Do you have a fondness for dogs? If you happen to be a dog owner, you understand the value of discovering life hacks that could simplify your experience with them. This article presents some of the most effective hacks, including homemade dog beds and refreshing treats that your furry friend will enjoy, to make every dog owner’s life easier.
Play Tug-of-War for Fun
Undoubtedly, dogs enjoy playing tug-of-war, as it provides a wonderful opportunity for dog owners to build a stronger connection with their pets. In addition, this game can aid in maintaining the cleanliness of a dog’s teeth and enhancing its mouth coordination. By setting guidelines for the game, dogs are aware of boundaries.
Engaging in tug-of-war using a thick plain rope is an effective way to enhance physical strength while providing a workout for the muscles and forearms. It’s crucial to use a rope that will work well with the dog’s grip to ensure maximum benefits. If you’re unable to take your dog out for a walk, playing tug-of-war is a great substitute as it offers an ample amount of exercise.
Incorporating Stuffed Animals
Cuddly toys are adored by dogs as it provides them with a sense of comfort and relaxation. In the event that a dog has experienced a loss, a snuggly toy can act as a temporary substitute. Dogs raised with soft toys may possibly keep one with them all throughout their lifetime.
Some dogs may like chew toys that are plush and tearable, which they can scatter throughout the house. If your dog tends to destroy these toys, you don’t have to purchase new ones. Consider visiting thrift stores or using old children’s teddy bears as alternatives.
Recycle Things to Make Dog Toys
Every dog requires toys but in case your dog demolishes them too quickly, you may need to opt for cheaper alternatives. You can create dog toys using old clothing items such as t-shirts and pants by tearing them into strips. These alternatives are gentle enough for both puppies and senior dogs.
Simply braid the items and tie a knot at the end. If they become worn out, they can be easily replaced, and secondhand stores are an excellent option for affordable clothes. These braided pieces can serve as toys for tug-of-war, or to provide relief for bored dogs to chew on or puppies to alleviate tooth pain.
Make a Toy More Enjoyable
Dogs enjoy playing with toys, however, they may lose interest in them eventually. Enhance the excitement level of your dog’s toy by incorporating their favorite treats. You may opt to purchase toys that have slots to hold treats, and once the dog correctly fits the toy, it will disburse a treat.
Make sure to put only healthy dog treats that are recommended. If you usually feed your dog kibble, it can be a perfect choice to put in toys due to its size. These toys are good for keeping dogs active and their brains always engaged in the pursuit of the next treat.
Plain Muffin Trays for a Toy
That’s correct! A muffin tray can be a source of entertainment for dogs. While pet stores offer a variety of toys for dogs, they don’t necessarily need extravagant toys to stay occupied. You can easily find things around your house that can keep your dog content.
Simply put toys and treats inside all the muffin slots. As their snout is bigger, larger dogs can find this more amusing since it will take them some time to retrieve each item. This plaything is particularly beneficial when your dog has to be by themselves.
Adding Moisturizer on Paws
Similar to how humans require moisturizer, dogs also need it, particularly on their paw pads, as these can become dry and irritated. If not treated in a timely manner, the pads can split, increasing the risk of infection. It is crucial to utilize a safe moisturizer that won’t harm the dog if ingested as they are likely to lick the applied cream.
Using coconut oil on dogs is not harmful, and they can consume it safely. To apply it, rub it onto the pads of their paws and ensure it is well distributed. You can use a cloth to remove excess oil so that the dog does not track it around the house.
How to Remove Dog Hair
Presently, almost everyone keeps duct tape either in their tool shed or somewhere else for storage. The wonderful aspect of duct tape is that it has many uses, and one of them is getting dog hair out of surfaces.
Regrettably, removing dog hair cannot be done simply by using your hands. However, creating a DIY dog hair remover is possible. All you need to do is cover a long and cylindrical object with tape, ensuring that the adhesive part is exposed. Then, just roll the object over the hair and observe as the tape catches and gathers all the hair.
Raise Your Dog Bowls
One suggestion for placing the dog’s food and water bowls is to raise them higher rather than keeping them on the ground. As older dogs may experience arthritis, it is practical to place the bowls closer to their mouth level to avoid excessive bending, enabling easier access to food and water.
