crate can be removed, revealing a perfectly pawsome ‘nook’ for your pup to call their own. That’s right! Once your puppy has successfully house-trained from using the crate, you can take it out and put a standard dog bed in its place.
The Fido Nook Dog House is available in two sizes:
- 24 inch: Fits breeds up to 25 lbs. Ex: Dachshund or Chihuahua
- 36 inch: Fits breeds up to 70 lbs. Ex: Labradoodle or Goldendoodle
When do I need a crate for my dog?
When introduced to a crate early on as a puppy, some dogs will appreciate a crate well into their senior years. Most veterinarians and dog trainers agree that crate training is essential for puppyhood as it helps with potty training, chew toy use, and providing a comfortable safe escape for puppies to unwind and get their all important sleep.
Once your pup has been fully house trained and learned the difference between a chew toy and a shoe toy, then utilizing a crate may no longer be necessary. However, many dogs will still desire that enclosed secure space to call their own, so don’t be too quick to get rid of it! Investing in a dog ‘nook’ will allow you to have a crate option that can grow with your dog from puppy to prime years! Just remove the crate when your dog is ready, and your dog can still enjoy their denning space away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
The benefits of crates go far beyond the training tools of potty and obedience. The truth is, dog crates provide our furry friends the comfort and space that they innately crave! Dogs can use their crate as a peaceful retreat to help self-soothe, deal with any anxiety, or just get an uninterrupted power nap in! Finding the right crate for your dog is as easy as www.omlet.com.au!
This entry was posted in Dogs
So you’ve taken the plunge into unconditional love and loyal companionship and decided to become a first time dog owner – congratulations! There are few things in life that offer as much joy as owning a dog! With all the excitement that comes with having a new fur pal, there is also the commitment of time, energy, and money.
To make this a momentous experience for everyone, you want to do your research before bringing home your new canine companion. Which breed of dog is best for you? Should you get a puppy or a rescue? And what exactly should you expect in this new relationship? Grab a pen and paper – we have all the answers you need to become a first time dog owner!
Choosing the right breed
If you have never owned a dog before, there are many things to consider when choosing which dog breed is right for you. The most important thing to consider? Your lifestyle! Dogs are great companions because they become an integral part of your life and family. Just like humans, some dogs are content lying around all day, while others like (and need!) lots of exercise and movement. So first, evaluate your own lifestyle and then take a look at this list to see which dog breed matches your personality and lifestyle the best.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: If exploring the wilderness and long nature walks are your thing, then there are several dog breeds that will perfectly complement your energy! Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers make great canine companions for outdoor enthusiasts with their innate high energy and desire to move. However, if you have them as a puppy, just remember to limit their exercise to five minutes for every month of age for less impact on their developing joints! The “working dog” breeds like to do just that – work! – so be sure you have the time to commit to their lifestyle, too!
- Lazy Loungers: You yourself may not be a lazy person, but you may work a lot. If your evenings and weekends are dedicated to relaxing and resting from the busyness of work, you will want to consider a dog breed that can appreciate the same! Dachshunds, Pugs, and King Charles Spaniels are just a few breeds that love a lounging lifestyle. All dogs need mental and physical stimulation but these breeds do not require a ton of exercise and can happily keep your spot on the couch warm until you get home!
- Hypoallergenic: If you long to own a dog but suffer from pet allergies, fear not! – there are still several dog breeds to consider! There is no one dog breed that we can guarantee as completely safe for people with allergies. However, many breeds don’t shed as much or have as much dander so it’s easier for mild allergy sufferers to handle. Dog breeds such as Maltese, Lhasa Apso, and Poodles are great options as they are all relatively low-shedders. Always consult with your doctor first before getting a dog to make sure you are not putting your own health at risk.
- The Family Pet: Have the kids been begging you to get a dog? When deciding on a canine companion for the family, it’s important to consider the lifestyle of the family as a whole, rather than just yourself! There are many dog breeds that are kid friendly, but some will do better when it comes to the playful energies of our children! Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and Sheepdogs all make excellent family dogs as they are gentle in nature and easy to train. These dog breeds have a perfect balance of energy and cuddle requirements that make them ideal companions for every member of the family!
