Life with dogs is happier; they don’t judge and eagerly await your return to shower you with love and play. They make even the saddest days better and are loyal. But, owning a dog requires responsibility: regular vet visits, grooming, playtime, and cleanliness. Dealing with dog hair, fleas, ticks, dirt, and odors is part of the package. Don’t worry; we’ve got some hacks to make life with Fido even better.
Collect dog urine samples easily
Sometimes you may need to collect urine samples from your dog, especially if your vet asks for help due to health issues. It might seem tricky at first, but there’s an easy solution. There’s an affordable item from Amazon that’s perfect. It looks like a small ladle but is specially designed for the task. Just remember to label it so no one mistakes it for kitchen use!
Keep fur off furniture
Many people let their pets on the furniture to stay close, but this often results in fur all over the couch, which can be hard to clean. How do you keep your furniture clean with pets around?
Thanks to our love for our furry friends, we’ve come up with several solutions. Options include using slipcovers, sheets, and blankets. You can even get custom-made covers to match your home decor.
Make dry food more palatable
If you’ve ever had a dog, you’re aware of the different types of dog food: kibble, moist, semi-moist, and frozen or freeze-dried. Dry food can be tough for some dogs to eat.
One easy trick is to add warm water to soften the food, making it easier to chew, especially for dogs with sensitive teeth. This simple step can make mealtime more enjoyable for your furry friend.
Say goodbye to dog fur
As much as we adore our dogs, we don’t love the messes they leave, especially the fur that seems to stick to everything. It finds its way onto our furniture, clothes, and sometimes even our skin.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution: dryer sheets. They work like magic, attracting dog hair like a magnet. Just rub one on your couch or any furry surface, and watch the fur disappear.
Scratches? Not a problem
Dogs and cats often scratch furniture with their claws, leaving behind unsightly marks on wooden pieces. But there’s an easy solution: walnut oil.
Rubbing walnut oil on wooden furniture helps cover up scratches. It’s a slow-drying oil that cures faster in warmer environments, but it’s still effective in colder climates like Alaska. Unlike other oils, walnut oil doesn’t go rancid.
Keep dog food fresh
To keep dog food fresh, it’s important to store it properly. Just like humans, dogs prefer fresh food over stale kibble. Once you open a bag of dog food, transfer it to a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness.
These containers don’t have to be expensive; you can find them in most grocery and online stores. Just ensure they are airtight to preserve the food longer.
Remedy for dogs that don’t like brushing
Brushing your dog’s teeth is crucial for their oral health. Plaque buildup can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease, which can result in expensive vet bills and health risks.
If your dog doesn’t like having its teeth brushed, try squeezing some doggie toothpaste onto a rope toy and let them bite and play with it. This helps introduce them to the idea of brushing and makes them less sensitive to it in the future.
Dog barriers for safety and cleanliness
Dogs have a tendency to play in kitty litter boxes, which can be unsanitary and smelly for the rest of the household. If this is a common problem in your home, there are steps you can take to prevent it.
Keep your dog away from the cat’s litter box by implementing some preventive measures. Options include purchasing an elevated or covered litter box, creating a barrier, or using a pet gate to restrict access to the box.
Pick up stray dog hair
Pet hair can be a big nuisance, as we’ve mentioned a few times. Even if we try to prevent it, it seems to cover every surface when our pets roam around the house. It can even end up on our food, but we still love our pets just the same.
A simple and cost-effective method to remove pet hair is using rubber gloves. Put on the gloves and rub your hand over fur-covered furniture; the pet hair will easily cling to the rubber. Voila!
Baking soda saves the day
Baking soda is a true lifesaver. Not only is it handy in the kitchen, but it’s also indispensable for cleaning. People often mix it with water and vinegar to clean tiles, counters, and even microwaves. But did you know it’s also great for cleaning up pet accidents?
If your pet has a habit of going on the carpet, and we all know how awful that smell can be, baking soda can help. Just sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the area where your dog urinated, leave it for 20 minutes, and then vacuum it up. It cleans the fabric and eliminates the odor effectively.