By elevating or placing the dog bowls on a raised platform, you can prevent insects and bugs from getting inside the bowl and keep them away from your dog’s food. Moreover, it can also prevent your dog from pushing the bowl around the floor. You may consider purchasing elevated bowls or simply place them on a raised platform for better hygiene and convenience.
Reward Good Behavior
When your dog follows your instructions, it is simpler to manage them. It is also beneficial for their well-being to have a suitable level of obedience. You can train your dog to carry out tasks like sitting or stopping by providing positive feedback. Whenever your dog listens to your commands, rewarding them with a treat is a good idea.
You can use either small kibble pieces or raw vegetables as treats for your dog. However, it’s important to make sure that the treats are healthy and small in size. By giving your dog delicious treats, it will learn to obey commands without the need for a treat reward. Eventually, you can gradually reduce the frequency of rewarding your dog with treats.
Teach a Dog to Fetch
Fetching is a fun activity that all dogs enjoy, and it has the added benefit of providing exercise even in small spaces. While some dogs will instinctively fetch without any training, others may require some guidance to develop this behavior.
In order to teach your dog how to retrieve an object, you should start by using a delectable reward and tossing it for them to pursue. Through repetition, the dog will understand that their job is to bring back whatever you throw. Once the treat has been consumed, you can call the dog back. With time and practice, the dog will learn how to pursue something and bring it back to you. A great option to use for this activity is popcorn since it is both healthy and simple to toss, yet won’t fly too far away.
Have You Checked Your Dog for Ticks?
If you have dogs that spend time outdoors or frequent dog parks and walk frequently, it’s crucial to check them regularly for ticks. These creepy crawlies are prevalent in the dog world and even a single bite can lead to health complications. In case you find any ticks on your dog, it’s essential to remove them immediately.
Wear gloves and take hold of some tweezers. When you come across a tick, it will appear as a small lump. Utilize the tweezers to remove it, and afterwards sanitize the affected region. If your dog displays indications of difficulty moving or exhaustion, seek medical advice from a veterinarian to test for potential illnesses.
Give Your Dog a Manicure
If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise by going for walks, it’s possible that it will develop long nails. Long nails can lead to injuries and scratches, as well as getting caught in carpet or furniture and being torn out. Trimming your pet’s nails on a regular basis can be costly.
All you need is a high-end nail grinder kit to carry out this task in the comfort of your own home. Once you buy the kit, you can use it whenever your dog’s nails grow long. You may notice that your furry friend is more comfortable getting their nails trimmed by someone they know in a familiar environment.
How to Remove Hair From Furniture
If you have a high-powered vacuum cleaner specially designed for pet hair, it removes the hair quickly and easily. For those who don’t have one, try a squeegee. Something so simple is perfect for removing pet hair from furniture and fabric.
Just drag the squeegee over the hair as you would on the window or mirror. All the hair will collect into a pile. Making it easy to pick it up and throw it away. When you’re done, wash the squeegee, and it’s ready for next time.
Keeping Your Dog Entertained
Dogs love attention, but owners often have other commitments, and we can’t keep them company all the time. There are times when dogs need to entertain themselves, and when this happens, you need something for your dog to play with.
Dog puzzles are perfect because they allow the dog to do different things to get the treats out of the puzzle. For example, the dog might need to roll the ball three times before dispensing a treat. Your dog is entertained while keeping active.
How to Remove Drool Stains
A few dog breeds like bulldogs and boxers tend to drool a lot. Unfortunately, drool can stain furniture and carpet. To remove these stains, you can use a natural cleaning product you likely have in your pantry.
Add a teaspoon of dish soap and baking soda into a bowl with a cup of cold water. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar and mix well. You can add this solution to a spray bottle, spray it onto the stains, and wipe it clean.
Have You Got an Old Kid’s Pool?
Don’t throw it away just yet. If you have one stored away, get it out and fill it with water. Many dogs love to paddle in the water or dunk their face when they’re feeling hot. Long-haired dogs can suffer in the hot weather, especially if your dog tends to stay outside.