Expectations of first time dog owners
Understanding the expectations of dog ownership is crucial in your decision making process and can also vary depending on where you decide to get your dog from. Are you adopting a rescue dog from the shelter? Or have you fallen in love with a puppy from a breeder? As a first time dog owner, you undoubtedly want to make sure your new canine companion loves your home as much as you do! Here are some things to expect when bringing home your new dog:
Adoption dogs
Shelters across the country are filled with sweet, soul-loving dogs that are ready and willing to become your new best friend! It’s important to remember that many of these dogs may have had a rough start to life. So, while still loyal in nature, some rescue dogs may be hesitant at first homecoming to relax into a routine straight away.
The first few weeks at home with rescue dogs will be the “get to know each other” phase where they are understanding you and vice versa. You will want to spend lots of time together in these first few weeks to establish a foundation of trust. Adjust your schedule so you can fit in devoted time for training and playing alike. Dogs, like many people, are creatures of habit! The more you can establish a consistent schedule initially, the quicker your bond with your new dog will strengthen.
Puppies
Unlike adult rescue dogs, puppies do not have much of a past history! These adorable pint-sized pals are learning everything all at once, which will include the rules of the house. Like adopted dogs who may be older, puppies need a lot of extra attention in the initial months of coming home. In addition to moving your schedule around to spend more quality time together, puppies also require focus on toilet training, crate training, and social interactions.
Tips for success
Stepping into the role of “first time dog owner” can feel overwhelming and like a huge undertaking if you are not prepared. Fortunately, we have compiled this list of successful tips that will help you both adjust easily!
Dog’s Domain: Dogs are denning animals and like to retreat for sleep and a sense of comfort. So before the pitter patter of puppy (or adult!) paws hit your floor, be sure you have selected a certain place in your home that is just theirs.
Vet Visit: Even if the breeder or shelter provides you with past medical records of your new dog, you want to go ahead and establish a relationship with your dog’s doctor. Just like humans have doctor check-ups, our four-legged friends need medical care, too. In fact, most vets will accept appointments prior to becoming a pet parent so you can ask any questions about breed, care, and overall responsibility.
Consistency is Key: Dogs love routines! So establish early on a schedule for walks, playtime, and feeding. You also want to be consistent in your commands and rewards when teaching new behaviours – adults and puppies alike! Yes, even old dogs can learn new tricks!
Exercise Everyday: Walk, walk, walk! Dogs are not meant to be indoors all day, every day! All dogs, big and small, enjoy a nice walk and this is a great way to familiarize your new best friend with the neighbourhood. Walking is also a great bonding experience for you and your dog to enjoy some quality time together!
Basic Dog Supplies
As a first time dog owner, you may be tempted to buy ALL the dog toys, accessories, and gadgets on the market! But remember, most dogs are simple. They like to sleep, eat, walk, and play. Here is a list of the basic essentials that you will need to have on hand as a first time dog owner:
Dog Bed
A comfortable and durable dog bed is one of the most, if not THE most, important item to have before bringing your new dog home! Dogs crave a space of their own where they can feel safe and secure. They also like to sleep a lot, so make sure you identify a bed that will suit their style and needs.
Dog Bowl
Good nutrition is a key factor in being a responsible dog owner, so you will need durable and easy to clean dog bowls to keep fido fed and watered!
Dog Leash
Having a durable and sturdy dog leash is important for both the safety and enjoyment of walks! And pack some extra patience on the first few walks as your dog may be getting used to that as well!
Dog Toys
Whether you are a first time dog owner of an adult dog or puppy, all dogs like to play with toys! A great way to bond quickly with your new fur friend is through interactive play! So be sure to have a few chew toys and balls on hand to quickly enhance that activity!
First time dog owners experience something that pet parents all over the world know all too well – pure, unconditional love! While it requires work, time, and plenty of patience, owning a dog is one of the greatest joys in life! The fact that you have found yourself here – gaining insight and information – is an excellent indicator that you are already going to be an amazing pet parent!
This entry was posted in Dogs
If you have been mattress shopping lately you know how tiring it can be to find a new bed. What about finding the right bed for your four-legged friend? Shopping for someone, or some dog, else can make the options feel even more overwhelming. Should you get a round or square bed? Soft or firm? And does paying a premium for a dog bed really make a difference like it does with our own mattresses?
