For delivery in time for Christmas, please ensure you have placed your order by the below dates. Please be advised problems with couriers cannot be avoided, and if you want to be sure your order will make it to you in time for Christmas, we highly recommend ordering well before these dates. Alternatively, please call or email our customer services team for advice on the best courier to use at this busy time of year.
Royal Mail
Thursday 17th December
DPD
Monday 21st December
DHL
Monday 21st December
Parcelforce
Thursday 17th December
This entry was posted in Pets
Treat your pet before summer is over and save £10 when you spend £40 on pet accessories until the end of August! Discover our top picks below and use discount code 10OFF40 at checkout!
CHICKENS
Peck Toy
Omlet’s Pendant and Poppy Peck Toys are the great new interactive feed toys your chickens have been waiting for. They combine fun, enriching entertainment with a tasty and rewarding flow of treats. The Peck Toy can be filled with corn, chicken feed, mixed grit or any other combination of your flock’s favourite hard treats. Once filled it is guaranteed to become the centre of attention!
Omlet’s chicken jackets are great for keeping your chickens warm, dry and clean when out and about on the building site (your garden). Newly rescued battery hens whose feathers are a little sparse or hens who have recently moulted will appreciate the jacket’s extra warmth and, of course, it goes some way to protecting a semi-naked chicken’s modesty!
The Chicken Swing
Ideal for hanging in any chicken coop, enclosure or chicken run, The Chicken Swing is a great hen toy that will reduce boredom and keep your pets hentertained. They’ll love being able to hop up as they please, stretch their wings and swing back and forth above their pals. Synchronised swinging is also very much acceptable, should your chickens decide to share their new toy.
CATS AND DOGS
Omlet Cooling Mats
The Omlet Cooling Mat provides a cool surface for pets to relax on in the hot summer months. The self-cooling gel provides hours of comfort without the need for refrigeration. If the cooling effect wasn’t luxurious enough the mat also has a layer of deluxe memory foam to sooth your pet. The mat can be placed directly on a floor, or integrated into the Omlet Bolster Beds by tucking the mat neatly under the bolster cushions.
KONG Play Spaces SeaQuins entices curious cats to explore inside a glittering mermaid-themed crinkly sack that encourages and rewards burrowing instincts. Uniquely designed to stay perched open, this toy fulfills natural hiding needs while supporting engaging stalk and grab play. The dangling shell toy invites bat and capture fun while the reversible sequins and soft plush textures provide multiple textures for multiple ways to play.
Upgrade your pet’s nap time with this luxurious Plush Blanket. This super soft throw can be used to turn any spot in your house into a peaceful and comfortable sleep haven for your pet. It protects sofas, carpets or car seats from pet hair and dirt. And you can add it to your pet’s existing bed for extra cosiness.
RABBITS & GUINEA PIGS
Caddi Treat Holder
Keep food off the ground and entertain your pets at the same time with the new Caddi Treat Holder from Omlet. The ideal way to feed fresh fruit and vegetables to your rabbits or guinea pigs, the Caddi Treat Holder keeps food off the ground which is healthier for your pets, improves run cleanliness, reduces food wastage and keeps pests away. It also makes an excellent rabbit hay feeder.
Zippi Shelter
Add a brilliant new Zippi Shelter to your pet’ run and watch as they pop in one door and out the other. Rabbits and guinea pigs have a natural instinct to seek a hidey hole and the Zippi Shelter is perfect for providing protection from wind, rain and sun whilst offering a place where they can feel secure, settled and relaxed. The Zippi Shelter is also a great place for your rabbits to get a better view by hopping on top of the shelter and surveying their surroundings.
Give your pets a new and exciting way to exercise with the Omlet Play Tunnels, the perfect small animal tunnels for your pets to hop about to their heart’s content. Designed to mimic a burrow in the wild, our Play Tunnels are a great addition to your pets’ run. A really unique feature, the rings also allow the tunnels to connect to the Zippi Shelters. By creating an animal tunnel with a room at the end you are giving your pet an amazing nature like warren to explore!
HAMSTERS AND OTHER SMALL ANIMALS
Natures First Tiki Hut is an ideal hideaway for small animals to explore and retreat to. Made from 100% coconut fibre, it is completely safe for your pets to nibble and gnaw at.
Options Small Animal Grooming Kit contains three great tools which you can use to groom your pet. Use the coarse teeth of the double-sided comb to tease out knots and tangles before finishing with the fine teeth on the other side. The mini slicker is ideal for removing dead and matted hair, especially from the undercoat while the soft brush can be used to finish the coat and promote a healthy shine.
Although your hamsters and gerbils will be very happy in their Qute, you may want to let them stretch their legs and explore their surroundings every now and again. It’s probably not wise to let them run around the house freely, but by putting them in an exercise ball they will be able to have a jolly old time exploring, without getting lost.
BIRDS
Give your pet birds the opportunity to splash around with Omlet’s new Geo Bird Bath designed for the Geo Bird Cage! The Geo Bird Bath has been custom designed for the angled sides of the Geo Bird Cage. Two hooks secure it in place and it’s super quick and easy to install and remove so you can keep the bath fresh and clean for your pets.You can keep the bird bath on the inside of the cage at all times, or remove it once the birds have finished their washing routine for the day.
The Woven Wonders hanging toys are ideal for pet birds to play with, chew and shred. Designed to be destructible yet durable, Woven Wonders are handmade using natural, renewable and recyclable materials that your bird might encounter in the wild such as palm leaf, abaca and bamboo. Birds love to climb and swing but they also enjoy breaking and shredding things and the Woven Wonders toys are designed to appeal to all of these natural desires!
The beautiful Geo Bird Cage Cover is decorated on the inside with a map of the stars so your budgies can enjoy the wonder of the night sky from the tranquility of their perch. Simply place the cover over the Geo when it’s bedtime for your birds and they can try to spot Orion, Ursa Major and maybe even a shooting star before they nod off to sleep!
Terms and Conditions
Promotion of £10 off when you spend £40 on pet accessories run from 27/08/2020 – midnight 31/08/2020. Use promo code 10OFF40 at checkout. Includes all pet accessories, excludes major products such as Eglus, Autodoor, Beehaus, Fidos, Qutes, Outdoor Runs, Geos, Bolster Beds etc. Subject to availability, while stock lasts. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Offer cannot be used on delivery, existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.
This entry was posted in Offers and promotions
2020 has certainly been an unusual year for most of us so far. Here at Omlet we’ve been working from home since the end of March, and many of us have spent more time than normal with our chickens, dogs, cats and other pets. To get an idea of how pet ownership has affected lockdown, we decided to ask our followers how their pets had helped them cope with these strange times. Here is a summary of the results:
88% of people agreed that staying at home has been easier with a pet! It’s no news that pets are great emotional support during difficult times, and apart from that they keep you busy. If you keep chickens you have to go out in the garden a few times a day to refill food and water or check on your girls, and if you have a dog they must be walked. Having routines is a great way of keeping structure when things are uncertain, and will benefit both physical and mental health, so it’s no wonder that 88% of people are thankful for having a pet throughout lockdown!