Let your dog have their mini pool to relax and cool down when needed. The good thing is you don’t have to fill it right up. A few inches of water is fine. It also counts as a second water bowl if they accidentally knock the other over.
Give Your Dog a Bandana
When walking your dog, your dog must be visible on dull or rainy days. A high-vise dog bandana can do the trick. It isn’t big or bulky, and the dog will hardly notice it. You can make your own with some material and go with whatever pattern you like.
If your dog is outside during the warmer weather, you can sew a little pocket where you can place an ice cube. You can also wet the bandana to help keep the dog cool. You can tie it on or attach velcro for quick and easy removal.
Suspect Your Dog Has Fleas?
It’s normal for your dog to have the occasional itch, as we all do. If your dog is scratching a lot and looking stressed, it might be fleas. Fleas can be hard to see due to their size. To check for fleas, grab a white towel and lay your dog down on it.
Start brushing his coat and shaking the brush onto the towel. Fleas you disrupt will fall onto the towel, making it easier to see them. Do this often to avoid a flea infestation that can cause damage to your dog’s health.
Dogs Love Bubbles
There are so many easy things to occupy your dog with, and bubbles are one of them. All you need is scissors, a straw, and a plastic cup or bowl. Put a hole in the bottom and thread the straw through.
Grab some bubble mixture, ensuring it’s safe for dogs, and, using the straw, blow some bubbles for the dog to chase. You can buy bacon-flavored bubbles that are safe for dogs to consume. They add a little more fun to the game.
Bee Sting Pain Relief
Dogs love running through the grass and chasing things. Sometimes, if you have flowers in the garden, your dog might get a bee sting. If your dog does get stung by a bee, you need to get the stinger out quickly.
Baking soda works well to take down the swelling and reduce the pain. Mix water and baking soda into a paste and apply to the affected area. If the symptoms don’t subside or worsen, take them to the veterinarian for further care.
Chest Harnesses Are Safer
Chest harnesses are safer for your dog to use than neck leashes. Neck leashes can cause breathing problems in certain dog breeds. The neck can become damaged if the dog suddenly pulls or you need to control the dog from taking off.
Chest harnesses allow you to control the dog safely without dangerous pressure applied to the neck. Some small breeds can also slip out of the neck leash. Chest leashes are also safer when taking the dog in the car.
DIY Walking Sling
If your dog has had an accident or has a problem with its hips or back legs, it can make walking hard and painful. To make it easier and not as painful, you can make a walking sling to help take the pressure off them when walking.
You just need to cut the sides of a cloth or grocery bag and then wrap the bottom under your dog’s stomach. Place the material under your dog and make handles to hold the dog when walking.
Remove Hair With Rubber Gloves
If you have dog hair on the sofa or the bed, don’t worry. All you need is a pair of rubber gloves. Simply put the rubber gloves on and rub them over whatever is covered in the hair. Sweep it into a pile and then discard it.
The static from the gloves rubbing onto the surfaces will pull the hair away. You can reuse rubber gloves. Wash them each time to avoid spreading the dog hair around the house. Keeping one pair for dog hair is a good idea.
Essential Oils for a Clean Smell
If your dog is an inside dog, whether you bathe the dog often or not, you can end up with a doggy smell on the furniture. A musty smell lingers around the home. Use baking soda and your favorite essential oils to keep the home smelling fresh and clean.
Lemon, eucalyptus, and orange scents are great for freshening up a home. Add a few drops to a bowl of baking soda and sprinkle it around your home. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up. It’s best to use organic oils in places like the dog bed and sofa.
Warm the Heart With Stew
If your dog’s diet mainly consists of dry food, it can soon become dull. Add warm water to the kibble, which soon becomes a warm meal. Perfect for cold winter days. If you have a dog that’s sick, soft and mushy food will go down easier.
Simply pour hot water over the kibble and wait for it to soften. Warm food is sometimes more appealing than dry food. This is great for dogs with teeth missing or a sore mouth that can’t chew dry biscuits.
Using Resealable Containers for Food
If you feed your dog dry food, you most likely open the bag, feed the dog, then close it again. If the bag isn’t sealed correctly, you are letting air in that will cause staleness. It’s also an invitation to ants.