If our dogs could talk, the one feature they would all agree they want in a bed is comfort! Fortunately, Omlet not only knows dogs (we speak their language fluently!) but we know dog beds, too! So let’s sort the stuffing from the fabric and break down the best in comfy dog beds.
Importance of comfort
Everyone needs a comfortable place to sleep and our dogs are no different! Whether your four-legged friend likes a firm surface or a fluffy pillow to slumber on, comfort and support are essential to their health. A comfy dog bed can not only give your pup the support and warmth they need to aid in providing more quality sleep, but can also support aching joints or other health conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.. And more quality sleep = more quality of life! Once you understand your dog’s specific needs, you can better identify which bed will provide them the best comfort.
We know that dogs love to sleep and, like humans, they enjoy being comfy when they snooze. Our pups are both daytime nappers and night time snoozers so their happiness is directly dependent on the comfort of what they are sleeping on. When their sleep is disturbed, particularly due to lack of comfort, dogs can get grumpy, just like sleep deprived humans! And no one person or pup can function very well after a poor night’s sleep! That is why a comfy dog bed not only gives your pup the support they need to slumber, but also a cosy spot of their own where they can relax!
How to choose the right dog bed
By nature, dogs are denning animals which means they instinctively look for safe, warm spots where they can retreat. Dogs in the wild would not lay to sleep on the hard, cold ground as their first choice. Instead, they would seek out a soft patch of grass or kick together leaves to create a cosy spot to lay. So, naturally, our four-legged friends that are part of our family want the same comfort!
But how do you know which bed is best for your dog? Considering what position your dog likes to sleep in will give you lots of clues. A curled up Chihuahua will prefer a much different bed than a spread out Spaniel. Once you’ve determined your dog’s favourite way to sleep, now you can focus on what they will sleep on the best.
Soft vs. firm?
Soft pillowy beds can offer duvet-like comfort for dogs who enjoy really squishing down into a dreamy slumber, but they can be difficult for more senior dogs (and puppies alike!) to get in and out of. Memory foam mattresses provide excellent support to give your pup the dreamy comfortable sleep they need! Just be sure to find a bed that will supportively mould to your pup’s body as that will provide the greatest comfort.
Elevated vs. ground?
An elevated dog bed with sturdy leg supports may be a good option for your canine as it allows for greater airflow. For dogs who tend to sleep hotter in the summer months, you can add a cooling mat to increase the sleeping comfort level. And conversely, for the pups who get colder in the winter months, an added dog blanket will make the elevated bed that much more comfortable. A raised bed also helps to reduce the dreaded dust hairballs and eliminates carpet stains altogether. Plus, an elevated bed looks like a piece of furniture so now your dog bed just gave your interior an upgrade!
Quilted vs. sheepskin?
The type of material your four-legged friend sleeps on is almost as important as the dog bed itself. Your puddle-jumping Pincher may benefit more from a washable microfiber topper, while your Bulldog may better like a bolster bed topper. Regardless what material your comfy dog bed is made of, make sure it can be removed and is washable!
Big dog comfort
When it comes to big dogs, such as Great Danes, St. Bernards, and German Shepherds, they need big beds! While every breed is different, a big dog that sleeps on his side or curled up requires a bigger space to provide adequate comfort. Because big dogs weigh more, it is important to find a bed that is not only firm enough to cushion their joints, but also a bed that is durable to handle their more powerful digging! Omlet recommends memory foam mattress beds as the best option for your big dog.
Small dog comfort
If you have a pint-sized pup at home you know all too well that they usually like a good cuddle session! Most smaller dogs like Pomeranians, Papillons, and Terriers, prefer a smaller space to snooze where they can comfortably nest and feel secure. Donut beds or smaller bolster beds are both great options for the small four-legged family members! In addition, non-elevated beds are easier for really tiny breeds to climb in and out of.
Puppy vs. senior comfort
While puppies and senior dogs are different in age, their idea of comfortable sleep is very much the same! Senior dogs need lots of support to comfort their aging joints and possible arthritis, so firmer memory foam mattresses are the best option to keep them happy sleepers. Puppies also need a firm, supportive mattress to provide comfort for their quickly growing bodies. Just be sure your puppy dog bed has a removable and washable cover for the inevitable “puppy accidents.” Both senior dogs and puppies can experience more anxiety, so a bolster bed that provides the extra sense of security they need is a perfect option for younger and older furry friends alike!
