15 Dog Care Hacks You Need to Try
We all love our furry friends. They bring so much joy to our lives, even if there are sometimes headaches along the way, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. They are our babies, and we want to make sure they have the best lives possible.
To make sure that happens, Pet Palace has gathered some of the best dog care hacks that you can use every day. This will not only make your life easier, but your pup will benefit as well! Here are some clever doggie hacks that you can use around the house for your little pup!
Doggie Hack #1: Removing Pet Hair from Carpet
Shedding is one of the things that all pet owners understand. Pets seem to shed nonstop, and pulling out the vacuum cleaner every other day can sometimes be a daunting task. For our first dog care hack, we’re offering up an easy way to remove pet hair from carpets. By using a squeegee and simply dragging it across the carpet, you can decrease the frequency of vacuuming. The rubber actually pulls any loose pet hair right off of the carpet. It is a quick way to clean up excess pet hair in a short amount of time.
Doggie Hack #2: Fast Eating Dog?
Does your dog scarf down his or her food a little too often? Eating fast is not good for digestion, and it can also cause all kinds of tummy issues for your pup. The best way to slow down eating is to put a tennis ball in your dog’s food bowl. As silly as it may sound, the tennis ball will force your puppy to move it constantly in order to get to the food, slowing down the process of their eating.
Doggie Hack #3: Homemade Pill Pocket
Does your dog sniff out the pills in his or her food, making it difficult to give your pet the proper medication? If so, making your own homemade pill pocket is the perfect way to get your dog to take their medicine. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of flour together. Form 12 little pill pockets where you can immerse your pet’s pills, and you can even store the remaining pockets in the freezer for future use.
Doggie Hack #4: Removing Pet Hair from Upholstery
We have already covered pet hair on the carpet, but what about a dog care hack for pet hair on the upholstery? To remove pet hair from chairs and couches, simply put a pair of rubber gloves on and dampen them. Rub the gloves back and forth on the upholstery. This will cause the hair to ball up, and then you can remove the hair in one simple clump.
Doggie Hack #5: Brushing Their Teeth
Keeping your pup’s mouth clean is a very significant aspect in ensuring their overall health, but what if your dog does not like having his or her teeth brushed? Simply visit your local pet store for dog toothpaste, and squeeze it onto your pup’s favorite rope or chew toy. This will help to rub the toothpaste on your dog’s teeth and keep their mouth clean and healthy without the hassle of having to brush the teeth yourself.
Doggie Hack #6: Using Cell Phone Cords as Chew Toys
We have all been here with this one! Your dog is using your new iPhone charger cord as a chew toy. This is both dangerous for them and frustrating for us. In order to keep your pup from chewing away on your cords, one dog care hack you can do is to simply apply a bitter apple spray on a paper towel and rub up and down on the cord. This spray will be available at your local pet store. Dogs will hate the taste of the bitter apples and steer clear of your cords from then on.
Doggie Hack #7: Freshen their Breath
Bad dog breath can be very foul, and if they do not like getting their teeth cleaned, you may feel hopeless. However, there is an alternative option. If you have fresh parsley around, adding a few sprigs of it to their food could make a huge difference in your dog’s breath.
Doggie Hack #8: Keeping Your Pup Cool During Hot Days
Ice treats can help keep your pup cooler on hot summer days. Carrots, apples, water, and chicken broth frozen into a cake mold could make a healthy and tasty summer treat. Simply mix the veggies with the water and chicken broth and freeze it. When it is hot, set it outside for a cool treat.
Doggie Hack #9: Protect the Paws
The hot and cold temperatures that your puppy experiences in the brutal winters and the scorching summers can really hurt your dog’s paws. Before you head out for your daily walk, rub a little Vaseline on your pup’s paws to protect them from the harsh hot or cold pavement.
Doggie Hack: #10: Eliminate Urine Odors and Stains
If your puppy has an accident on your carpet, which we all know happens from time to time, simply sprinkle baking soda over the spot, let it sit for a little while, and then sweep or vacuum it up.
Doggie Hack: #11: DIY Dog Toy
Is your dog tired of their typical toys and needs something else to play with? This dog care hack will keep your dog occupied and stimulated. The DIY dog toy is simple. Place an empty water bottle in an old sock and tie a knot at the end. Dogs love the texture of socks and enjoy the crinkling noise of a water bottle. This toy is inexpensive and is fun for your dog to play with.
Doggie Hack: #12: Homemade Dog Shampoo
Does your dog need a bath ASAP? Here is a natural and cost-effective dog shampoo to use. Simply mix gentle baby shampoo or castile soap with water. You can even add a few drops of essential oils that are safe for dogs, which will be beneficial for dogs who have sensitive skin. Now you’ll have a clean dog!
Doggie Hack: #13: Pet-Friendly Yard Spray
Worried about your dog getting fleas or ticks from your yard? We’ve got you covered with our homemade yard spray. Mix apple cider vinegar, water, and dog-friendly essential oils such as eucalyptus. Spray this around spots where your dog likes to play or lay, which will help prevent unwanted fleas and ticks from going after your pup.
Doggie Hack: #14: Dog Paw Wash
Does your pup ever come into the house after being outside with muddy paws? This can be an annoyance especially when your dog tracks mud throughout the house. A great way to prevent this is to have a ready-to-go paw wash near your door. Mix water and pet shampoo in a container and gently clean your dog’s paws after they’ve been outside. Now you won’t have to worry about your dog bringing in mud throughout the house.
Doggie Hack: #15: Dog-Safe Ice Cream
Our last dog care hack is one your dog will especially enjoy! We recommend putting together a dog-safe ice cream so your pup can enjoy some sweet treats in the summer too. Blend plain yogurt, mashed bananas, and peanut butter, and then pour this mixture into ice cube trays and freeze it. This is a great, healthy snack that any pet will love!
We know how important it is to give your dog the best life possible, but we also know that caring for them is a full-time job. We hope some of these dog care tips will help make things a little easier when it comes to caring for your pup.
Bonus Dog Care Hack: Take Them to Pet Palace!
Need some time to gather supplies for your dog care hacks? Pet Palace has you covered with our dog boarding services or doggy daycare. At our facilities, we have designed the ideal environments for making your dog comfortable and safe while you’re away. Plus, they will have lots of fun while they’re here!
Our dog services are overseen by our trained, animal-loving professionals who know how to keep your pup happy. We offer plenty of time to let your dog exercise, get personal attention from staff, and rest in our comfortable villas. Plus, if your dog has any specific needs, we will be sure to address them during their stay at Pet Palace.
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Find Out More Dog Care Hacks Today
Looking to find out more dog care hacks? Reach out to Pet Palace today and we can help you and your pup!