Using a sealable container help keep pests out and separate from the other foodstuffs. Add a dog food scoop to the container to make getting the right portions outs easier without needing to get dog food all over your hands.
Hack for Dog Medicine
Just like kids, dogs don’t like taking medication. All dog owners wish for a way to make taking medicine easier. If you have to give the dog medication, mix it into their favorite food. Only add a small amount of food first to ensure they eat all the medication.
If you add too much food and they don’t eat it, all the medication might be left behind. As some medication can’t be crushed, it’s important to check with the vet first if it’s safe for the medication to be put into the food.
Cool Ice Pop
We all love a nice cold ice pop when it’s hot outside. You can use fruit like bananas and apples and add to water to make a popsicle for your dog. Pour the mixture into ice pop molds and freeze.
When frozen, take them out and give them to your dog. Hold the stick out for your dog to lick. You can also pop these out on the lawn and let your dog lick away. You can freeze plain water and pop a couple into their water bowls on hot days to keep their water nice and cool.
DIY Dog Pit
Dogs love digging. Some dogs will dig to entertain themselves, while others do it to bury food or toys. Unfortunately, dogs don’t understand they can’t dig in the garden and rip up all the flowers and plants.
You don’t want them digging holes in the lawn where you might fall and break an ankle. Give your dog a designated area to dig all the time. Teach your dog to only dig in this area with treats.
Brushing Dog’s Teeth
Not many dogs willingly let you brush their teeth. Arguing and persistence are often needed to get the job done. Use a dog’s toothbrush and paste and ease into it slowly. Start by brushing the cheek area daily so they get used to the taste and sensation.
If your dog doesn’t like the toothbrush, you can use medical gauze on your finger and rub it over the teeth. If you are unsure how to do it, the vet can show you the right way to brush. Offer a healthy treat afterward the first few times.
Get Your Dog Used to Toothpaste
The best way to do this is to rub some toothpaste over things the dog likes to chew, such as toys. When you start brushing their teeth, the flavor is something you don’t have to help them deal with, making one less thing to worry about.
A dog’s mouth is home to so much bacteria, so it’s important to look after its teeth. If the dog is stressed, try brushing with just a wet brush for a few days, then ease into toothpaste. Always ensure the brush and toothpaste are for dogs only.
Every Dog Owner Needs Walnuts
If you have wood furniture in your home, you always need walnuts. Dogs can scratch furniture, especially when playing. Wood can be easily scratched and make it look old. If there are claw marks on your furniture, don’t worry. Get the container of walnuts out.
All you need to do is rub the walnuts over the area; the oil in them will help the scratches heal. Buff the spot with a clean cloth afterward. Walnuts will only work on light scratches. You may need to fill big dents and deep scratches.
Dryer Sheets Come in Handy
Does your dog love to sit and cuddle with you? Most dogs love to cuddle. Unfortunately, they tend to leave plenty of hair behind. Try a dryer sheet if you need to remove pet hair from your clothes or sofa.
A dryer sheet rubbed over the affected furniture will have the hairs sticking to the sheets and not on your clothes. Simply throw it away when you’re done. Dryer sheets are affordable, so keep some on hand after cuddling with your dog.
Avoid Clogged Up Drains
All dogs need to be cleaned, especially indoor pets. The problem is that once you bathe them, their hair tends to go down the drain. Unfortunately, this can cause a massive blockage. You can stop dog hair from going down the pipes using a dryer sheet.
Place the dryer sheet over the plug hole, catching all the hair. The water will slowly drain out through the dryer sheet. You can lift the sheet out of the plug hole and throw it away when all the water is gone.
DIY Dog Toy
You can make a dog toy with a long stick or PVC pipe and some rope with a dog toy on the end. Hammer the pole into the ground, and tie the rope to the pole when it’s stable. Don’t let the toy touch the ground, so it swings when you push it.
Dogs love chasing their toys, and they will keep the toy moving each time they nudge it with their nose. You can also add a treat to the end to make it more enticing. Your dog can play on his own or with the family.