Luxury beds
When it comes to comfort, our dogs are not that different from us humans – they appreciate a luxurious place to sleep as much as we do! But should you ‘break the bank’ on a new dog bed for your furry friend to ensure they have the most comfort? Not necessarily. Omlet recommends three main factors to consider when finding the perfect comfy dog bed for your canine companion: Good for the dog. Good for your wallet. Good for the environment.
Take time to understand your dog’s specific needs and sleeping style and then look for beds that offer both the comfort they require as well as the capabilities to be a bed they will use for a long while. At Omlet, our mission is simple – offer a dog bed that is crafted with ultimate comfort to be a constant companion for your constant companion! Sure, you could buy a new, run-of-the-mill dog bed every few months that will end up in a landfill when you are done. Or, you can invest in a customizable sleeping solution that can grow with your dog and his changing needs!
When the Omlet product designers created the Topology Luxury Dog Beds, they asked themselves one simple question: what if a dog bed could live forever? And, as a result, the “only dog bed you will ever need” was born!
How to make your dog’s sleeping environment comfortable
Now that you have a perfect comfy dog bed for your pup, how do you make the sleeping environment around the bed comfortable as well? Here are some tips to help create a relaxing and comfy environment:
- Get some steps in! Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise as this will help to tire out any extra energy that may prevent a relaxing siesta!
- Eat good food! Nutrition is an important part of your dog’s overall sleepy happiness so be sure to feed them high-quality nutrition that is easily digestible.
- Your energy is their energy! Remember that dogs (and most animals!) are highly sensitive creatures. They can sense your energy – both positive and negative – so the more you can remain calm, the more they will too.
- Create a safe place! There is nothing wrong with having multiple dog beds throughout your house if your dog likes to sleep in all the rooms! Just try and avoid placing beds in open spaces and look more to locate them against a wall in a quiet spot so they can feel the most comfort.
We can all agree that there truly is nothing better than a restful and comfortable bed to snuggle and snooze in! No matter the breed, age, or size of dog, they would all agree that a comfortable bed is paws-itively the best option for them, too!
This entry was posted in Dogs
So you’ve decided to add a new member to your fur family – congratulations! While you are preparing for all the ways you can make the new puppy comfortable at your home, it’s equally important to prepare for the introduction of your new pup to your resident dog. You know, the one who has held the title of “only dog in the house” forever?!
Dogs are innately social animals, but that doesn’t mean they all get along at first sniff. Taking the time to prepare for a puppy homecoming and the new adjustments will help make this transition easier and enjoyable. Here are some ways to be certain that every pet feels at ease when you bring home a new puppy.
Preparation
In the last few years, many pet owners have adjusted their work schedules to include increased flexibility and working more from home. And with more time spent at home, it’s been the paw-fect opportunity to introduce a new puppy to the family! But what about the furry friends that are already part of your family? How do you know if they want a new friend, too? And what should you do before you actually bring your new pint-sized pal home?
The key to any great success is preparation! When it comes to introducing a new puppy to your resident dog, that is no different. Your current dog has become accustomed to certain routines. They eat in certain places, sleep in specific spots, and have at least one (or seven!) favourite dog toys. Prior to bringing home a new pup, it’s best to separate your resident dog’s “stuff” in one area so it is safe and secure away from the new dog’s area. Even if your reliable resident rover has never shown aggression before, this is a cautious approach for the first few weeks to prevent your current dog from becoming territorial of their toys and spaces.
On top of all the other puppy essentials you will need for the new arrival, this is also a good time to set up gates or dog crates to separate spaces. This will provide two benefits: making sure your new puppy does not feel overwhelmed with access to the whole house and comforting your resident dog who already has their favourite spots to snooze, lounge, and play. Plus, your resident dog may just need a break from all that puppy energy!
The first meet
The humans in your family have met the new puppy, but now it’s time to introduce your resident dog to the new fur member! Here are some tips on how to have a paws-itive first meeting:
- Locate a neutral spot for first introductions. Neither dog should feel territorial to the meeting place so pick somewhere that is away from your house for first sniffs. And since most puppies have to wait until 12 weeks of age to receive all of their shots before safely being around other dogs, try and avoid areas with lots of other pups running around.
