Caring for a dog can be demanding, but with some clever strategies, it can become much more manageable. By working smarter rather than harder, you might discover that providing your dog with the best care can be effortless. Interested in learning some time, energy, and money-saving tips from the Petzyo team? Explore these helpful hacks for dog parents. They’re sure to simplify life for you and your furry companion.
1. Go for a Hands-Free Walk with a Carabiner
If you’ve attempted to text, take a call, or maintain warm hands in your pocket while walking your dog, you understand the struggle. The constant tugging and pulling on the leash can lead to dropped phones, interrupted calls, or simply a sense of annoyance.
Avoid this hassle by going hands-free. Simply attach your dog’s leash loop to your belt loop using a cheap carabiner. Slide the leash handle through the carabiner and secure it to your belt loop for a convenient solution.
2. Protect Your Furniture From A Teething Puppy
Numerous puppies and even some adult dogs have a natural inclination to chew. To prevent them from gnawing on furniture, shoes, or other items, consider using a homemade deterrent made from all-natural ingredients.
To create your own chew deterrent:
- Combine 1 part apple cider or lemon juice with 2 parts water.
- Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle to ensure proper mixing.
- Spray the solution onto the object you want to deter your dog from chewing.
3. Cover That Dog Bed without Busting the Bank
Veterinarians suggest washing your dog’s bed regularly to prevent bacterial buildup and minimize unpleasant odors. However, maintaining cleanliness can be challenging, especially with dog beds, even those with removable covers. An efficient solution is to cover your dog’s bed with a pillowcase. Keep an extra one handy to swap out during laundry days.
Pillowcases offer quick drying, cost less than replacing a dog bed, and are simple to remove and put back on.
4. Keep Your Dog Entertained with a Muffin Tin
Puzzle toys are a fantastic way to offer your dog mental stimulation, but they often come with a price tag. If you have a muffin tin at home, you can easily create a homemade puzzle toy for your dog. Just place a treat in each muffin cup and cover it with a tennis ball. Your dog will enjoy the challenge of lifting the balls to access the treats, providing mental enrichment and fun at no extra cost.
5. Maintain Fur-Free Furniture
We all adore our dogs, but not everyone appreciates the shedding that comes with them. If you find your rugs, furniture, or favorite dark clothing covered in fur, keep a pair of rubber gloves nearby (pun intended). The sticky surface of the gloves is perfect for swiftly removing pet hair from furniture with a simple swipe of your hand. This trick is particularly handy for a rapid cleanup before guests arrive!
6. Pasta & Peanut Butter–Just What the Vet Ordered
Getting your dog to take a pill can sometimes be a challenging task. If your furry friend needs to swallow medication that isn’t particularly tasty, consider hiding it inside a piece of penne pasta filled with peanut butter. Penne’s cylindrical shape naturally accommodates pills and serves as an ideal carrier for your dog’s favorite treat.
For added convenience, you can prepare these ahead of time and freeze them, making them even more enjoyable and less noticeable to your dog.
7. Aroma Therapy for Calming Your Dog
Lavender is a soothing scent that benefits both humans and dogs. If you have an anxious pup, consider placing a few drops of lavender essential oil on a bandana and securing it around your dog’s neck. The calming aroma of lavender will help relax your dog while leaving them with a delightful fragrance.
8. Recycle Your Old Socks Into Squeak Toys
Give a new purpose to unmatched or damaged socks while bringing joy to your dog’s day. Slide an empty water bottle into the sock and tie a knot at the opening. Your dog will delight in the crunchy texture of the bottle inside and the comforting scent of their favorite human. This way, you can provide entertainment for your dog without spending money on a toy that may end up torn apart.
9. Freshen Your Dog’s Breath & Dinner with Parsley
Incorporating fresh herbs into your dog’s meals not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional value. Some herbs, such as parsley, offer the added bonus of freshening your dog’s breath. Parsley has a long history of being used to combat bad breath, and it’s effective for dogs as well.
The secret behind parsley’s breath-freshening properties lies in chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants. To encourage your dog to enjoy parsley, simply chop it up and mix it into their dinner.
10. Keep Your Dog Cool & Cute
Bandanas might just become a person’s second-best friend! Not only can you infuse lavender into a bandana to help your dog feel more at ease, but a damp bandana is also an effective way to keep them cool during hot days. On days with soaring temperatures, consider dampening the bandana, wringing it out, and then freezing it. A chilled bandana provides a refreshing way to help your furry friend relax, even amidst the sweltering heat of summer.
11. Keep Your Dog Off the Furniture with Foil
If you enforce a “no dogs on the sofa” policy, yet your furry companion constantly finds their way onto the furniture in your absence, consider laying down a layer of foil. The crinkling sound typically dissuades dogs, and the texture is far from inviting for those seeking a cozy spot to lounge while their owners are out.