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Brilliant Dog Hacks for Every Owner

        
          

If you have ever wished for a way to make dog ownership easier, you are not alone.  Here, we have compiled the best dog hacks and tips for owners available on the internet and social media.

Baking Soda Dog Hacks

Arm & Hammer Dog Hacks

Baking soda has many uses around the house, especially when it comes to removing odors.  Listed here are only some of the things you can do with baking soda!

Cleaning Dog Bowls

Food and water bowls develop a slimy buildup that can be harmful to pets when ingested.  However, if you do not own a dishwasher it might not always be feasible to wash bowls as often as is necessary.  To easily remove built-up gunk, soak the bowl in a mixture that contains 50% water and 50% vinegar, with a tablespoon of baking soda added.  Be careful not to overfill the bowl, as the baking soda can cause the solution to bubble over.  If extra scrubbing is required, the baking soda also acts as a mild abrasive.

Cleaning Dog Urine from Carpet

If you don’t have spray cleaner on hand (such as when you are visiting friends!) and your dog relieves itself on the carpet, don’t panic.  Instead, grab a container of baking soda.  First, use paper towels to remove as much urine as possible from the area.  Next, liberally pour baking soda onto the stain.  Let the area sit until the urine has been absorbed by the baking soda, adding more to the area if necessary.  Finally, when the baking soda has dried, vacuum the area to remove the evidence.

Budget Hacks

Owning a dog can be detrimental to a person’s wallet.  Listed here are a few hacks designed to keep money in the bank!

Buy in Bulk

An age-old money saving tip is to buy dog food in bulk online, such as 30 – 40 lb bags, instead of smaller amounts.  However, storing that much food – and keeping it fresh – can be difficult.  Large Rubbermaid containers are perfect for both storage and keeping dog food fresh, allowing you to save money in the long run.

Autoship Discount

Nothing is worse than running out of food, or paying more than necessary for this essential item.  Multiple websites such as Amazon.com, Chewy.com, and 1800PetMeds.com offer autoship bonuses or discounts.  Not only will you never be stuck without dog food again, but you will save money in the process!

Jerky

Dogs love meat, and pet owners love any treat that will keep a dog busy for more than a couple seconds. However, jerky treats have been the subject of controversy recently as tainted products have caused poisoning in pets.  The better option is to make your own jerky, which is surprisingly easy.

Recipe

  1. Set your oven to 160 F if no dehydrator is available.
  2. Next, slice chicken (or other meat) as thinly as possible using a fillet knife (freezing the meat beforehand makes this task easier).
  3. Finally, place strips of meat on oven or food dehydrator racks and allow meat to dehydrate for 4 – 8 hours, flipping halfway through.

Note: If using an oven, leave door slightly ajar to achieve the perfect consistency.

Pill Pockets

Getting a dog to take medicine can be a hassle, but pill pockets are expensive.  Like most treats, pill pockets can be made at home with this brilliant hack!  This recipe uses minimal ingredients, and creates a non-sticky peanut butter that can be wrapped around a pill (a welcome change for anyone who has tried to stick a pill directly into peanut butter!)

Easy recipe for this dog hack

  1. Combine ¼ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup arrowroot powder.
  2. When the dough is formed, break off small pieces and roll into a ball.
  3. When ready to give your pup his or her medication, wrap the dough ball around the pill and conceal completely.  Your dog will never know the difference!

Carabiners for Dog Hacks

Although carabiners are primarily used for rock climbing, they are indispensable tools for all types of dog owners and you can use them in many good dog hacks.

They can be used to:

Reinforce Leashes

Do you worry that your pet may wriggle out of a harness or break his or her leash?  A carabiner can be used to attach your dog’s harness to the collar, preventing the unthinkable from occurring.  Additionally, a carabiner can be used to reinforce the attachment between collar and leash (or harness and leash) if your dog is a puller that wears down leashes.

For walking multiple pets

Are you tired of wrapping multiple leashes around your hand when you take your dogs for a walk?  Instead, invest in a giant-sized carabiner, one that has a comfortable handle grip.  Slip the leash handles into the open end of the carabiner, close it, and voila:  you have a brilliant solution for walking multiple dogs at once!

