The life of a dog owner can be pretty crazy. Between feeding, grooming, exercising, training, playing, and the never-ending pottying… it’s a full-time job! Oftentimes, it can feel like we’re spending all our time doing these “chores” instead of just enjoying our time with our best furry friend.
So, to help make your dog-parent duties easier and (a tad) more rewarding, we’ve scoured the internet for the best hacks every dog mom and dad should know:
1. DIY doggie deodorizer and stain remover
This clever DIY liquid cleaner gets rid of unwanted odour and stains. To make it, combine 1 cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with two tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap (preferably a mild one).
To remove dog urine on carpets and other furniture, use a paper towel to soak up the liquid before cleaning up. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the spot and let it sit for atleast 15 minutes.
Next, spritz some of the liquid cleaner on the area and scrub with a bristled brush. Leave it to dry and vacuum clean the area.
2. Homemade pill pockets
If your little pooch is being stubborn about taking their medicine, a quick fix is by hiding the pills in a pill pocket you can make right at home!
All you need is flour, milk and peanut butter. For a gluten-free option, you may use rice flour.
Combine all the ingredients until thoroughly mixed and smooth. You want the mixture to be fairly dry and able to hold its shape. (You may add in more flour if the batter is too wet)
From there, divide the dough and form into bite-sized shaped balls depending on the size of your dog. Use a pencil to poke a hole in the centre and place your doggie medicine inside before pressing shut. Store in the freezer for later use.
3. Slow feeding technique
If you find that your pet is inhaling food at an alarming rate, slow feeding is an effective tool to help regulate the rate and amount of food your dog eats.
Moreover, it could also improve your dog’s digestion, resulting in less bloat, less gas, reduced regurgitation, chocking and general better gut health.
Use a food-dispensing toy or place a ball in your dog’s food bowl to slow feed your dog. They’ll be forced to move it around, preventing them from scarfing it all down in one go.
4. Packing tape for loose pet fur
Fur getting everywhere is part of the bargain of being a pet mom or dad. If you’ve run out of lint roller, an easy alternative is to use a roll of packing tape to pick up all that annoying pet hair from your clothes, the couch, you name it!
5. Get rid of your dog’s bad breath
If your dog isn’t a fan of the tooth-brushing experience, try placing their toothpaste on a lint brush and have your dog lick it off. This will help eliminate any unwanted odours, as most of the bacteria that causes the foul smell is on the tongue.
Another way to get rid of your pup’s stinky breath is to add parsley to their food. While there’s still some debate on how long the effect lasts, the chlorophyll present in the herb is said to eliminate certain strains of bacteria naturally and safely.
6. Homemade remedy for upset stomach
The old chicken and rice trick have been recommended by vets for years and for good reason! It’s easy to make, all-natural and uses ingredients you already have in your pantry.
If your dog is having digestive troubles and he’s been cleared of the more serious health issues by your vet, you can help settle his upset tummy with this simple chicken and rice recipe.
7. Stop your dog’s nails from bleeding
Trimming your dog’s nails is no easy task even to the most cautious home groomer. If you accidentally cut into the quick, don’t fret!
The easiest and most effective way to stop the bleeding is to apply a mixture of cornstarch and water with a cotton swab. The paste will coagulate the blood and stop it from flowing. Flour or baking soda works too!