Nearly 2 out of 3 people thought that their pets had enjoyed seeing more of their owners, which shows how little they actually require from us. It doesn’t have to be long hikes or elaborate playtime setups, just having you around is enough for most pets. Only 0.5% said that their pets seemed annoyed or tired by the additional human interaction – can we guess that these people own independent cats by any chance?
1 in 4 people said they spent more time teaching their pets tricks during lockdown.
Many of us have been working from home, and tried to master all the challenges that come with setting up a home office. For people with pets this challenge might have been even bigger. Whether by squeaking guinea pigs, clucking hens or barking dogs, 75% of people said that they had been easily distracted from work by their furry or feathery friend. 50% had also had a video called interrupted by their pet.
76% of everyone who took the survey said they would like to work from home more often in the future so they can spend more time with their pets. As we have already established, our pets have also seemed happy to have us at home more, so it’s certainly a setup that would benefit both pets and owners.
Not as many people would like to bring their pets into work with them; only a third said they’d like to let their pet meet their colleagues. We’re guessing this might have to do partly with what animals people have got, and how convenient it would be to take them to work. Sure, we’ve heard of office dogs, but is an office chicken taking things a bit too far?
Out of the people who would like to take their pet to work with them in the future, nearly two thirds believed that their boss would not allow it. If you reckon your boss would say no, let them know that studies done with office dogs show that having a four legged friend running between the desks proved to boost morale, increase job satisfaction and reduce stress within companies and organisations.
Terms and conditions
Promotion of £10 off when you spend £100 is available until midnight 08/08/2020. Use promo code THANKYOU at checkout. Total basket value excluding delivery must be £100 or more. Subject to availability. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Offer cannot be used on delivery, existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.
This entry was posted in Pets
Right now you get £5 off when you spend £20 or more on treats for your beloved pets! Just use promo code TAKE5 at checkout. Below we’ve chosen some amazing treats that we’re confident your pets will love, but there are lots more to choose from on our website!
CHICKENS
Naturals Strawberry Hearts Chicken Treats
Show your chickens how much you care by giving them your (strawberry) hearts! Lovingly prepared with 100% natural ingredients and topped off with delicious strawberry pieces, these are sure to delight even the fussiest of hens.
Natures Grub Fruit & Berry Treat Mix
This is a complementary food for chickens and garden birds. A blend of seeds, cooked cereals, native berries and dried fruit, this is a tasty and nutritious treat for chickens.
Omlet Organic Mixed Corn
Chickens go mad for corn and it is great for feeding to hungry hens as an afternoon treat. It’ll turn their yolks a lovely deep colour too. Eggcellent!
CATS AND DOGS
Luxury Pawsecco Pethouse Rose Wine
This non-alcoholic blend of elderflower and nettle is rich in vitamins and minerals, while being a super tasty treat for the weekend!
Leaps & Bounds Woof Bars
The Leaps & Bounds Woof Bar is a safe and scrumptious alternative to chocolate just for dogs. Perfect for use as a reward during training or if you just think your dog deserves a little indulging every now and then!
Natural Eats Cat and Dog Treats
These cat and dog treats are an irresistibly tasty reward for your pets made with all natural ingredients. They are gluten free, low in fat and made from real meat!
RABBITS & SMALL ANIMALS
The guilt-free cake doesn’t have any dairy or added sugar, just 100% natural ingredients. The edible, cellulose fibre walls and lid are dressed in scrummy carrot and coconut, topped with herb and vegetable balls and flower petals. All hiding a wonderful herbal salad mix filling pets will love to nibble and forage.
Beaphar Small Animal Crunch Sticks are formulated with natural ingredients and added vitamins, so not only is your pet having a tasty treat, it’s also receiving extra health benefits in every bite. The sticks contain high quality grains, seeds and vegetables which are triple baked to ensure extra hardness for important dental wear.
Hamsters and gerbils will love to nibble on this harvest feast. A natural treat for small animals, this donut shaped block contains seeds, nuts, cereals and honey, making it really tasty. It is a complementary pet food and it should only be given as a supplement to your pet’s normal diet.
Terms and Conditions
Promotion of £5 off when you spend £20 on treats from 02/07/2020 – midnight 07/07/2020. Use promo code TAKE5 at checkout. Promotion includes treats for all pets. Excludes feed and bags of treats over 10kg. Excludes toys and other accessories. Subject to availability, while stock lasts. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Offer cannot be used on delivery, existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.
This entry was posted in Offers and promotions
We often get asked which is the best cover for an Eglu run to keep pets comfortable all year round. Read our simple guide below so you know how to help your pets in all weathers!
Summer Shades
These shades are a thinner cover material which offers protection from the sun, without creating a tunnel where heat can build up inside the run. These are smaller than the winter covers to allow better airflow through the run for ventilation. Move the summer shade around the run to suit the time of day and your hens’ routine. You may wish to change this for a Clear or Combi Cover in summer when there’s rain on the way!
Clear Covers
The Clear Covers allow for sunlight to flood your pet’s run, while also offering protection from rain. This makes them ideal for spring and autumn, so the run is light and warm with sun, but also protected from unpredictable wind and rain.
Combi Covers
Get the best of both worlds, with shade from the sun on one side and light coming in the other, as well as full wind and rain protection on both sides. The Combi Covers are half dark green, heavy duty cover for extreme wind and rain protection, and half clear cover to let in sunlight and warmth and to let your pets see when you are bringing them treats!
Heavy Duty Covers
For strong, hard-wearing protection against the worst of winter choose heavy duty covers. Even when the temperature drops to single figures, the rain and wind batters your pets home, or a deluge of snow covers your garden, the dark green, impenetrable heavy duty covers offer sturdy weather protection. Your chickens or rabbits will be able to hop around the Eglu run in complete peace, without getting cold, damp or wind-swept!
Extreme Temperature Covers
Chickens and rabbits are very efficient at keeping themselves warm in cold weather, and the Eglu’s twin wall insulation will assist them by keeping cool air out and warm air in, but when temperatures plummet below freezing for multiple days in a row, they may appreciate a little extra support. The Extreme Temperature Blankets and Jackets add another insulating layer, like your favourite wooly jumper, without compromising the ventilation points around the coop.
This entry was posted in Chickens
If you own and love an Omlet product and like talking to other people about your pets, then becoming an Omlet Ambassador will definitely suit you!
The Omlet Ambassador programme offers a really great way for people to not only see the products they are interested in, but also ask an owner all about it, like a live, interactive review!