- Allow both dogs to meet naturally like dogs do! Sniffs, whiffs, and even ignoring one another can be expected – and allowed! – on their first meeting.
- Try to keep the initial introductions brief and then head out on a walk with both dogs. This will allow their interactions to continue while also being distracted by other sights and smells.
- Before heading back inside, allow some additional play between the two dogs in the front or backyard of your house. This will allow you to see how your resident dog feels about having a new playmate on their ‘territory’.
- Once everyone has expended some energy, it’s time to bring the paw-ty back inside to continue to get to know one another!
The first few weeks
Now that everyone is getting acquainted and settled in, you want to start to establish new routines. For the first few weeks after the new puppy comes home, it is best to feed your resident dog in a separate area. Puppies need to eat specific food that helps them to grow big and strong! So make sure your bigger dog eats separately to avoid any urges in helping themselves to the puppy food buffet!
Also, keep an eye out for any sudden changes in behaviour from your older dog. Remember, they lived here first so adjustments to the new member of the fur family may take some time. Patience is key!
The goal to work towards after the first few weeks is to slowly get all four-legged friends living cohesively together. Slowly move bowls and beds closer to each other and keep engaging group play and walks to encourage the inevitable bonds. Before long, you and your resident dog will wonder how you ever lived without the puppy in the first place!
5 essential new puppy products
Just like human babies, new puppies require a lot of “stuff” to make your home, their home. Here is a list of new puppy must-haves to make the homecoming transition seamless:
Dog Crate
While some pet owners might worry about putting their precious new puppies in a crate, there are actually many benefits of an enclosed space that your dog craves! Dogs are denning animals so they naturally seek out small, secluded spaces as a way of feeling safe and protected. Most veterinarians recommend crate training your puppy as an essential way of housetraining and keeping your new dog safe. Having a crate for your puppy will also help the transition with your resident dog who already has a chosen safety spot! The Omlet Fido Nook Dog Crate is a great option as it combines a modern look with a cosy place for your puppy to call its’ own!
Dog Bed
You likely already have a dog bed (or three!) for your dog, but don’t forget to have one for your new puppy, too! Dogs like to have a space that is their own and with as much as puppies like to sleep, it’s important that space is comfortable! Because puppies are still small in stature, be sure to get a bed that is not elevated so it’s easier to climb in and out. And don’t forget to find a bed that is durable and washable as puppies are still learning the ropes when it comes to potty training!
Dog Toys
If you have ever had a puppy you know all too well how sharp those tiny puppy teeth can be! When bringing a new puppy into your fur family, it’s important that you have new dog toys that are not part of your resident dog’s collection. Ensuring each pup has their own set of squeakers and chews will help reduce any issues!
Dog Treats
Rewards with food are what any dog lives for! Puppies will need lots of training in the first few months, so having mini dog-friendly treats on hand will reinforce those good learned behaviours. After they obey a command or do potty outside, give the new puppy a treat to show them they did a good job! Your resident dog can also get treats for showing good behaviour with the new pup. Just remember that good behaviour has to be rewarded right when it happens in order to be effective!
Dog Bowl
All dogs need to drink water so it’s important that every fur member of your family has their own bowl. Over time, your dogs may start to share, but when you first bring your puppy home, be sure it has its own separate bowl. The Omlet Bowl is a perfect choice – made of melamine, it is easy to clean in the dishwasher and virtually impossible for puppy to flip over and spill!
Signs of success
When bringing a new fur family member home, be patient in knowing it will take time for your resident dog to welcome the new pup with open arms (or paws!). In general, it can take 4-8 weeks for your resident dog to adapt to the changes that come with a new puppy. However, it can take as long as 6-9 months for both dogs to feel truly comfortable around one another. You will know you have succeeded in adding a new member to your fur family when both your resident dog and puppy can happily coexist!
Introducing a new puppy to your resident dog can be a tricky time if not handled well. Will there be sibling rivalry? What if my resident dog doesn’t like him? Have no fear! With proper preparation, patience, and a persistent positive attitude, you will likely have two tails wagging with joy!
This entry was posted in Dogs
Free returns 
5% off your first order 
180-day guarantee