Cleaning Urine Stains
If you have a puppy and have started toilet training, you know they are prone to accidents. Urine will stain, and it can leave a lingering smell in the house. The good thing is there’s an easy way to clean and deodorize the stains.
You most likely have some baking soda in your pantry. Soak up the urine with paper towels, then spread baking soda over the spot. The baking soda will absorb the remaining moisture and help with the smell and stain. Leave overnight and vacuum it up in the morning.
Make a Dog Resting Spot
Dog beds can be expensive; some dogs have a few beds around the home, like the family room and bedroom. Instead of buying new beds, you can repurpose an old jacket into a dog bed. Make one, two, or as many as you want.
Stuff the arms with wadding or other old clothes, then sew the arms and neck to keep the filling inside. If you have a big dog, sew two of these together. Now you have a recycled dog bed. When it gets shabby, throw it away and easily make another one.
Slipcover Your Sofa
Some dogs have sharp claws, and some like to shed a ton of hair each time you pat them. If your sofa is made of certain materials, removing dog hair can be hard, especially if it’s suede. Investing in a slipcover is a great idea to protect your sofa.
You can buy different patterns and colors, so finding one to match your decor is easy. You just pull them off when they become dirty and throw them in the washing machine. When dry, you can throw it back on the couch.
Enrich Their Diet With Vegetables
Dogs don’t have to be limited to plain dog food. Like us, they can get sick of the same old things. Dogs can eat raw apples, bananas, and strawberries. Wash them first and cut them up for the dog to enjoy. Freeze them in summer to give your dog a cool treat.
You can add other foods like cucumber and zucchini but always check with your vet first, especially if your dog has a medical problem. Adding fresh fruit and veggies can give your dog much-needed fiber and vitamins that dog food can lack.
Get a Smart Pet Door
You’re relaxing on the sofa, watching a movie, and the dog wants to go out. Investing in a smart pet door is a great idea. Don’t worry. Other animals can’t come inside as it only opens with a chip connected to the dog’s collar.
As the dog gets close to the pet door, the chip sends a signal which will open it. No more letting the dog out when you’re cozy in bed. They can just come and go as they please. It can also be locked if you want to keep the dog inside for any reason.
Do You Fly With Your Dog?
If you go on trips with your dog, this is a good hack for you. Fill the water bowl up with fresh water and freeze it. On the morning of your flight, take it out.
When you have a frozen block, it will slowly melt, ensuring your dog has a constant water supply. You also don’t have to worry about the dog becoming wet with the water and having a big mess to clean up once you land.
The Vacuum Is Friendly
You might have one of those dogs that think they need to protect the home from the vacuum and chew it or chase it every time you clean up. Other dogs will run and hide as soon as you open the cupboard where the vacuum is stored.
If your dog doesn’t like the vacuum, try training him with dog treats. Turn the vacuum on in other rooms with the door shut for a few minutes so he gets used to the sound without seeing it. It can help to leave the vacuum lying around the house in different rooms, so the sight becomes more familiar.
Leash Your Dog With a Carabiner
Knots aren’t always reliable when you want to restrain your dog. If you go into the grocery store, some dogs can get frantic and start tugging to get to you. Knots are not always secure and can become loose with some pulling.
Use a carabiner to secure your dog when you go into a store. These can easily be put in your pocket or kept in the car, so you have one on hand. You can also attach these to the dog leash when not in use.
Doggy Icy Pops
Does your dog have a favorite toy? Place the toy in a bowl of water and freeze. Put it out for the dog to lick and cool down when it’s hot. The toy will keep the dog’s attention focused. When the dog is finished, the ice can simply melt away.
For a bit of excitement, freeze their bones or even chicken broth in a bowl. You can add treats like bits of strawberry and cucumber to the ice, so they get a treat when they get to a certain point of licking the ice.
Washing Basket Dog Bed
Need a quick dog bed? Traveling with your dog and don’t want to take their bed with you? If you have a small dog, consider using your laundry basket. You just need some padding on the bottom and then drape a blanket over the side to stop cool air coming in through the holes.
It’s easy to take on vacation as you can put things inside the basket to store when driving. Also easy to wash when you get home and resume using it as a laundry basket. You can even get foldable ones.
