The Omlet Blog Archives: June 2019

Want To Involve Your Dog in Your Wedding? Here Are Some Things To Think About…

Wedding season is in full swing, and many couples are choosing to include their treasured four legged friends in their nuptials, giving their dogs a prominent role to play in their big day!

If you are planning your wedding and want to include your pooch in the celebrations there are a few important things that you should consider…

1 – Check your wedding venue is pet friendly

Some wedding venues do not allow animals, so remember to check that they will be allowed into your venue if you plan to include them in your ceremony.

2 – Decide what role will they play

Will they have a role in the ceremony? Perhaps they’ll be pup of honor and walk the bride down the isle? They could be flower dog or even ring bearer (if your dog can be trusted not to run off with the rings!), or perhaps they will just turn up for a few pictures after the ceremony?

3  What will they wear?

Most weddings include a colour theme so your may wish to dress your dog in a collar to match the bridesmaids, or a bow tie to match the groom!

4 – Agree how long they will stay at the wedding

Would you like your pooch to stay for the whole day and evening or perhaps arrange for a dog sitter or friend to take your dog home before the evening celebrations commence? All of the excitement, food, music and noise may be too much.

5 – Consider incorporating your pet into your cake design or wedding favours

Wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes, so you could ask the person that makes your cake to incorporate your beloved pet into the design.

6 – Pick your flowers carefully

Some flowers are toxic to dogs, so be careful which flowers you choose for your bouquet if your dog is joining you on your special day. Daisies, Tulips, Hyacinth, Daffodil’s  and Lilys are extremely poisonous to dogs.

7 – And finally – don’t forget to include them in some of the photos!

Remember to pack a few treats in your bridal handbag or the grooms pocket to help encourage your dog to pose for a few photos to create memories that you can look back on for years to come!

 

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 25th, 2019 by helenkennedy


Bring Your Dog To Work Day: The Aftermath

Did last Friday’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day not quite go to plan? Did your dog show you up in front of your colleagues? Maybe your dog was an angel and ticked everything off your to do list?

Get your dog office-ready in time for next year with Omlet’s Head of Pups’ top tips for dealing with the 9-5…

  

Who let the dogs out?

If Friday was your dog’s first day at the office it would likely have been incredibly overwhelming and therefore, would have influenced their behaviour and potentially made them act strangely. Try introducing your dog to the office and colleagues again but in short bursts, slowly building up to one whole day in the office. This will help your dog become familiar with all the faces, sights and smells and they will be better equipped to handle whatever is thrown at them.

Maybe your dog’s day at the office highlighted some gaps in their training or social skills, take the time to focus on these areas.

If you missed our preparation post for Bring Your Dog To Work Day you may not have thought to bring this and that with you on the day. Write a checklist of things you wish you had taken with you so you are ready for your dog’s next trip to the office!

Was your dog missing a secure space to hide when it all got too much? If your dog has been previously crate trained, taking a portable travel crate to the office with you and placing a blanket over the top will create a quiet, dark space for them to rest when the bright lights of the office are too distracting for a nap.

Bring Your Dog To Work Day

Omlet is a proud sponsor of Bring Your Dog to Work Day, an annual event that raises money for charities dedicated to making a difference to the welfare of dogs. Visit their website to read more and make a donation!

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 24th, 2019 by chloewelch


Fruity Frozen Yogurt Treats for Dogs

Try out these delicious homemade frozen treats that dogs will go crazy for! These are super quick and easy to make, and kids will love getting involved with different fruity creations…

Labrador eating fruity frozen yogurt treat for dogs

You will need…

An ice cube tray – (moulds to make larger ice cubes are available on Amazon)

500g Greek Yogurt

200ml of water

A selection of dog-safe fruits, such as apples, bananas, blueberries, mango, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon.

We used an ice cube tray which makes large 2 inch square ice cubes. This quantity made approximately 8 at this size ice cube.

Method

Prepare the fruit and cut up into smaller bite size pieces.

Depending on the size of ice cube tray, fill the molds up to a third high with yogurt, followed by a small splash of water. Pop a few small pieces of fruit into the moulds, before continuing to fill the molds with yogurt, splashes of water up and pieces of fruit up to the top.

Pop in the freezer for at least 4 hours depending on the size of the ice cube moulds.

Allow the treats to thaw for 5-10 minutes before feeding to your dog.

Other Frozen Treats…

If your fruit bowl contents are on their way out and unlikely to be eaten by the humans in the house, you can also freeze cut up pieces of the fruit, like apples and bananas, to give to your four-legged friends directly.

Don’t forget!