If you speak to someone that then goes on to buy, you will get commission on their order. On top of that, Omlet customers in other countries have found lots of like minded friends through the Omlet Ambassador programme so it’s a great way to meet people who share your hobby in the area!
We spoke to two of our US ambassadors, Sueellen and Jennifer, about their experience of being an ambassador, and this is what they had to say:
Tell us about your chickens and your setup!
SE:
I am fortunate enough to have 2 different communities of very sweet chickens! We have 8 chickens right outside our side door and we have 23 chickens in our pasture in the backyard. We have had this arrangement for 3 years.
J:
The first is five barred rock layers. We have had them for about a year. They are in the Omlet Coop with a run and an outdoor enclosure. They get along well with each other, but won’t accept any new members. They are good sized birds but do fine in the space we have. We could increase the size of the flock no problem in the coop setup that we have.
We also have 1 white silkie, 1 blue “satin” silkie, and 2 silkie mixes (probably silkie/polish – the white one is a sizzle, the black one not sure). They are all hens except the satin. They lay but are really pets. We have had the polish/ silkies for about a year and the silkie for 6 months. The white silkie is a hen but thinks she is a rooster – his/her name is Juancho. She sings and talks all day long. Quite a character. The blue satin silkie is new to the flock. We have to be a bit more careful with them in cold weather and rain because they are so small, get wet easily and cannot fly. During the day we keep them with our Kune Kune boars Max and Luigi who help keep them safe and warm.
What do you like about your Omlet products?
SE:
About 10 years ago we got our first chickens and the entire family (all 6 of us) loved having them. We loved their darling and hilarious personalities, and we loved getting the beautiful eggs as well. But over a short time we began to lose our chickens to many predators! It was heartbreaking to say the least! Fortunately, one of my daughters discovered the amazing Omlet products at a trade show. She told me about the Omlet coops and the pet runs and various other products! I fell in love immediately!
I love love love the way the Omlet products look. They are beautifully designed and are very easy to clean and maintain! 3 years later my coops look new! I love the pet runs especially, as they can be smaller or larger depending on your flock needs. I love that I can walk into the runs without bending down or getting on the ground. This feature enables me to easily feed, water, clean, visit and bond with my flock!
J:
We love the Omlet coop and enclosure. It’s very easy to keep clean and we have had (so far) almost no hygiene/sanitation issues. I believe that the plastic helps minimize this vs. wood or porous material. The coop is warm in the winter and stays cool in the summer even in our extreme heat. We have a lot of predators and so far, no one has been able to get in. They seem to have a hard time even getting on the coop because of the rounded roof so that is an extra plus. I also like that the product is simple – just three levers to use – simple. Everyone seems really happy and the barred rocks average an egg a day!
What’s your experience with being an Omlet ambassador?
SE:
I love being an Omlet Ambassador! I love all the products and the versatility they offer! I love my chickens! They are a sweet, hilarious and adorable part of our family. It is super fun to collect farm fresh healthy beautiful eggs everyday!
It was a very natural progression to become an Omlet Ambassador because I love the products, and I really enjoy sharing my experience, my knowledge and my love of chickens! I enjoy showing other chicken enthusiasts or others just curious about chickens our set-up!
J:
I decided to become an Omlet ambassador because I really believe in the product and my interactions with the company have been very positive – seems like a nice group of people out trying to sell a great product.
What does a normal visit or contact from a prospect look like?
SE:
Often a person considering getting chickens and/or a chicken coop will contact me by email with a few questions. We begin a dialogue and set up a visit for them to see the fabulous Omlet products at work! We choose a time convenient for both of us! Once people see the chickens and the Omlet Coops, they can’t wait to get started with their own amazing Omlet community!
J:
Pre virus, we had a few visits – everyone was very well informed (people really do their research!) and mainly wanted to see the product up close. I think part of it is the cost – it is expensive and therefore people want to make sure it’s the right thing before committing. Recently, we have had a lot of inquiries from people who are looking at getting chickens for the first time, probably driven to it by the high cost of eggs here in California. Some of them say they are a bit intimidated by the whole thing and again, want to make sure they are doing the right thing. We are definitely not chicken experts but the Omlet products help keep things simple – I am very confident that our ladies will be safe and clean, which seems to be half the battle!
If you think you would want to become an Omlet ambassador, send us an email and we will send you all the information you might need!
This entry was posted in Pets
By becoming an Omlet affiliate you could earn 5% commission from every sale you generate from your website, blog or social media account.
You will put a personal link to our website somewhere on your platform. If someone clicks on the link and goes on to place an order, we will give you your commission!
What are the benefits of the Omlet Affiliate Programme?
- First and foremost, you can earn money from very little effort, and turn your website, blog or email marketing campaigns into an income.
- There are no start-up or running costs, you can start earning straight away.
- You can promote our products without having to carry any inventory, so there is no risk for you.
- All customer communications, shipping and returns are handled by Omlet and our in-house Customer Service Team.
- You can choose which products you advertise to your followers or customers, and how you would like to promote them. You can change links according to season or change a link for a banner whenever you like.
Why advertise Omlet products?
Omlet products are instantly recognisable and unlike anything else on the market in terms of design and quality. We actively work on and invest in brand and product awareness, so that when customers see Omlet products on your platform, it is likely that they have already heard of the brand.
We have a team of product designers who are constantly working on new products, so there will always be something exciting to show your customers or followers.
How do I get started?
Create an Omlet Account and log in here. Click on the ’Affiliate Scheme’ button in the menu on the left hand side of the screen. You will then be able to enter the details for the website where you will post your affiliate links. This can also be a social media account!
Once that is set up an orange banner will appear at the top of the screen when you’re browsing the Omlet website. Visit the page that you would like to link to on your platform, for example the Autodoor page. Click on Link to this page, and the system will create a link and a piece of HTML that you can paste onto your website.
You can also download banners to put on your website. At the moment these are available for Chicken, Cat and Dog products.
How do you know which orders come from me?
The link you create when you click on the orange banner is unique and it contains information about your website. When someone clicks this link from your site Omlet knows that the person has come from you. Even if they leave the Omlet website and come back again we still know that they originally came from you. This works for up to 60 days from the original click.
You will receive your affiliate commission on anything that the customer purchases on the Omlet website within that 60 day period. The customer doesn’t have to buy the product you are linking to for you to get commission, we will be able to keep track of your Affiliate ID as the customer moves around the website. This means that if they clicked a link about the Autodoor on your site and end up buying an Eglu Go Hutch you will still get your affiliate commission.
You can create as many links as you like to as many pages as you like.
The system will track link clicks, banner views, orders and commission and on your Omlet account you can see where your commissions are coming from and how many clicks different links are getting, which can help you find out what works best.
How do I get paid commission?