For Leashing Your Dog

Running errands with your dog is fun, but tying your pup outside of a store can be a hassle, especially if it requires you to remove your dog’s leash from his or her collar.  While pet owners should beware of the risks of leaving a dog unattended, a carabiner can be used in a pinch to attach the leash handle to the rest of the lead, when wrapped around a pole, to avoid having to unhook your dog’s leash from the collar.

Clothing

Some dogs require clothing, but who wants to break the bank to clothe a smelly pup?  Additionally, old clothes in your closet can be repurposed into fun items for your pup!

Doll Clothes for Small Pets

Small dogs need to wear clothing whenever the weather turns chilly.  However, the markup on these items can be steep.  Instead of going to the pet store to purchase clothing for your pup, look for used doll clothes instead.  In many instances, a larger doll is the perfect size for clothing a small dog!

Dog Bed Hacks

You can turn any old sweatshirt into a comfortable bolster-style bed for your pup.  All that you need is a used sweatshirt, an old throw pillow, stuffing, and needle and thread.  Simply place the throw pillow into the body of the sweater, fill the sleeves with stuffing, make a few stitches, and you have an inexpensive bed that your dog will love.  Follow this link for full instructions.

Dog Hair Removal

Even dogs that are light shedders lose hair from time to time, meaning upholstery and carpeting can be covered in loose fur.  Listed here are tried and true hacks for removing dog hair.

Rubber Gloves Dog Hack

Rubber gloves – the kind you use when washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom – are ideal for removing dog hair.  Simply wet the gloves, rub them over a dog hair covered surface (such as carpet) and watch in amazement as you pick up the dog fur that vacuuming or lint rolling left behind.

Squeegee

For heavy duty dog fur removal consider using a squeegee, such as the type you would use at the gas station to clean your windshield.  The idea is the same as with rubber gloves, only a squeegee can cover a larger surface area at once than rubber gloves.

Grooming

can you use human shampoo on dogs

Grooming is an area where nearly all pet owners are looking to save time and money.  Listed here are only a few brilliant hacks!

Dremel for Grinding Nails

After you trim your dog’s nails you might become frustrated with the sharpness of his or her claws.  To create a soft, rounded edge, use a file attachment for a Dremel to remove any sharpness.  Be sure to introduce your dog slowly to the Dremel to avoid any confusion or fear.

Dawn Flea Bath

When your pet has fleas, don’t run out and buy an expensive (and chemical laden) flea product.  Instead, give your dog a flea bath at home using Dawn dish detergent.  Simply replace your favorite dog shampoo with Dawn, and be sure to scrub the detergent into your dog’s skin.  Continue to do so until you see dead fleas fall off your dog and into the tub.  Rinse until there are no longer any dead fleas on your pet’s body.  Bear in mind that fleas will run towards the top of your dog, so add a drop of detergent to your pup’s head and gently cleanse the area in order to remove any remaining insects.

Health

Keeping your dog healthy can be tricky, given that pups don’t talk.  However, there are numerous tips and tricks for making sure your dog is always happy and healthy.

On-the-Go Water Bottle

Does your dog get thirsty on long walks?  Make a water bottle for your pet that is easy to carry by filling an empty syrup container (i.e. the type with a handle).  You can attach the water bottle to a belt loop by first attaching a carabiner to the handle.

Pumpkin for Stomach Problems

Pumpkin puree is a magical health food for dogs that should be in the cupboard of every pet owner.  Not only is pumpkin able to stop diarrhea in dogs, but it can remedy constipation as well.  Simply add 1 – 2 TBSP of canned pumpkin (ensuring pumpkin is plain, not pumpkin pie filling) to the dog’s food.  Additionally, pumpkin helps dogs naturally express their anal glands, so this super food can also keep your costs down on grooming and veterinary visits.

Turmeric and Coconut Oil for Cancer

A sad reality is that many dogs develop cancer toward the end of their life.  However, there are simple ways to keep your dog’s cancer at bay, such as with “Golden Paste.”  This so-called nutraceutical is comprised of coconut oil, turmeric, and black pepper.  Golden Paste has been shown to slow the progression of cancer in dogs, especially when used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy.  To prepare Golden Paste, combine ½ cup organic turmeric and 1 – 1 ½ cups filtered water in a pan over low heat for 7 – 10 minutes.  Next, add ¼ cup coconut oil and 1 ½ tsp black pepper into the paste.  Feed your dog ¼ – ½ tsp per meal, increasing up to 1 TBSP per day for larger dogs.

