We all want to give our dogs the best lives we can, but sometimes things stand in our way and make our lives as dog owners more difficult than they should be.
For anyone looking for a little help, here are 15 golden tips to help you solve some of those issues without taking up too much time, money or effort:
1. Make Your Own Dog Shampoo
For many pet owners, Dog shampoo is a necessity. However, it can be expensive, especially if you’ve got a particularly mischievous pooch. Use this recipe consisting of a few simple ingredients and you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money in the long run!
1 quart of water.
1 cup of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap.
1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
1/3 cup of glycerine.
2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
2. Make Your Own Treats
If you own a food dehydrator, it’s a great idea for you to save your leftover meat scraps and turn them into long-lasting doggy treats. For those of you who don’t – simply chop your meat into thin slices and place them in your oven on a low heat until they have a chewy (not hardened) consistency. It’s also a great way to ensure that the treats they are snacking on are 100% safe and healthy!
3. Vaseline Can Protect Paws From Snow, Ice, and Heat
Dog paws are made to withstand all kinds of conditions, but we have to remember that they are not invincible to extreme temperatures. Dog paws can crack and if left untreated they can become infected which can be both painful and dangerous. Smear some petroleum jelly on their paws to add an extra barrier of protection and keep them hydrated.
4. Use the 5 Second Rule for Summer Heat
For the same reasons mentioned above, you should never let your pup walk on cement or any other hot surfaces if you cannot place your hand on the surface and withstand it yourself for more than 5 seconds.
5. Use Old Sweaters to Make a Dog Bed
Dogs love being able to smell our scent to reassure them that we’re near. Use this handy DIY tutorial to make an inexpensive and comfy bed for your pup.
6. Use an Old Crib Mattress to Make a Dog Bed
Crib mattresses really are an ideal size for a dog bed, if your baby has outgrown its mattress up-cycle it into a fancy dog bed by reupholstering or using the fitted sheets.
7. Natural Baby Wipes as Paw Cleaners
How many times has your pup been outside to play and trotted back in leaving a trail of dirty marks? Baby wipes are a great quick fix because they save you the hassle of having to fully wash your dog. What’s best is that baby wipes often cut out any harmful chemicals that could potentially irritate their skin. Alternately, you can also make your own by pouring vinegar and tea tree oil over thick paper towels and storing them in an airtight bag.
8. Play Dead to Catch Your Pup
When we chase dogs, they often see it as a game. We continue to run and call out to them and they take it as a sign to run faster. If you are trying to catch your pup quickly, simply play dead. Like down and call out to them for help and they will start running towards you instead of away from you.
9. Soothe Stings
If your pup has swelling or seems agitated or in pain after an insect bite or sting, mix up some baking soda and water and apply to the area to alleviate the pain. However, if the swelling seems suspicious it’s always best to consult a vet.
10. Make a DIY Doggy Hammock to Protect Your Car
The extreme mess dogs make in our cars is perhaps one of the most inconvenient parts about owning a dog. The hair sticks, the dirt seems constant and if you clean it once and it’s usually ruined again the next day. This DIY doggy hammock will save you SO much time and effort.
11. Tick Removal 101
Ticks can be extremely dangerous if not found promptly and removed correctly. According to Google, there are hundreds of ‘tricks’ to removing ticks, but how many of the actually work? A sure fire way to remove a tick effectively and safely is simply by grabbing your tweezers and pulling the tick out by the section where the head and body meet. Be careful to remove the entire thing as the head can still function without the body and cause an infection.
12. Use a Pool Noodle Sling For Older Pups
With many older pups, problems often start with the hind legs as they grow weaker and more fragile. Help your dog with basic activities such as going to the toilet by making a sling for it. Simply cut a pool noodle down to size to fit comfortably under their hips and thread a rope through it. This way you can hold it up, giving them support when they need it most.
13. Attach a Carabiner to your Dog’s Leash
Carabiners are extremely handy when you’re out in public and need to tie your pup up somewhere – whether it’s going out to lunch or grabbing milk on your way back from a run.
14. Put a Ball in the Food Bowl
If your pup is always overly excited for dinner and basically inhales their food, it can lead to problems with digestion. Help slow them down by placing a ball or another medium sized object in their food bowl to create an obstacle for them to work around.
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15. Use Shower Caps When Washing Them
When you’re washing your dog, place a shower cap over their ears to protect them from potential ear infections.