When you have earned commission you can request for it to be transferred into your PayPal or bank account. The commission will be paid out 30 days after an order has been dispatched to the referred customer (this is because customers can return a product up to 30 days after receiving it.) Please note that the commission of 5% is calculated on the order value excl. tax, and no commission will be paid on delivery costs.
Do I need a particular type of website to participate?
No, you can add any type of website, blog or social media account as long as it does not host content that is in any way unlawful, harmful, threatening, obscene, harassing, discriminatory, defamatory or otherwise objectionable; facilitates or promotes violence, terrorism, or any other criminal activity; is sexually explicit; or infringes or assists or encourages the infringement of any intellectual property rights belonging to any party.
This entry was posted in Pets
We have received many questions in the last few days regarding orders and delivery. We would like to reassure you that our distribution centres are fully open and all our office team are now working from home.
There was a sudden increase in demand for some products and there may be slightly longer delivery times than normal as a result. We have lots more products already on their way and you can pre order online now. Next to the buy button you will be shown an estimated dispatch date and it’s also shown in your basket.
We will email you again when the order is dispatched and you can always check in with our brilliant customer service team anytime to modify your order.
Please note that once your product has been dispatched you should use the courier companies tracking services to keep up to date with your orders progress. We will always email you your tracking details. Deliveries are sometimes taking a little longer than normal as the couriers have to react to any changes to their ability to deliver. Please also note that you may receive your order in more than one delivery on two separate days.
The Omlet Team is here for you! We will still be running our usual promotions and competitions (check our social media channels and newsletter for latest) and we’ll be doing our best to keep you and your pets entertained throughout the next few weeks.
The Omlet Team
This entry was posted in Pets
With Valentine’s Day approaching many of us will be making restaurant bookings and buying cinema tickets for a night out with their partner. Sure, that’s nice, but wouldn’t you really prefer it if you could include the third member of your couple, your pet, in your plans? We’ve put together a suggested date night schedule that both humans and pets will enjoy, so that no one gets left out!
A few days before
If you’re buying a present for your parter, you should make sure you treat your pet to something special as well, as they’ve been such a good boy or girl. How about getting your rabbits or guinea pig some fun accessories for their run, like a shelter or some Zippi-tunnels? Dogs and cats will always appreciate a new, super comfy bed, like the super luxurious Omlet Bolster Bed.
16.00 Time Outside
Depending on what pet you have, the key to a good date night might be to tire them out a bit before you snuggle up inside. Rabbits and guinea pigs will love a run around in their tunnels in the garden, cats will enjoy some fresh air (either letting them hunt around the neighbourhood for an hour or so, or join them for some time on their cat run) and dogs will feel spoiled after a long hike or trip to the park to see some doggy friends. If you have a dog, why not stop off at a dog friendly pub for a drink and a small snack before you return home?
18.00 Play Time
This is a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your pet, doing what you know they love doing. If you have a smaller animal, you and your partner can create a maze or prepare a scavenger hunt for them, hiding snacks and building obstacles around the living room. Cats will enjoy chasing toys, and dogs will go crazy for some tug of war. If you want to spoil your pets even more, why not get them a new toy to play with?
19.00 Dinner Time
The key to the perfect date night is some good, and preferably rather indulgent, food. Maybe this is a good opportunity to try one of those recipes that requires a bit more time and effort? Or just to order some take away, if you’re knackered after all the playing. To fully include your pet, we would suggest making sure they also get to have something special for dinner. There are plenty of easy and healthy recipes for all pets online, so you can find something that you will enjoy making, and your pet will enjoy wolfing down. Divide the work and let your partner make something for the pets while you cook the human food, or the other way around.
20.00 Spa Treatment
Get settled on the sofa for a pampering session for pets and humans alike. Give your pet a bath and some grooming, like cutting their nails, brushing their fur and cleaning their teeth. While you enjoy a face mask or a manicure, dogs and cats might benefit from an oil treatment for dry skin and paw pads. Finish off the spa hour with a good long massage. Your pet will probably not be of much help here, so you humans might have to take it in turn.
While you’re treating yourselves, why not put on some relaxing music? Spotify has recently launched Spotify for Pets, customised lists based on your pet’s personality and your music taste. Unfortunately you’re limited to only a few pets at the moment, but what’s to say your rabbit won’t enjoy a cat playlist?
21.00 Film and Snacks
Pop some popcorn, pour some wine and curl up on the sofa together with your date(s) for some Petflix and Chill. Make sure your pet has a place where he or she can get settled and feel comfy, maybe on a special blanket or bed. Date night is all about a relaxing rom-com, or something else that both you can your pet will love napping in front of. Make sure that you offer your pet movie snacks and a nice drink as well, we have plenty of treats and goodies for all pets in our shop, including white and rosé Pawsecco for a true celebratory evening . As an added bonus, you currently get 25% off all treats in the Omlet shop!
This entry was posted in Pets
There is something very arrogant in assuming that only humans can experience deep emotions. We’ve all seen our pets excited and happy, and we also come to recognise when they’re sad. In other words, they experience feelings.
Sorrow in an animal is different from fear or anxiety. The latter things are brought on by stress, resulting from poor environment, poor diet, scary neighbours, cruel owners, or countless other factors that can make animals feel exposed or in danger.
Heartbreak, as any person who has experienced it knows, is something very different. It results from bereavement, or other forms of fundamental loss. Scientists are often eager to point out that we can never prove an animal feels these emotions. But many owners have seen it for themselves and have no doubt at all.
What Makes Dogs Sad?
A pet may become distressed if a certain person or a longstanding companion of the same species is no longer around – but only if that person or pet was one that the animal had completely bonded with.
A family dog will have a relationship with all the human members of its family, but there will usually be one favourite – an Alpha male or Alpha Female, if you like. Although the dog may miss the others, it is on this favourite, its main owner, that its affections will be focused.
If such a person leaves the household, for whatever reason, the dog’s first reaction will be one of separation anxiety. It will pine and lose its interest in things such as food, games and walks. Loss of appetite can lead to liver problems in a relatively short time, so keep an eye on the situation and be ready to turn to a vet for help.
The dog may also whine and cry more than usual, and may start to lick and chew household items, or its own fur or paws. Many grieving dogs find it hard sleeping, and will sit and whine by a door, or may simply go into hiding.
A lot depends on the breed, and on the individual animal too. But many dogs can certainly be classed as heartbroken in these situations. The grieving will last for several weeks, even months.
Time will cure the heartache, but in the meantime you can help by making sure the pet continues to have walks in its favourite places. If the dog enjoys staying in kennels, a short break there is a possibility too. You could also consider employing a dog walker, to give your pet a change of routine. Don’t be afraid to be more generous than usual with the snacks, treats and toys, too.
What Makes Cats Sad?
Cats can be harder to read than dogs. They will tend to lay low, hiding away more than usual. Some will become more vocal, mewing and crying for their lost friend. Many will lose their appetites, sleep less, and may even run away for days at a time.