Save your dog from stings
Dogs, being adventurous and curious, can get into serious accidents, like getting stung by bees or bitten by other animals. This can be very painful, but you can help alleviate your dog’s pain by removing the stinger.
Be cautious though, as there’s a risk of leaving part of the stinger in your dog’s skin. Use a credit card and gently scrape the stinger up and out with the straight edge of the card. This method is gentle and effective.
Put a bandana on that dog
Hunting is a fun activity for both humans and dogs, but it can be dangerous without the proper attire. You wouldn’t want anyone mistaking you or your dog for another animal. To stand out, wear bright colors.
Orange is the preferred color for visibility, but any bright color will do as long as it grabs attention. If your dog won’t wear a vest, keep them safe by putting a flashy bandana on them.
No petting strange dogs
Most dogs are adorable, and children love them. Kids often want to pet dogs, even unfamiliar ones, which can lead to accidents. In the US alone, over 4 million dog bites are reported every year.
It’s important to teach children to avoid strange dogs and ask for permission from the owners before petting an unfamiliar dog. Dogs don’t always welcome strangers touching them, just as we wouldn’t want strangers reaching out to touch us without permission.
Window squeegees to get rid of fur from the carpet
If you find yourself with tons of dog hair stuck in your carpet, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common issue for pet owners, and for many of us, it’s a daily battle. But fear not, window squeegees are here to save the day.
Yes, they do more than just clean windows. Simply scrape the squeegee along the carpet, and you’ll see the hair come flying off like magic. This trick requires minimal effort and should make cleaning a breeze.
Get rid of drool marks
Dogs drool, and it’s something we can’t prevent. The only issue with dog drool is that it often leaves stains on clothes and furniture. While there are steps to minimize drooling, it’s essential to know how to clean the marks it leaves behind.
Scrubbing with a brush can be time-consuming and laborious. Instead, try using magic erasers. With just one wipe, the drool mark is gone. No sore arms the next day, just a clean couch.
Play catch with popcorn
Dogs enjoy playing catch and fetch because it’s in their nature. Many breeds were specifically bred to retrieve items for their humans. That’s why you often see dogs love chasing after things, picking them up, and bringing them back.
If your dog doesn’t know how to catch, don’t worry, you can train them. Instead of throwing toys at their faces, try using unseasoned, plain popcorn. It’s light, delicious, and enticing for them, making it a more effective training tool.
Treat your dogs to veggies and fruits
When it comes to dog treats, many people don’t think of fruits and vegetables. They often think of dog biscuits and rawhide bones. However, some types of produce can be excellent training treats for dogs.
Just ensure you choose healthy options that are suitable for dogs. Peas and carrots are great choices because dogs enjoy them. Apples, green beans, bananas, and cooked sweet potatoes are also fantastic options that your furry friend will love.
Don’t let your carpet smell bad
Fur, dog hair, stains, drool marks, and odor are all part of having an adorable and loving dog in your home. But you don’t have to just grin and bear it. There are other options.
You don’t need to buy special and expensive products to deal with the odor. You can make your own using items you already have at home, which are gentle on both you and your dogs. There are plenty of recipes available online.
Kiddie pool converted to a doggie pool
Kiddie pools aren’t just for children; trust us on this! Dogs and puppies love them too. Some breeds, like the Boykin Spaniel, English Setter, German Shepherd, and American Water Spaniel, particularly enjoy the water.
A kiddie pool can entertain them for hours, keeping them cool in the summer and providing a place to burn off energy. They’re easy to set up and inexpensive, making them a great addition to your yard.
Prevent dog hair from clogging the drain
We’ve talked about dog hair before, and we’re telling you now, it won’t be the last time. Fur is a common problem, but there are plenty of remedies. Bathing your dog is essential for their cleanliness and health.