Remember to give your dog treats in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. Supervise your dog when eating these frozen treats and remove at any sign of distress. These frozen fruit cubes should be given to your dog as a treat, with other solutions in place to keep your dog cool, such as access to shade in the garden and the coolest room in the house, fresh water, walks at the coolest time of day etc. Consult your vet if your dog is showing signs of distress or potential heatstroke.

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 24th, 2019 by chloewelch


Should I buy or build a chicken coop?

“I can build something better for less.”

As an Omlet Ambassador I’ve heard that line hundreds of times at trade shows and expo halls all across the United States. However, as a former DIY luxury chicken coop builder and longtime Omlet Coop owner I would like to set the record straight and explain why on Omlet Coop is the best purchase a backyard chicken tender can make.

This was my pride and joy:

A luxury coop that is Pinterest worthy and constructed of the best materials I could get my hands on. It has a radiant barrier roof that I shingled! It has a skylight in the middle that is UV blocking and tinted so as to only protect against the harsh and hot Texas sun. We used metal bracing on every corner to make sure we were squared up and secure. There are hundreds of screws holding up the double layer of hardware cloth. Literally, hundreds of screws. I used pressure treated wood that was rated for ground contact and further sealed with deck sealant. I used fiber cement siding that was rated to withstand hail impact and wind thrown objects. No expense was spared in building the Fort Knox of chicken coops that I thought would last a lifetime. I even ordered special chicken shaped handles for the coop doors:

Why is an Omlet Coop a better buy than building a DIY coop?


Experience should not be underestimated when lives are on the line

  • Omlet was founded in 2003 and has been innovating since. That is over 16 years of experience in building chicken coops. That is 16 years of predicting and preventing predators from getting chicken dinners. The average DIY’er that I meet at trade shows or talk to on forums such as BackYardChickens.com is a first-time chicken owner who hasn’t witnessed the creativity and determination of predator animals such as raccoons, foxes, and even neighborhood dogs.
  • Included in the price of each and every Omlet coop is 16 years of research and development to give us chicken tenders the best possible home for our flocks. That is 16 years of perfecting the Omlet Coops that get delivered to front doors all across the World. I cannot emphasize this enough because it is the most important factor in why I chose Omlet over DIY’ing another coop. It is not 16 years of making the same old coop over and over again like you’ll find at Tractor Supply or the local hardware/feed store. It is 16 years of constant innovation and stalwart dedication to making the safest coop on the market. While you read the rest of this please ask yourself whether you think a few google searches, a Facebook group, or in my case a Pinterest post can compete with 16 years of on the ground experience with thousands of models sold and tested across not just the US but the world at large. Think about the chickens you will soon be bringing home to live in the coop. Do you trust their lives to a weekend DIY project? Also, if you have kids and they are involved with the chickens then please consider the trauma of them waking up some day to find that a raccoon has turned their favorite hens into a recreation of a CSI episode with a headless hen as the victim. The cost may be steeper up front, but I can personally assure you that it will be more than worth it in the end for the peace of mind, the portability, the cleanliness, and so many other reasons.
  • DIY may seem like the cheaper route but I can assure you that the first time you wake up to find your favorite hens dismembered by a racoon or de-feathered and half eaten by a fox the last thing on your mind will be how you saved a couple bucks here and there. Why go through the heartbreak of losing hens and then spend the next couple days having to drain your wallet to renovate and repair the coop? Also, once a predator gets into your coop once they will keep coming back for more. They will poke, pull, and attempt to gain access in any way possible since they now know that an all you can eat chicken dinner is just inside. Why not stop them the first time so they never even consider coming back?