Like dogs, a cat that stops eating can develop potentially fatal liver disease, so early intervention by a vet is recommended.
Many, however, soon transfer their main affections to another member of the household. Other, more independent cats seem to readjust without any problem.
What Makes Other Pets Sad?
Small mammals don’t appear to grieve when their owners disappear from their lives. But many will revert to a natural nervousness if they are no longer being handled and fed by their best friend. Someone else needs to step up and become the pet’s favourite.
Pet parrots who have bonded with a partner or owner are known to grieve the loss of a loved one, whether a fellow bird or a human. Loss of appetite and listlessness are the usual signs. Someone needs to keep up the contact and interaction, to ease these highly intelligent birds into their new lives.
The problem does not usually arise if the birds are kept in an open aviary setting. Smaller parrots such as budgies and lovebirds don’t seem to miss their human friends so intensely either, although they will certainly grieve if their feathered best friend disappears.
The Grieving Process
Above all, try to be upbeat and affectionate with the grieving animal. Pets pick up on our moods with an almost supernatural skill, so if we’re very sad, they may mirror our feelings. Again, this might be a good time to bring in friends or relatives more able to put on a happy face for the sake of the heartbroken pet.
Most pets will, with time, move on. Some older pets may never entirely recover. In all circumstances involving loss, all an owner can do is care for the animal as it readjusts to changed circumstances.
This entry was posted in Cats
We could probably all benefit from something special to make it through the last winter weeks, and your pets will definitely feel the same way!
Stock up and spoil your loved ones this February with 25% off all treats on the Omlet shop, and find the pawfect Valentine’s Day gift for your furry friends!
Use promo code PETFLIX at checkout to claim the offer.
Terms and conditions:
Promotion runs from 06/02/20 – midnight 17/02/20, while stocks last. For 25% off treats use promo code PETFLIX. 25% off is available on treats for all animals, excluding bags of feed over 1.5kg, as well as treat toys and Feldy High Energy Chicken Pecker Balls – Box of 40. Excludes out of stock items. Subject to availability. Omlet ltd. reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any point. Offer cannot be used on delivery, existing discounts or in conjunction with any other offer.
This entry was posted in Offers and promotions
According to folklore, birds choose their mates on St Valentine’s Day. A rare few only have to make that choice once, staying with the same partner for as long as both birds are alive.
There is something romantically appealing about this idea of birds sticking together for life. But not many species follow this lifestyle. The faithful few include many species of goose and swan, several of the owls and eagles, and some of the penguins. Many others are ‘serially monogamous’, meaning they stick with one partner throughout a single breeding season, but not for life. An estimated 90% of bird species fall into this category.
Mating for life is something much rarer. Parrots in captivity usually stick with one partner, as their choice of mates is limited. But the whole idea of bird fidelity is best captured in the image of two lovebirds cuddling up and rubbing beaks.
What’s the advantage in sticking together for life?
The chicks of birds of prey such as owls and eagles grow slowly. Rearing a big bird such as an osprey or golden eagle takes around three months from egg laying to independence. It helps save time if the parents start rearing their young early in the season, preferably in the same nest as last year. Lengthy courtship displays and nest-building are simply delays, and ones that can be avoided if two birds resume their old relationship each year.
The advantages of faithfulness may seem less obvious for smaller birds. But it ensures that both parent birds are focussed on the successful rearing of their chicks. The alternative is polygamy, in which the male strays away to mate with other birds, putting all the pressure on the hen bird to feed the chick. In a harsh season, having two parents working together can make the difference between life and death for the chicks.
Most mating-for-life species don’t actually live together outside the breeding season, though. Not in the wild, at least. But there is one famous exception – the Lovebird.
Lovebirds of a feather stick together
Lovebirds take mating-for-life very seriously. Most other ‘faithful’ birds rediscover their independence outside the breeding season, but Lovebirds live up to their name 24/7, 365 days a year.
Like most parrot species, in the wild all nine species of Lovebird live in flocks, and their social organisation is based on pairs. The strong bonds involved prevent bickering and fighting in the mating season. It’s a peace-keeping system that works so well, it’s surprising that other species haven’t followed a similar evolutionary path.
Lovebirds are bonded to the point of jealously. They may be our perfect picture of avian affection, but they will fend off any intruders. It is recommended to keep pairs separate from other birds, rather than including them in a mixed aviary – unless you have a huge space in which grumpy or jealous birds can easily find space away from each other.
A bereaved Lovebird, or one kept on its own, will become depressed. It will pine, stop eating, squawk, and become irritable. The exceptions are those birds that have been handled from a young age and have bonded with their human companion. Their affection is every bit as genuine with a human ‘partner’ as a feathered one.
There are downsides to this, though. A bonded lovebird will regurgitate food for you, and will need discouraging from attempting to mate!
Zebra Finches – Lovebirds of the Finch world
Most birds that live in flocks are monogamous – that is, they have just one mate each breeding season – but the Zebra finch takes it a step further. Many owners think the bird’s habit of mating for life is something that only happens in captivity, where choice of partner is restricted. But the little Zebra is every bit as faithful as the Lovebird, even in the wild.
In captivity problems can arise when birds die, or when new ones are added. A singleton in a group of Zebra finches will find it hard to find a mate without a fight. For this reason, ironically, it is actually best to keep these finches in pairs rather than big or odd-numbered flocks, as a single bird may be forced to become either a bully or a depressed outcast.
Love is in the air
Nature has found all sorts of ways of ensuring that the next generation of birds takes to the wing. At one end sit the cuckoos, taking no responsibility for parenting or relationships of any sort. Next come those birds that take the lots-of-mates approach. Most, however, opt for one partner per season.
But there’s something particularly appealing about those few species that mate for life. For Lovebird and Zebra finch owners, romance is an everyday fact of life.
This entry was posted in Pets
Is “become an Omlet superfan” in your new year resolutions? We don’t blame you! Here’s all the super easy ways you can keep up with our special offers, competitions, videos, blogs and more in 2020!
Newsletter
Our weekly newsletter is jam packed with fun articles, information about exciting new launches and promotions, and reviews from customers. By subscribing to the newsletter, you will make sure that you’re the first one to know about everything Omlet! We also regularly deliver exclusive offers just for newsletter subscribers which we promise you will want to hear about. We can’t say too much, but it is very likely there will be an amazing Eglu offer coming up at the end of January ?
Youtube
The Omlet Youtube channel is a great place to explore our products. The informative and fun videos show all the groundbreaking features that customers love, with the added bonus of some very cute animals! By subscribing you will always be fully clued up on the latest Omlet innovations, and you will find plenty of useful information about keeping pets, like this one about making your Eglu ready for winter.
We also have helpful step-by-step videos showing you how to build all our products, resulting in fewer arguments and less frustration! You can have them playing in the background as you put together your pets’ new home, and it’s easy to pause or go back if needed.