However, this can lead to fur clogging the drain, especially with super fluffy dogs. Prevent clogging by placing a baby wipe over the tub drain. Push the tub stopper over it, and your problem is solved.
Make them come back to you
Training your dog can be a challenge, but you can make it fun for both you and your beloved canine. Teaching dogs to obey the “come here” command is one of the basics that every dog should learn.
Give them plenty of praise and treats when they do come to you. Convince them that coming back to you is one of the best things they can do. Otherwise, your dog is likely to be more focused on whatever they’re chasing or sniffing at the moment. After all, it’s much more interesting to them in that moment.
Prevent pulling on the leash
Dogs often pull on their leashes, but some do it more frequently than others. If this is a constant issue for you, try using a harness that clips in the front. Why? Because harnesses that clip on the back tend to encourage pulling.
Experts also recommend avoiding retractable leashes. Instead, opt for a regular 6-foot leash. It gives your dog freedom while teaching them to walk with a loose leash.
Prevent dog nails from bleeding
The most common cause of nail bleeds in dogs is trimming, when toenails are cut too short, reaching the soft tissue at the base. To prevent this, be careful not to cut your dog’s nails too short next time.
If it happens, you can mix baking soda, flour, or cornstarch with water to stop the bleeding. Make a thick paste by mixing all the ingredients and apply it to the nail with moderate pressure.
No need to buy a pet bed
Dog beds range from simple and affordable to luxurious and pricey. If you have the budget, you can splurge on the most stylish and comfortable types. But don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget.
You don’t need to spend a lot on a pet bed; you can make one using materials you already have at home. If you have plenty of old sweatshirts lying around, you’re in luck. You can easily create a comfy dog bed.
For the biters
If you have a dog that loves to destroy every stuffed animal or toy in its path, then this next dog hack is for you. Trust us, this toy isn’t going to deteriorate anytime soon.
Get a Hol-ee Roller Ball and stuff it with any old t-shirts or fabric scraps you don’t use anymore. Your dog will spend hours yanking, pulling, and growling to get to the treats inside. The only extra expense you might have is more treats!
Packing tape for loose pet fur
Here we go again with pet fur solutions. You’ll be hearing more about it because it’s the bane of every dog owner’s existence. Furniture and clothes attract and pick up dog hair and fur like crazy.
Lint rollers help remove fur from clothes, but what if you don’t have one handy? Do you go out with pet fur on your clothes and hope people don’t notice? You don’t have to. Just grab some packing tape, and you’ll be fur-free in no time.
Winter protection for doggos
Winter can be harsh, not only on humans but also on dogs, especially those without extra thick fur. Veterinarians often recommend a good paw balm, but if you’ve forgotten to get one, don’t worry.
Some dogs don’t like wearing winter boots, despite vets recommending them. Luckily, most of us have Vaseline lying around the house, and you can apply this to your dog’s paws to protect them during harsh winters.
Simple but fun toys for your dog
Toys for dogs and other pets can be costly, but they’re necessary for keeping them entertained and providing an outlet for their energy. However, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on toys.
You can easily make one by creating a simple puzzle toy using a muffin tin, tennis balls, and some treats. There are plenty of DIY articles and YouTube videos online to help you get creative, whether you want something more elaborate or simple.
Water bowls made with love
Another essential when you have pets at home is a durable water bowl made with dog-friendly materials to ensure your pet stays hydrated throughout the day. However, if you have a bowl that requires frequent refilling, you might need a better solution.
You don’t have to buy a new one when you can easily make your own. Not only will you save money, but you can also show off your DIY skills. This option involves upcycling a plastic bottle and two boards. Sounds easy, right?
Chasing bubbles
No, we don’t want Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.” We’d rather go with chasing bubbles because it sounds more fun and entertaining. This is what you should teach your dogs to do instead of treating other stuff in the house as prey.
Chasing bubbles can be a fun time for your dog and you. It takes advantage of their instincts and makes for easy exercise and playtime. Start by blowing a few bubbles, and if they don’t show interest, try aiming the bubbles at them.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.