Materials

  • The most commonly encountered coops on the internet are constructed of wood. Wood can either be treated or untreated. Treated wood is wood that has been infused with copper products under extreme pressure in order to give it a few extra years of protection against Mother Nature.
  • However, treated wood does not protect against the ammonia rich droppings left behind by fluffy chicken butts. Chickens do not urinate and defecate separately like us humans do. Instead they combine the two acts and their droppings are highly concentrated and highly corrosive to many materials. This results in an accelerated rate of decay and decomposition of any and all wooden components of a DIY coop. This is a hugely important point to consider because decaying wood is similar to rotten wood in that it is incredibly fragile, and fragility is not something any chicken owner wants when it comes to their coop. The only way to circumvent this is to be diligent in replacing decaying panels as soon as you notice the first signs of decay. Mind you, this requires purchasing more materials, expending more of your time performing the labor to remove the decaying parts and reinstalling the new parts, and adds undue stress to your flock as you tinker with their home.
  • Of note, there are various sealants and paints that can be used on both treated and untreated wood, but my firsthand experience showed that these only served to prolong the inevitable as they too decayed. Furthermore, I would caution against their use as they can become a health hazard for your flock. Chickens will eat just about anything they can fit into their beaks so as the paint and sealant begin to crack, chip, and flake off the chickens will pick at the cracking paint or sealant and will quickly eat any flakes they can knock off or catch on the ground. I am not a veterinarian, but it certainly doesn’t take one to warn against the well-known dangers of ingesting paint.
  • Omlet coops are made out of a high-density plastic polymers that are non-porous and designed to be durable against both Mother Nature and any mother hen. The corrosive droppings from your chickens do not affect the durability of the Omlet coop and will not cause it to degrade or deteriorate with wood. It will stay strong for decades or more without any need to repair, replace or renovate.
  • Chicken wire, I would like to just say to stay as far away from this as possible because every week I hear from people who used chicken wire only to discover their coops broken into and flock decimated. Chicken wire is good at containing chickens but is absolutely worthless for keeping predators out. Raccoons can reach their hands through it and can pull it apart in under an hour. Coyotes, foxes and neighborhood dogs can easily bite and pull it apart. Snakes slither right on in without trouble.
  • The other wire that people commonly use is hardware cloth. This is what I used when I first built my own coop and it does work for a while. However, over time it will sag, and it is not meant to bear weight well. It can prevent predators most predators for a while but it is far from impenetrable and without proper installation and constant checks it can easily fail and need replacing.
  • The run components are made from welded steel panels. I could go further into detail about these, but I think the picture below is worth a thousand words:

Portability

  • It was a sad day when I had to leave behind the Pinterest quality barn-inspired coop because we sold the house and couldn’t haul off the coop without hiring a forklift and crew to load it onto a flatbed.
  • Thankfully, that will never happen with Omlet Coops. They are portable when fully assembled and they are also so easy to disassemble and flat pack that I can now fit our multiple coops and run attachments into the bed of my pickup truck with ease. In fact, I had to do just that when we moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Austin, Texas.

Modular and Expandable with ease

  • One of the hardest parts about designing and building a DIY coop is that you have to know how many chickens you want from the start. That may seem like an innocuous task but there is a phenomenon known to chicken owners as “chicken math.” It is something I have encountered first hand and been a victim of. In what started with 3 chickens has now since expanded to 31 chickens and counting. Our barn inspired chicken coop was meant to house 5-6 hens at a time and any sort of expansion would be extremely costly and require cutting into, and compromising the structural integrity of the original coop to attach any expansions on it.
  • Our Omlet coop expanded with us and we are already saving up for another full-size WALK-IN-RUN to add. Attaching any sort of expansion or add on is literally a 10-minute job. Due to the modular structure of the Coop and the Walk-in-Run all that has to be done is clip on the new expansions to the existing ones.

Cost

  • The total cost of the Pinterest coop that I build was around $1600. It fit 5 chickens comfortably and held up for just short of 2 years before we started to have to replace parts and deal with decay.
  • Chicken coops from Tractor Supply range from $250 to over $1,000. However, most of these have wooden components that will break down and need replacing so you will have to throw money at it regularly to keep it functional.
  • There are a handful of plastic polymer options at TSC but none of them allow for attaching a run, or any sort of modular upgrades that will allow you to grow your flock or custom tailor your coop to your yard. Therefore, you will end up spending well over the cost of an Omlet coop for something that is not designed to fit together and is not as adaptable and flexible as a product from Omlet’s ecosystem.

Peace of mind knowing all of the “What if’s” have been accounted for.

  • As stated above, Omlet has more experience in this field than any DIY’er. They have answered all of the if, and, buts, and what ifs with first hand experience. The peace of mind that comes with being able to purchase an all in one coop that will last for decades, keep the flock safe, and be adaptable to your future needs is worth more than saving a few bucks by risking all of that.

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This entry was posted in Chickens on June 19th, 2019 by linnearask


Summery Pavlova Recipe

There’s much debate surrounding the origin of the Pavlova, however from our research the majority of articles believe the dessert began its journey in New Zealand. Nicknamed after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, the people of NZ welcomed her with her very own dessert in the 1920s, although Australia still claim they invented this sweet treat. Whoever invented it, we’re just grateful somebody did! Check out our favourite pav recipe below.

