Dogs
Eleven (and a half!) Amazing Dog Owner Hacks
I got some really great tips from this.
Chesney McDonald
07.20.20

Pet stores can often be expensive. When your doggo needs a new feeder, or some tasty new treats, a trip to the pet store can end up being a pricey venture. In fact, there are some problems that can’t be solved by anything you can get in the pet store anyway. Luckily, there are several awesome hacks for your dog that they’re sure to love.

Random Institute on Unsplash
Source:
Random Institute on Unsplash

In an informative video by Household Hacker, we get a good look at a few nifty tricks you can use for your pupper.

The lucky dog who gets to show off all of these cool tips and tricks is this Yorkie/Silkie Terrier by the name of Watson. Here are eleven (and a half!) hacks that will change the game.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

1. DIY Dog Toy

Don’t spend your hard-earned money on expensive dog toys when you can spend a little bit of time using simple household items to give your pup something to chew on.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

Just take a plastic bottle, and squeeze a small amount of air out before sliding it into the end of that sock you’ve been trying to get rid of. Next, tie the remaining sock into a large knot. If you like, you can cut off the loose sock, or leave it on for something else to chew on. Household Hacker also recommends using something that isn’t clothing if your dog has a habit of chewing your clothes.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

2. Flea Treatment

As with toys, flea treatment can be a pretty spendy process. Luckily, a few simple ingredients you can find around your home can be combined to create an effective flea killer and deterrent.

You’ll need:

  • Half a cup of water
  • 4 Tablespoons of Dawn dishsoap
  • 4 Tablespoons of white vinegar.

Combine the ingredients and give your furry friend a good scrub down, getting the mixture through its fur. You can also take a fine-toothed comb to pull out those fleas dead or alive. When you’re done, rinse out.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

3. Cereal containers become great dog food containers

This one is pretty simple. Either invest in a cheap cereal container with a small opening, or repurpose that faded old one at the back of your pantry. It makes dispensing dry dog food easier, quicker and packing it away is simpler too.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

4. Stain Remover

The next time your little friend makes a mess on the carpet, have no fear! You can avoid any new stains once again by mixing up some things from within arm’s reach. Firstly wad up the liquid with a paper towel. Then, while you prepare the mixture, sprinkle some baking soda over the stain.

Then, simply combine half a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of dish soap and spray onto the area on top of the baking soda. Scrub the area until the stain is completely gone.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

5. Water Dispenser

This DIY requires a little more “D”-ing than the others, but the results are worth it! Household Hacker got this tip from friend channel Chris Notap, so check out his video for some of the hardware required. It’s as simple as attaching a stand to a base with wood glue and screws, then screwing on a section of PVC pipe with one side cut open. The water bottle will be held in the pipe and dispense water into the bowl as it’s being drunk.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

6. Foot Cleaner

Another simple use for an item everyone has knocking around their houses. Repurpose an old water bottle (or an old plastic cup) by filling it up with water. When you get back from a muddy walk, give pup’s feet a quick dip and wipe-off before you let them trot around your house.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

7. Pill Pocket

It can be extremely difficult to get your dog to take its medicine. When you need to slip your dog a pill, you can make your own pill pockets to get them to gobble them up. Combine one tablespoon each of peanut butter and milk with two tablespoons of flour. Knead these ingredients into a thick dough and form into balls. Press the pill in to conceal before giving it to your dog to devour.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

8. Pupcicles

On those hot days, you just need a good way to cool your dog down. All the better if you can work it into a treat! Fill an ice cube tray with chicken or beef stock (just make sure it’s free of things like onions which are bad for your dog). Cover with clingfilm and poke a small hole in the centre of each square. Poke a long dog treat through the hole so that it sits upright in the middle of each cube and freeze overnight.

Serve your pupcicles on a plate so they can enjoy cooling off while they eat it as it melts.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

9. Chill Mat

Get yourself a cheap pool raft and fill it by attaching an air pump tube to your water hose. Once filled with water, keep it in a cool place and it will provide a cool water bed for a hot diggity dog.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

10. Slow Feeders

When dogs eat too fast (which happens often!) they can sometimes make themselves sick. To slow down their chow down, simply place a rubber ball in their food bowl. This will force them to have to move the ball around before they can continue to eat.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

Bonus half-hack: Another Slow feeder

You can achieve the same result by putting your dog’s food into a muffin tin. The shape makes it hard for them to eat so quickly, and ensures a steady consumption. For an extra challenge, place half of a tennis ball over every hole.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
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Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

11. Doggy Gate

Rather than purchasing an expensive doggy gate to bar them from or into particular room, simply wrap some fabric over two extendable tension rods that you’d use to put curtains in your kitchen window and voila! You’ve got a dog barrier.

Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot
Source:
Household Hacker/YouTube Screenshot

Do you know any genius doggy hacks?

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