Facebook Groups
The Omlet Chicken Keeping Facebook Group is a great place to meet other Eglu lovers. Our friendly customers share tips and tricks on keeping chickens, discuss the features of products and tell stories about their pets. Whether you’re a veteran crazy chicken lover or a total beginner, you’ll enjoy being part of Omlet’s Chicken Keeping Community!
Social Media
Integrate Omlet into your favourite social media feed and brighten up your scrolling time with cute pet pics, awesome new products, amazing competitions, promotions and much more! You will also get all the information you need to take part in the many competitions we will be running in 2020. You won’t want to miss out, so make sure you follow us today!
This entry was posted in Pets
This classy lady, all dressed up and ready for those Christmas parties!
This group of friends saying: Merry Christmas from our Pack to your Pack!
This little fellow, who is looking forward to helping Father Christmas deliver all the presents!
This cutie who wants to Woof You a Hairy Christmas!
This beauty, who’s having a little paws between Christmas meals.
This lady, who knows the importance of decorating your home for the holidays!
This festive feline, who’s wishing you all a meowy Christmas!
This lovely lady who wants you to let Santa Paws know she would never be naughty!
And finally these best buddies, celebrating the holidays in style!
This entry was posted in Christmas
Whether you’re a mum or dad, a favourite uncle or a generous friend, we have the gifts that will make this Christmas extra special for the younger pet lovers out there!
Are you a parent who can’t really see the point of pets, but tiring of the constant nagging from the children? Would breakfast made with fresh eggs from the garden every morning possibly convince you? Suitable for approximately 3 chickens, the insulated and fox resistant Eglu Go is the ultimate coop for first time chicken keepers. The coop is so easy to clean that the kids will almost be able to do it themselves, and the daily and weekly tasks involved with keeping chickens are so fun and quickly done that split between a few family members it won’t get boring.
If you feel that chickens might not be for you, but like the idea of an Eglu, have a look at the Eglu Go hutch. It has got the same amazing features as the coop, but instead of roosting bars and a nesting area, it comes with smooth slide-out bedding tray and a hay rack, and will be an amazing home for rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
If you’re looking for the perfect first pet for your child, a hamster or gerbil is a great start. They create strong bonds with their owners, and kids of all ages will enjoy playing with them, but they don’t require training.
With the modern and stylish Qute hamster and gerbil cage, having a pet could not be easier. Cleaning the cage takes literally minutes, all you need to do is lift and twist the tube to keep the pets on the upper level while you empty the bedding tray and wipe it clean before you refill it with fresh bedding.
As an added bonus the Qute will look great in your house, so unlike other cages for small animals you will actually be proud to have it on display!
Get the Qute without storage and everything you need to be ready for your new hamster with this star buy bundle, now just £84.99, (RRP £94.17.)
With the Zippi tunnel system for rabbits and guinea pigs, tunnels and playpens can be connected to build an amazing warren which kids can move around and customise when they play with their pet. Additional accessories such as the hayrack and lookout tower further customise the system. The playpens also make it easier for kids to sit in with their rabbits and guinea pigs, so they can play without fear of escape!
Start your system with our best sellers, the Zippi Tunnel Single with Hutch to Run Connection Kit, and Zippi Rabbit Run with Roof and Underfloor Mesh – Single Height. Now just £149.99 in this star buy bundle (was £189.97!)
If your child is showing an interest in bird keeping, budgies and finches is where you should start. They are fun to train, not overly fragile, bond strongly with their owners, and are relatively easy to care for, especially if you have a cage that minimises spillages and is super easy to clean, like the Geo Bird Cage.
A brilliant piece of engineering, the central food station not only makes refilling food and water extremely simple, it also cleverly collects husk that the birds discard while they’re eating, so that you don’t have to get the hoover out every day! The Geo is the perfect Christmas gift for all young bird lovers!
If your child already has a pet, new toys that they can enjoy together will be a great gift!
The Grumpy Cat Christmas Light Wand will have the cat running around the living room, these squeaky crackers will be perfect for a Christmas Day tug-of-war session with the dog and you can enjoy seeing your smaller pets chew away at this Festive Pine Cone Snowman. You’ll find these, and plenty of other festive treats and toys in our Christmas Shop!
This entry was posted in Christmas
For delivery in time for Christmas, please ensure you have placed your order by the below dates. Please be advised problems with couriers cannot be avoided, and if you want to be sure your order will make it to you in time for Christmas, we highly recommend ordering well before these dates. Alternatively, please call or email our customer services team for advice on the best courier to use at this busy time of year.
Royal Mail
Thursday 19th December
DPD
Friday 20th December
Tuffnells
Friday 20th December
This entry was posted in Christmas
Naming pets can be difficult. Should you go for something highly original, something that describes the pet, or something that reflects your own personality? Should it be ‘safe’, picked from an online list of popular pet names? Or should it say something about the year the pet was born – perhaps a dog called Trump, a cat called Greta, or a budgie called Boris?
If it’s a family pet, parents often take the easy way out and ask the kids to think of names. We fool ourselves that we are being kind, inclusive parents, but in reality we’re just passing the buck!
Safety in numbers
Somehow, if there’s more than one new pet the floodgates of inspiration suddenly open. You can use the same letter – Maxi and Mini, Pixie and Pumpkin, or Arthur and Alfie. Or you can go for famous couples such as Pepper and George, Thor and Loki , Meg and Mog, Lennon and McCartney, Bubble and Squeak.
It becomes harder if there are more than two new animals to be named. A small flock of chickens, for example, may well start out with individual names, but chances are you’ll soon be referring to them simply as “The Chickens”.
The other definition of “safety in numbers” is “names used 1000s of times before”. Cats will always be called Tom, Fido will be used for Dogs, and Polly the parrot will remain iconic. And then there are all those lists of Most popular Pet Names. These change gradually as the years pass, just as popular baby names do.
A survey of 2018 faves, for example, suggests that Bella, Poppy, Lola and Alfie are the commonest dog names in the UK. Cats are mainly called Luna, Bella, Milo and Loki. And if you have a parrot, chances are it’s named Charlie, Kirsty, Ollie, Bernard or Basil.
Small mammals tend to share popular names, and right now the most popular ones are Flopsy, Thumper, Luna, Cookie and Rosie (and Flopsy and Thumper, along with Peter, have been top names for rabbits for 60 years or more).
No Laughing Matter?
If you opt for an amusing name, you need to be confident you won’t regret the decision further down the line. You will find that names such as Brexit, Doggy McDogface and Smelly Cat soon pass their sell-by date.
If you want a pet name that will always raise a smile, without overdoing it, it’s best to choose something not usually used for pets at all. You’ll probably never tire of a cat called Gary, a dog called John and a parrot called Karen. It’s a fine line, though. Quirkier names such as Laptop the cat, Curtains the dog and Bread Roll the parrot may quickly lose their appeal.