Ingredients

MERINGUE

  • 6 large free-range egg whites
  • 300g caster sugar
  • Pinch of sea salt
PAVLOVA

  • 450 g fresh strawberries and raspberries
  • 250 ml double cream
  • 150 ml natural yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod or 1tsp of vanilla bean paste
  • a few sprigs of fresh mint
  • a handful of white chocolate buttons

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/gas 2. Put your egg whites into a mixing bowl and whisk them at a medium speed until they start to form nice firm peaks.
  2. With your mixer still running, gradually add the sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Turn the mixer up to the highest setting and whisk for 7 to 8 minutes more until the meringue is white, glossy and smooth. If it feels grainy, whisk for a little bit longer, being careful not to let the meringue collapse.You should be able to tip the bowl upside down without the meringue mix falling out.
  3. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Separate the meringue mixture evenly between them and shape each mixture into a circle about 20cm in diameter.
  4. Put both trays into the oven and bake for 1 hour until the meringues look slightly golden and are fluffy in the middle.
  5. Cut the large strawberries and leave the smaller ones whole. Mix them with the raspberries. Or alternatively you could top your pavlova with other fruit, such as passion fruit and pineapple, for a tropical twist. We also like adding white chocolate buttons for even more of a treat.
  6. Whip the cream with the sugar until it forms soft peaks, then stir in the yoghurt. Halve the vanilla pod length ways, scrape out the seeds and fold them into the mixture.
  7. Spoon half the cream mixture on top of one of the meringue halves and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of your berries evenly around the cream mixture. Layer the other meringue on top and press down gently to stick them together.
  8. Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top layer and sprinkle the remaining berries on top. Pick a few small mint leaves, scatter over and now it’s ready to serve to your guests or cover and refrigerate ready to serve later.

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This entry was posted in Recipes on June 18th, 2019 by linnearask


Bringing your dog to work?

Dog in an office sat in a chair

Did you know that having dogs in the office has been shown to boost morale, with employees who come into contact with dogs at work having higher job satisfaction than average? Bringing your dog to work can also reduce stress levels, and stroking a dog can lower both your heart rate and your blood pressure. In the UK, National Take Your Dog to Work Day is celebrated on Friday following Father’s Day. So, if you’ve been given the go-ahead from your workplace, keep reading to make sure your pup’s day at the office goes smoothly.

Is your dog ready?

Bringing your dog to work may seem exciting, but before making concrete plans, be sure to put their needs first and assess whether they’re truly ready. Not all dogs are suited for a full day in the office, and to make sure you both enjoy it, you’ll need to consider a few factors.

First, think about their temperament. If your dog becomes anxious and overwhelmed in new settings, then the buzz of a busy office all day won’t be the best place for them. Or perhaps they love being sociable and exploring new places. That’s a great start, but you should ensure their basic dog training is up to scratch so that they can keep calm and not disrupt your or your colleagues’ day at work. 

Preparation is key

If you’ve decided that your dog is workplace-ready, then it’s time to begin thinking about what you’ll need to take with you for the day. If your dog is crate trained, be sure to bring their dog crate along with you. This will offer them somewhere safe, secure, and familiar they can retreat to, should they want some alone time. Similarly, you should pack their dog bed as a reminder of home and a comfy spot for them to get some rest on. Omlet’s Cushion dog bed is ideal for transporting, and with a deep-filled, plump pillow, it’s the perfect combination of practicality and comfort.

Dog water and food bowls are also essential, and don’t forget the treats! Plus, puzzle toys like Kongs are great for keeping your dog occupied while you make a phone call or need to be focusing on work.

How do your colleagues feel?

Even if you’re confident that your dog won’t cause any problems around the office, you might have colleagues who are afraid of or allergic to dogs. It’s your responsibility to speak to people in the workplace to find out any reservations and make accommodations to suit. 

Compromise goes a long way

Don’t feel overly pressured to bring your dog in on the day that National Take Your Dog to Work Day falls. It might be a case that you have too many meetings on that day, or you know you’ll be working overtime. If you’ll be unable to meet the needs of your pup then there’s nothing wrong with rearranging. Speak to your colleagues about a better day to suit everyone and their dogs so that the occasion can be as stress-free as possible for everyone.

Make time for walkies

It’s a good idea to get your four-legged friend out on a long dog walk before bringing them to the office. This way, they’ll have had time to exert some of their energy, and should hopefully be okay for a few hours without a toilet break.

During the day, you’ll want to make sure you have time during your lunch break to get your dog out on another walk, plus a few shorter breaks for them to stretch their legs. A walk at lunchtime will benefit you as well as getting some fresh air will improve both your mood and your productivity. Don’t forget a matching designer dog collar and lead set when you’re heading out too, so that you can celebrate the day in style!