Coconut Oil

Besides serving as a main ingredient in Golden Paste, coconut oil is also a great hack for pet parents of dogs with arthritis, skin allergies, weight issues, and immune system disorders.  Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids, which are readily metabolized and put to good use by the body.  Additionally, coconut oil contains important antioxidants and acids that fight inflammation, improve joint health, and enhance the immune system.  Dogs can be fed up to 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight, but dog owners should gradually work up to this amount to avoid loose stools.

Dental Health

Gum disease is a silent killer in dogs, which is why dental health is extremely important.  Listed here are hacks for dog owners interested in improving their pet’s dental hygiene.

Toothpaste on Chew Toy

All dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly, but few owners have the time (or patience) to complete this task.  However, your dog can do the work for you if you spread canine toothpaste on his or her favorite chew toy.  Your dog already achieves abrasive action when gnawing on the toy, and the toothpaste will help to remove any built up plaque or tartar from the gum line.

DIY Dental Chew

There are many commercial dental chews on the market, but they are expensive and some contain controversial ingredients.  You can prepare your own dental chew at home for a fraction of the price and with all-natural ingredients.

DYI Dog Dental Chew Recipe

You will need:

  • 3.5 cups brown rice flour
  • 1 TBSP activated charcoal
  • 4 TBSP vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp liquid chlorophyll.

Directions

  1. First, pre-heat the oven to 400 F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
  3. Combine charcoal and brown rice flour and then set aside.
  4. Mix parsley, mint, oil, and ¼ of broth or water in a food processor.
  5. Once the herbs have been chopped, add the chlorophyll.  Pulse the food processor to mix. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
  6. Lightly beat an egg, then add that to the mix.  Knead the dough and add the remaining water until dough is sticky.
  7. Dust a work surface with flour, then roll the dough to ¼ inch thick and cut out into a favorite shape.
  8. Bake the dental chews for 15 – 20 minutes and cool before serving.

Muffin Tin

Muffin tins are indispensable items when it comes to feeding and playing with your pup!  Mini muffin tins are appropriate for small dogs, while large muffin tins are the perfect size for even a giant breed. HEre are a couple dog hacks using tins.

Hide and Treat Game

If your dog becomes bored easily, a muffin tin provides a great distraction.  First, find 12 tennis balls or balled-up socks.  Next, place a treat in 3 – 6 of the muffin tin wells.  Finally, cover each well with the ball or sock.  Ask your dog to find the treats (you may need to help your dog in the beginning).  Each time a ball or sock is displaced by your dog, return the covering to the well.  Your dog will have fun ensuring all the treats have been found!

Makeshift Slow-Bowl

Many dogs eat too quickly, which can lead to vomiting, upset stomach, and bloat.  When bloat is a possibility, slowing down a dog’s eating habits can be the difference between life and death.  However, slow-bowls are an added expense that not all pet owners can pay.  If your dog eats too quickly you can slow him or her by evenly distributing your pup’s meal into the wells of a muffin tin.  Your dog will be forced to only eat small portions at a time, reducing the risk of bloat.

Stress Relief

Dogs become stressed in situations that are unfamiliar.  Unfortunately, a stressed dog most frequently leads to a stressed owner.  Listed here are tips for keeping your dog calm and collected.

Dryer Sheets before Thunderstorms

Many dogs are afraid of storms, and humans often incorrectly blame the sound of thunder.  However, the real culprit can be the static electricity that builds up in the dog’s fur after a lightning strike.  This built up static can be uncomfortable for the dog, causing him or her to become anxious.  When a storm is brewing, rub a dryer sheet all over your dog’s fur to dissipate the static.

Lavender Essential Oil

Essentials oils have been all the rage for use on humans, but did you know that they can be useful for dogs, as well?  Lavender is especially potent and has many useful purposes.

Separation Anxiety

For dogs that experience separation anxiety, owners can use an essential oil diffuser filled with lavender to calm an anxious dog.  Bedding – particularly in a crate – can also be spritzed with a lavender oil solution. Here is 20 Tips on Helping Your Dog with Separation Anxiety.

Travel

Traveling is stressful for most dogs, and lavender can create a welcoming atmosphere in a crate or car.  Simply put a few drops of lavender on your dog’s collar or bed, and your pup should feel more at ease during the trip.

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