Things To Avoid
If you have a new dog, you should avoid giving it a name that resembles a command word. For example, Sid sounds like ‘Sit’, Levi sounds like ‘Leave it’, Walt sounds like ‘Wait’, Hal sounds like ‘Heel’, and so on. This is less of an issue with other pet species.
Anything rude or controversial is going to cause embarrassment – for you (when you have to use the name in front of the neighbours), and for the poor children forced to address their furry friends as Sexy Paws, Satan, or whatever.
It’s also short-sighted to give pets baby names. Yes, that puppy may well look like Tummykins, and that kitten may respond well to Tiny Fluff, but once they’ve become adults, it will sound a bit silly.
You should also spare a thought for vets and kennels/catteries too. Having a dog called Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley), a cat that sounds like ‘catkin’ but is spelled Qatqin, or even rogue letters in the name, such as Jaxon, Klyde or Phreddie, can lead to confusion in databases.
Things To Fall Back On When All Else Fails
You could choose a name that describes your pet’s behaviour or appearance. Flash, Dash, Nibbler, Scratchy, Sooty, Rosy, Socks, Spot, Biscuit, Brownie, and so on. There are also the famous names – Bugs, Daffy, Sylvester, Tweetie Pie, Lassie, Laika, Marmalade, Felix, etc.
And then, of course, there’s that classic ‘get out of jail free’ card – the kids. All you have to do is pronounce judgement on whatever names they come up with, saying “try again” if you don’t like it. Once they’ve decided on a Snowy, Scooby, Simba or Marley, you can sit back with the satisfaction of a difficult job well done.
This entry was posted in Pets
Snowy weather can bring great fun for all the family, but when it comes to our pets we need to take extra care to keep them happy and healthy (even if they love it!) Take a look at our snow safety advice, and make sure you’re prepared for whatever winter may bring…
Dry off damp fur and feathers
Check on your outdoor pets a few times throughout the day during periods of snowy weather and check they haven’t got too wet. Damp fur and feathers will take longer to dry during colder temperatures, making it difficult for them to warm up again. Indoor animals should also be dried off with a towel after being outside or going for a walk.
Clean paws of ice
For dogs and cats in particular, snow can get compacted into their paw pads and turn to painful cubes of ice. Use a towel or drying mitt to dislodge any chunks of snow and dry off their feet. Also take care when walking your dogs in snow, as salt used to grit the roads can be poisonous. Watch that they don’t stop to eat snow at the roadside and clean their legs and paws of any snow or dirt after their walk.
Extra food
Pets of all kinds will use more energy to keep themselves warm in winter, particularly in super cold, snowy spells, so they will benefit from some extra food. Although they will appreciate more treats, don’t be tempted to overfeed on these. Something nutritious will help them the most.
Extra bedding
Outdoor pets will need more dry bedding in their coop or hutch for them to snuggle into and keep warm. However, make sure their home is still well ventilated to keep fresh air moving through and prevent health problems. Read other ways you can get your coop winter-ready. Indoor animals might also appreciate an extra blanket or a cosy den for bedtime.
Potential risks
If you have a cat who still likes to go outdoors whatever the weather, be wary of the potential of antifreeze poisoning. Look out for symptoms such as vomiting, seizures or difficulty breathing and call a vet immediately if you think your cat may be ill. Find out more about anti-freeze poisoning here. An outdoor enclosure could also provide a solution for letting them play outside in safety.
Don’t forget about the wild birds in your garden!
Place a wide bowl or tray of water in your garden with something inside to float around (e.g. rubber duck!) to keep the water moving and prevent freezing. Extra wild bird food will also be appreciated!
This entry was posted in Pets
Some pets hardly seem to notice fireworks. Others hide quietly until it’s all over. But some are genuinely traumatised by the noisy, flashing skies of Bonfire Night.
Forty years ago, fireworks in the UK were pretty much restricted to November 5th, with a few more on New Year’s Eve. But since then the original Bonfire Night – commemorating the foiled attempt of Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament – has partly uprooted and sprawled across the surrounding weeks to create a longer Fireworks Season. This begins around Hallowe’en on October 31st, and continues through to the weekend after November 5th, petering out slowly as people’s fireworks supply is used up.
For a pet who’s afraid of the bangs, whizzes and flashes, this extended fireworks season is bad news. There are, however, a few things you can do to minimise the stress.
The Big Bang
When talking about pets hating fireworks, we’re usually talking about dogs. The RSPCA estimates that 45% of dogs are afraid of fireworks to some degree.
Cats will find a quiet space away from all the fuss (although some individuals certainly get stressed by all the noise). Keep your cats indoors when the bonfires are blazing. They can quickly panic if fireworks go off suddenly nearby, or if sparkler-waving children come running down the street.
Small animals such as gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs will either ignore the explosions or sit it out in their hidey holes.
Most caged birds don’t enjoy the sudden rupturing of the night skies – they like their nights to be dark and their days to be light, not a crazy mixture of the two. If your budgie, parrot, canary or pet finch is in a room affected by the flashing lights, you might want to cover the cage. But some birds don’t seem to ruffle a feather, in spite of the fireworks.
What you should never do is allow the pets to be trapped in their outdoor runs or aviaries with no bolt hole. As long as outdoor pets have a covered area to escape to, they should be fine.
Dogs Hate Fireworks
If your dog isn’t too fazed by the noise and lights, simply keep him indoors while the party rages outside. For more skittish dogs, there are a few extra precautions to take.
- Stay indoors with the curtains and windows closed. A scared dog caught outside is very likely to run away.
- Use a crate or other safe space. If there’s somewhere the dog associates with safety – a Fido Crate, perhaps, or a quiet room with a dog bed – make use of it. If there’s a room facing away from the main area of firework activity, put the dog in there. A bathroom often works well for this purpose. Gentle music can help keep out the noise too. Put familiar objects in the safe room – the dog’s bed and blanket, and some favourite toys. And stay with him, unless he’s happy to curl up and sleep through the storm.
- For very nervous dogs, vets recommend a wrap or dog vest, tight enough to apply gentle, constant pressure. This soothes and calms your poor pet.
- Stay calm yourself, and stay with your dog. That will help enormously.
- Don’t be tempted to let your dog go outside for any reason, and make sure he’s had his walk during the daylight. Even a dog who takes it all in his stride indoors might suddenly panic outdoors when the fireworks start to fizz.
Prepare In Advance
You can desensitise dogs to the sound of fireworks to a certain extent, by getting them used to loud noises. The best way to do this is to play thunderstorm or fireworks sounds at a low volume, giving the dog treats and lots of fuss and play in the meantime. If you then increase the volume while keeping up the treats and play, it will, in most cases, make your dog associate the noise with good times.