What’s your plan B?

You know your dog, but a new environment might cause them to react in a way unlike their usual self. Barking or altercations with other dogs can be stressful for everyone involved (two and four-legged!), so make sure you have a backup plan before the day begins. Perhaps you’re able to take your dog home, or maybe there’s a spare meeting room the two of you can retreat to. Communicate with the organiser of the event to see what options are available.

Also, keep an eye out for any sign that your dog is stressed or anxious. These include panting, licking their lips and yawning to name a few. 

Omlet and your dog

Bringing your dog to work can be a great day for both you and your pet but you definitely don’t want them to be a reason your colleagues start to get annoyed with you. Ultimately, preparing your dog and taking full responsibility is key and with the help of Omlet dog products such as dog crates and dog beds, your furry friend’s day out can be made even better.

Labrador resting on Omlet Nest dog bed in Forest Fall Grey

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 18th, 2019 by linnearask


How to Throw a Dog Birthday Party

Most dog owners will know when their dog’s birthday, or “Gotcha Day” is, but what do you do to mark the occasion? Well, if you’re looking for the pawfect excuse for a party, why not celebrate your pup’s big day? Here’s how you can throw a dog birthday party in style! 

Brown dog looking at birthday cake at dog birthday party

Dog birthday party ideas

Party checklist

Everything you need to do before the big day to guarantee your pawty is a success!

  • Send invites to all your dog’s favourite pups and people
  • Buy and set up decorations, e.g. number balloons, animal balloons, bunting, dog-friendly party hats.
  • Bake a delicious “pup-cake”
  • Buy and bake other party treats for both human and canine guests
  • Prepare your party games
  • Set up a playlist
  • Fill a few bowls of water, and have poop bags on hand

Birthday pupcake

Of course the birthday boy or girl deserves a birthday treat. This grain free peanut butter pupcake contains only 4 ingredients, but will no doubt impress both two and four legged friends!

Ingredients

1 egg

3 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it’s sugar and salt free and contains no xylitol)

1/2 apple, grated or finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl
  3. Grease a muffin tin or a ramekin and pour in the batter
  4. Bake for approximately 20 minutes
  5. Let cool in the container for a few minutes, then remove. Let the “pup-cake” cool completely before serving to your dog.

Decorate with your dog’s favourite treats. How about some Greek yogurt? Maybe some more peanut butter? Finish off with an apple slice or sprinkle some dog treats on top.

Recipe from http://www.spoonfulofsugarfree.com/2012/05/01/grain-free-peanut-butter-apple-doggy-cake/

Collage of dog eating easy dog biscuits for dog birthday party

Easy dog biscuits

Impress your guests with another delicious homemade treat that won’t take you all day to make!

Ingredients

3 cups of all purpose flour

2 eggs

⅓ cup of water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and form a stiff dough with your hands.
  3. Add more water if necessary to achieve dough-like texture
  4. Dust some flour on a clean surface, and roll out dough to a ¼ inch thick
  5. Cut out desired shapes (we used bone shaped cookie cutters) and place on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper
  6. Place in oven for 15-20 minutes

Why not try adding some finely chopped apples, bananas or carrots to your biscuit dough before rolling and baking?

Recipe from: https://theblondcook.com/simple-dog-biscuits/

Collage of easy dog biscuits for dog birthday party

Pawty games

Even if running around and playing with friends will probably be enough to keep your pup happy you might want to plan a few games that both dogs and owners will enjoy, and that will hopefully keep four-legged party-goers out of mischief.

Catch the treat

If possible, make the dogs stand in a row with their owners a meter or so in front of them. The owners will throw 10 dog treats to their pets, and the dog that catches the most wins.

Party tricks

For this one you will need a judge to decide who’s got the best party trick up their sleeve. Alternatively you can choose a few commands and see who will get the most right in a minute, or who will finish the commands first. If fido hasn’t quite mastered enough tricks yet, take a read of 5 Tricks To Teach Your Dog blog for some inspo!

Musical chairs

Place mats or similar markers in a circle, one less than the number of party pups. With the dogs on the lead, the owners walk around the mats while the music is playing. When the music stops, owners will need to bring their dog to a mat and make them sit nicely. The couple without a mat is out of the game. Remove one mat at a time until you have a winner!

Fetch

This game is best played outside with plenty of space. Owners stand with their dogs and throw a toy on a given command. The first dog to return with the toy is the winner.

Puzzle game

Cut a cross in old tennis balls and put a treat in the ball. Give the dog one ball each. The first one to work out how to get the treat out wins.

Pawty bags – dog birthday party supplies

All the best hosts give their guests a little something to remind them of the fun that was had and thank them for coming! Take a look at our favourite party bag suggestions for canine guests…

  • A little bag of your homemade dog biscuits
  • A nice plush toy
  • Tennis balls
  • Dog treats
  • A balloon
  • A stylish doggy bow or bowtie
  • A frisbee
  • A bone
  • Poop bags

Pup playlist 

A party isn’t complete without the perfect playlist for your guests to enjoy. From the party favourite “Who let the dogs out” to anxiety-reducing melodies, take a look at our dog-lover’s Spotify playlist here:

Just because the party’s over, doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop! Shop Omlet dog products to find everything your furry friend needs to have a great time all year round!

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 7th, 2019 by chloewelch


WIN an EPIC Zippi System worth £500 for your Guinea Pig

How would you like to WIN the ultimate Zippi Tunnel and Run system for your guinea pigs?

This summer we’re giving one lucky winner the chance to completely transform their guinea pigs’ play area with an epic Zippi Tunnel System, complete with playpen, secure run and accessories, worth £500.

To enter this amazing competition, watch the video below, and predict which Zippi exit you think the guinea pigs will choose: 1, 2, 3, or 4. Enter your answer and email address here to be included in the prize draw.

Competition closes at midnight on the 10th of June so get your entries in quick!


Terms and Conditions

  • This competition will close at midnight on the 10th of June. One winner will be randomly selected and notified on Tuesday 11th June from all of the correct answers from our worldwide community. The correct answer will also be announced next week. 
  • The prize is £500 worth of Omlet Zippi kit. The prize is non-transferable and has no cash value.
  • All Omlet competitions and promotions are in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
  • This competition is not open to Omlet employees or members of their immediate families. Likewise, it is not open to the Employees of Omlet Partners who may be involved in promoting this competition.
  • To be entered into this competition, you must enter your answer and email address on the entry page here.
  • By entering this competition, entrants are indicating their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
  • Omlet reserve the right to withdraw competitions at any point. Omlet may amend any competition, competition information, or these terms and conditions without prior notice. Any changes will be posted either within the competition information or these terms and conditions. Our decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

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This entry was posted in Competitions on June 7th, 2019 by chloewelch


Getting a guinea pig? Here’s everything you need

Boy in Omlet guinea pig run with Zippi Shelter with two guinea pigs

If you’re considering getting a guinea pig, you’re in good company. Guinea pigs (also known as “cavies”) are fun, quirky companions for people of all ages. Though small, these little animals make great pets that are full of character and personality. They’ll happily greet you with a series of adorable noises, affectionately nuzzle you during cuddling sessions, and provide you with hours of entertainment through their various eating and play habits. If you’ve ever owned a guinea pig, you know firsthand how enjoyable and rewarding it can be to have a guinea pig in your family. But, if this is your first time owning a guinea pig, here’s a checklist of everything you need.

A friend for your guinea pig

In the wild, guinea pigs live in groups called “herds”. They’re very social by nature and do best when they have a friend or two. Often guinea pigs will establish bonded pairings, but sometimes a group of 3 can be inseparable. A lone guinea pig will become depressed quickly, so be sure to plan on keeping at least 2 guinea pigs from the start.

Same-sex siblings are often a desirable pairing. Other same-sex pairings may also be successful, but you’ll want to introduce them slowly before housing them together. Be sure to only keep neutered males with females — otherwise, you’ll end up with accidental guinea pig pups. The idea of baby guinea pigs may sound cute, but behind the cuteness is a lot of extra care and having to separate males from females when they’re old enough to be weaned. And, unless you’ve got a lot of space or multiple setups, you’ll also need to find homes for the pups.

A cozy cavy hutch

Your guinea pigs will need a hutch to live in, even if you intend to keep them in your home. Whether you opt for a modern hutch like our Eglu Go guinea pig hutch or an indoor hutch option, you’ll need to weigh your decision carefully.

A good hutch is vital to a guinea pigs’ wellbeing. It’s their home, and where they’ll spend the majority of their time. Well-made hutches provide a secure environment for your guinea pigs to sleep, socialize, and exercise, and it will last you and your pets many years. And, by investing in a high-quality hutch, you won’t have to worry about maintenance or replacements.

The Eglu Go hutch can comfortably house 2-3 guinea pigs, and is the easiest cavy home you’ll ever have the pleasure of cleaning. Our unique design encourages your guinea pigs to express their natural behaviors, making them feel right at home from the beginning. And, with twin-insulated walls, your cavy will stay comfortable in any season.