This doesn’t work with all dogs, but it’s definitely worth a try if you want to have a stress-free Fireworks Night. There’s not long to go, so better start now!
This entry was posted in Pets
Pet ownership isn’t just for the young. In fact, people from all walks of life can enjoy the companionship and love that animals have to offer. There are a few extra considerations to weigh when choosing the best pets for older people – but with some planning and preparation, pets can help older owners feel young at heart.
Why pets are good for seniors
It’s a well-studied and widely-known fact that pets can be therapeutic. Many long-term healthcare facilities employ the use of dogs, cats, and other tame animals in programs that inspire, uplift, and encourage their occupants. Pets offer love and affection with no strings attached, and no questions asked – giving many people a boost in mental health, an air of peace, and a feeling of importance.
For seniors, pets can bring companionship, a sense of purpose, and even improve health conditions or concerns. But great thought should be put into selecting the right pet, planning for their future, and knowing when and from whom to solicit help in caring for them when the time comes.
The best pets for older people
Whether you’re looking for a pet to enjoy during retirement, or thinking about gifting a loved one with an animal companion, it’s important to keep in mind:
- The physical ability of the owner
- Time and space requirements of the pet
- Average lifespan of the pet
Pet care shouldn’t burden the owner, nor should it be compromised when owners are no longer able to perform the tasks necessary for their health and wellbeing. It’s a good idea to have friends, family members, or other resources in place if an elderly owner should need assistance with their pet. Additionally, pets that might be perfect for elderly individuals can come with a few caveats to consider.
Cats
Arguably one of the easiest companions, cats are at the top of the list when deciding on a pet for older people. Some breeds of cats are more easygoing than others, but in general, most adult cats make excellent companions for those getting on in years.
Cats don’t require much space – they’re happy to share a home with their owners. Having a natural desire to bury their eliminations, litter box training is quick and easy, and the vast majority of indoor cats have mastered this skill by the time they’re a few months old.
Felines are also known for being very self-sufficient. They can be free-fed, meaning their food can be left out and refilled as needed. The majority of a cat’s day is spent sleeping, with the average cat snoozing up to 18 hours or more each day. Older cats can be readily found at shelters, rescue organizations, or adoption events – most of which will already be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Feline factors:
- Kittens have lots of energy, and can easily (though usually, accidentally) break the skin of older people with their teeth and claws
- Cats have long lifespans, averaging 12-18 years – though some can live up to 20 years and beyond
- Litter boxes will need to be cleaned regularly
- Vaccines are necessary for cats, so vet visits will be inevitable
Dogs
Dogs are a close second behind cats when considering ease of care and companionship. Their loyalty and devotion is hard to match, and their care is easy and straightforward. Dog breeds are diverse and numerous, giving dog owners many choices when selecting their companion.
Older dogs are typically “set in their ways”, and are usually housebroken, spayed or neutered, and fully vaccinated. Younger dogs can be a good choice for older people, so long as they have learned the basics of housetraining and obedience, and have finished teething – usually by 8 months of age.
For owners with specific health concerns, service dogs might not only be wonderful companions, but life-saving. Many dogs can be trained to alert owners to events like high blood pressure episodes, impending seizures or fainting spells, or low blood sugar levels. So, if you’re looking for a pet to accompany an ageing loved one, a dog trained to alert them to medical events can be an excellent option.
Canine considerations:
- Puppies require a lot of work to housetrain, and will be busy teething on furniture, shoes, human hands and feet, and anything else they can get their mouth around
- Exuberant breeds, young or untrained dogs may jump up and knock older people off balance
- Dogs will need to be let out in an enclosed garden or walked on a leash multiple times per day to relieve themselves and exercise
- Small dog breeds can live 15-18 years on average
- Certain breeds have coats that may require regular grooming
- Vaccines are required for dogs, so vet visits are a necessity
Chickens
They may not be a conventional pet, but chickens are great for people who love to spend time outdoors. Starting a flock during retirement is an excellent way to enjoy fresh air and keep your mind and body active. And, thanks to recent recognition, hens are now allowed in many urban areas.
Chickens do require their own companions, so you’ll need to keep at least 2-3 hens at a time. Surprisingly, chickens don’t require an excessive amount of space, with most urban gardens having plenty of room. And, hens are very self-sufficient, able to free feed and forage for their meals.
Flock factors:
- Chicken-keeping can be physically demanding
- Hens are limited to the outdoors
- These birds of a feather must flock together in a group of at least 2-3 hens
- Chickens have a relatively short lifespan, averaging 4-6 years
- Eggs will need to be collected regularly
Small birds
Small birds can be appealing companions for senior owners. Their lifespans aren’t as long as parrots and other larger birds, and their care is more simple. Choices like parakeets, canaries, and finches are good options for older adults.
These birds are easy to care for, beautiful to look at, and provide songs (and potentially even words in the case of parakeets) as feedback to their caretakers. Elevated bird cages make it easy to view the inhabitants, and are easy to clean.
Parakeet parameters:
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs are other pets for older people. They’re fairly self-sufficient, thriving on a free-fed diet of pellets and hay, and are entertaining to watch. Easy-to-clean outdoor rabbit and guinea pig hutches help reduce indoor odours and give an opportunity for their owners to spend more time outside. Rabbit and guinea pig life spans are similar, with 8 years and 6-7 years being their averages respectively.
Rabbits and guinea pigs are soft, full of character, and are very animated animals. They’re a joy to watch, and can interact with their owners much like a dog or a cat would. Rabbits can be kept individually so long as they have plenty of interaction with their owners, but guinea pigs are highly social and always do better in bonded pairs.
Small pet special considerations:
- Rabbits and guinea pigs may be difficult for older people to pick up and handle
- Rabbits in particular have sharp nails and powerful legs, which may accidentally injure those with thin skin or who bruise easily
- Guinea pigs must be kept in pairs, and can be very vocal
Pets that aren’t perfect for older people
For many ageing people, having pets is about companionship. A bond between a human and animal is a powerful thing, but like all relationships, sometimes there are not-so-great matches made. For example, an older person who has limited mobility or flexibility should probably not embark on a potty-training journey with a rambunctious puppy. Or, an elderly person seeking a warm lap-napper would benefit more from an older, calm cat than an active kitten.
Other pets that aren’t the most companionable for older people include:
- Reptiles
- Insects
- Fish
- Rodents
- Large birds like parrots
- Exotic pets like hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and ferrets
While each pet has something unique to offer to their owners, these animals require specific care and attention that is probably not suitable for someone seeking companionship over novelty.
Enjoying pets with Omlet
No matter what phase of life you’re in, our pet products bring joy into the lives of pets and their people. From luxury dog beds that add character to your home, to litter box furniture that is both discrete and functional, your pets can bring both companionship and charm to your home. Our designs deepen the bond between animals and humans, making their connection lasting and wondrous.
This entry was posted in Pets
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