It’s a common misconception that guinea pigs can’t be housed outdoors year-round. When they’re provided with quality shelter and space, they adapt well in natural settings. Special care should be taken during extreme weather conditions and temperatures, but guinea pigs can live outdoors safely the majority of the year in a setup like the Eglu Go guinea pig hutch.

It’s important to note that guinea pigs should be brought inside when temperatures are consistently above 80 degrees or below 50 degrees. Unless you’re able to check on them every couple of hours during temperature dips or spikes, it’s best to bring them in a temperature-controlled environment.

Guinea pig entering Omlet Eglu Go hutch

Space to exercise and play

Like most pets, guinea pigs thrive when they have as much space as possible. It’s especially important for guinea pigs to have room to exercise, as they are prone to obesity. Their little legs are adorable, but struggle under extra weight. The attached run of the Eglu Go guinea pig hutch offers your cavy room to run and play, but you can give them even more space by adding Zippi Guinea Pig Runs and Playpens.

The Zippi Guinea Pig Tunnel System brings all of this together by creating a route between their hutch and playpen. In the wild, guinea pigs seek shelter in burrows or tunnels constructed by other animals. They’re constantly on the lookout for potential threats, so providing hideouts and tunnels appeals to their desire to seek shelter. And, with convenient attachment kits, the Zippi guinea pig tunnel system can be connected to wooden hutches or any wire run easily.

For additional exercise, Zippi Guinea Pig Platforms can be installed inside of our playpens. The ramp is specially designed for little cavy legs, and the safety rails help prevent accidental tumbles. Zippi platforms are a great way to utilize aerial space, and to help you interact with your guinea pig on a whole new level — literally.

A quality diet and fresh water

Guinea pigs should have free-choice access to quality pellets and fresh water at all times. Their feed should consist of timothy hay-based pellets, rather than the “trail mix” variety of food. When offered this mix, cavies will pick out their favorite bits and leave the more nutritious pieces behind. Since guinea pigs can become overweight easily, it’s important to only feed them foods that offer nutritional value and not empty calories.

Cavies are in the rodent family, and as such, their teeth continuously grow. To combat this, make sure they have access to loose timothy hay at all times. In the wild, guinea pigs graze on grasses and plants all day long to help keep their teeth trimmed and their bellies in working order. In addition to their hay, offer your guinea pigs fresh herbs, leafy greens, and guinea pig-safe vegetables in moderation to round out their diet. As an occasional treat, you can serve your guinea pigs small pieces of fresh fruit.

Vitamin C

Guinea pigs are among a small group of mammals that can’t make their own vitamin C. Like humans, they need their daily dose of this essential vitamin in order to stay healthy. Most commercially made guinea pig pellets have vitamin C added, but be sure to check labels.

There are multiple other ways to make sure your guinea pigs are getting enough vitamin C. These include:

  • Store-bought vitamin C drops to add to their water
  • Offer vitamin C-rich veggies like broccoli, bell pepper, or dark leafy greens
  • During playtime, reward your cavy with vitamin C-rich fruits like strawberries

A predictable routine

Guinea pigs will find comfort in their daily routine and soon come to expect their meals, playtime, and bedtime. They’ll also quickly learn that you are the bringer of food, playtime coordinator, and provider of safety — and will reward you with friendly squeaks and other noises from guinea pig vernacular.

Plan to check in on your guinea pigs at least once a day, but the more you interact with themes, the better your bond will be. Your cavies will soon anticipate your visits and will be more active when you spend time with them.

Omlet has all your guinea pig needs

We’ve designed comfortable cavy homes that keep your guinea pigs safe while making caring for them easier than ever for you. Our Eglu Go guinea pig hutch, Zippi Guinea Pig Tunnel System, and Zippi Guinea Pig Runs and Playpens are instant housing and enrichment solutions for cavy keepers of all ages and experience levels. With Omlet, you’ll be able to start keeping guinea pigs with success from the beginning.

Two guinea pigs in Omlet Zippi guinea pig playpen

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This entry was posted in Guinea Pigs on June 5th, 2019 by helenkennedy


Top tips for the first week with a puppy

Puppies chewing on Quilted Topper on Omlet's Puppy Bed

Bringing home a puppy is a very special time for everyone involved. And as with welcoming any new family member, your tiny, furry addition will inevitably change the dynamic of your household. With that, may come a few bumps in the road, also known as puppyhood. It’s important not to forget that as exciting as this time can be, it can be quite a daunting experience for you and your puppy. But, seeing the exciting world through the lens of your new forever friend makes the first few restless nights and teething issues all worth it. Here are our top tips for the first week with a puppy.

Take some time off work

Once you know when you’ll be collecting your puppy, it’s wise to take at least a week off work to stay at home. The first week will be a learning curve for you and your puppy, so it’s a good plan that you spend this time together building a bond, establishing a routine, and of course, having fun. It’s also an opportunity to start toilet training with your puppy, and since dogs of this age need to go potty a lot more frequently than their adult counterparts, you’ll need to be on hand to let them in and out of the home.

You should also have considered what your arrangements will be after the first week off work with your puppy. Will you be available to frequently check in on them? Is your partner going to be working from home? Most puppies under 10 weeks old can’t hold their bladders for more than an hour, so you should think about whether you’re able to make this big commitment with your current lifestyle. Fortunately, many workplaces are now dog friendly, so this might be an option for you as your puppy gets older.

First impressions count

The first few days with your puppy are crucial for establishing a strong and positive relationship with your pet. Take the time for everyone in the household to interact with your dog; playing, cuddling, and stroking them. Your new puppy may also be a little weary of you, to begin with. Be very gentle when you’re handling them and slowly you’ll be able to develop their trust in you and become familiar with your touch, voice and scent. Introduce them to a couple of dog toys and reward any good behaviour with dog treats

Once the news gets out that you’re getting a puppy, friends and family are bound to want to visit, but take it slowly. Socialization is key to having a well-rounded dog but there will be plenty of time for others to meet your new furry friend. Introduce people to your puppy gradually and don’t forget that your pup shouldn’t be interacting with unvaccinated or unknown dogs, as well as visiting areas by freshwater, areas that are known to have a rodent infestation, or anywhere that unvaccinated dogs could have visited until they’re fully vaccinated themselves.

Be consistent with feeding time 

Dogs love routine, so to maintain as much consistency as possible, it’s wise to follow the same diet as the breeder or rescue was feeding the litter. This is especially important while your puppy is already navigating a confusing change to their environment. Find out as much information as possible before you go to collect your puppy, so you have time to research and purchase the appropriate food. Once your puppy is home, follow the diet as closely as you can, and if transitioning to a different type of food, do so gradually to avoid upsetting their sensitive stomachs.

Find a dog bed that will stay with them forever

Puppies sleep…a lot. In fact, they can spend up to 20 hours of their day snoozing away but after a day filled with zoomies and making mischief, it’s hardly surprising they need somewhere super comfortable to get some shuteye. It might be tempting to let your dog sleep on your bed, especially with their irresistible puppy eyes but in the long run, they’ll thank you for providing them with a bed designed just for them. 

Omlet’s Topology Dog Bed was built to last. With a memory foam mattress base that moulds to the shape of your dog and a choice of removable toppers for you to easily wash clean, the Topology is what dog bed dreams are made of. For puppies, The Quilted topper is perfect, made from an ultra-durable, hard-wearing material that even razor-sharp puppy teeth can’t rip through. Plus, you can even add a puppy pad beneath your topper for an extra layer of confidence. Should your pup manage to chew the cover on the Topology’s memory foam mattress within 6 months to the extent of exposing the waterproof mattress cover beneath, we’ll even replace the mattress cover for free. Find out more about the Omlet 180 Day Puppy Guarantee here.

Getting your puppy’s bed right in the first week means that they’ll soon associate it with their safe space from a young age. And since you can choose from 3 sizes, you can find the perfect fit for when your dog is fully grown. This bed will truly take your four-legged friend through from puppy to prime.

Use a crate

Dog crate training is invaluable, and can be started during your puppy’s first week at home. Since you’ll be unable to monitor your puppy’s every move day and night, using a dog crate to use for short periods of time means that you’ll be able to keep them out of harm’s way when you cannot be with them. Dog crates are also a very useful training tool, and provide nervous puppies with a den they can call their own.

You can even add a dog bed, super soft puppy blankets and a couple of dog toys to your puppy’s crate to create a cosy space. As your puppy gets older and begins travelling in the car, you can even take their crate with you so that they’re secure and safe on their journey.

Omlet and your puppy

We’re committed to bringing people closer to their pets, which is why we designed and carefully crafted the Omlet Puppy Bed and dog crates with puppies in mind. The joys of puppyhood also come with a few challenges but with this advice and Omlet’s innovative products, the first week with your new puppy can be made as stress-free as possible. 

Woman stroking puppy sat in Omlet Fido Studio Dog Crate

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This entry was posted in Dogs on June 4th, 2019 by chloewelch