As a dog parent, it’s important to be as prepared as possible for anything and everything. From training your dog to dealing with pet emergencies, knowledge is power! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 12 life hacks every dog parent needs to know. From keeping your pet safe and healthy to making potty training easier, these tips will help you become a master pet parent in no time!
1. Protect your pup’s paws in the winter with Vaseline.
Did you know that you can protect your pup’s paws from the cold and salt with a little Vaseline? Just apply a thin layer to their paw pads before heading out for a walk. This will create a barrier against the elements and help keep their paws nice and soft!
2. Potty training
If you’re potty training your puppy, try using a litter box. This will help them understand that they need to go in a specific spot. You can even find litter boxes specifically designed for dogs!
Potty training can be a huge pain for both you and your dog, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re struggling to get your pup to go outside, try these hacks. First, invest in some good quality dog pads and place them around the house in strategic locations. Then, whenever you take your dog out for a potty break, make sure to praise them lavishly when they go. Finally, don’t forget to keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior so you can catch any accidents before they happen.
3. Make a DIY dog toothbrush.
One of the most important things you can do for your dog’s health is to brush their teeth regularly. But let’s be honest, few of us actually enjoy brushing our own teeth, let alone our dog’s! If you’re struggling to get your pup to cooperate with traditional brushing methods, try this DIY dog toothbrush hack instead. Simply take an old toothbrush and cut off the bristles, leaving a small nub of plastic. Then, put some dog-safe toothpaste on the nub and let your pup go to town! They’ll love the tasty paste and you’ll be able to rest assured that their teeth are getting clean.
4. Use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting.
If your dog eats something they shouldn’t have, you can use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and call your veterinarian for guidance first!
5. Make a simple water dispenser.
Make a simple water dispenser. If you don’t have time to fill up your dog’s water bowl multiple times a day, make a DIY water dispenser! All you need is an empty plastic bottle and a drill. Just drill a few holes in the bottle, fill it up with water, and screw the cap back on. Place it in your dog’s bowl and voila – a never-ending supply of fresh water!
6. Put a tennis ball in your dryer.
If your dog loves chasing balls but you don’t have time to play fetch all day long, throw a tennis ball in your dryer the next time you do laundry. The ball will bounce around and make noise, giving your dog something to chase while you’re busy!
7. Use simple chemistry to get rid of the skunk smell.
Use simple chemistry to get rid of the skunk smell. If your pup has been sprayed by a skunk, the first thing you’ll want to do is neutralize the odor as quickly as possible. This can be done by mixing together one quart of hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Rub the mixture into your dog’s fur and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
8. Diarrhea? Use old chicken and rice combo.
This classic home remedy can help your pup feel better fast, and it’s easy on their stomach. Just cook up some plain white rice and boiled chicken, then mix it together in a 50/50 ratio. Feed this to your dog a few times a day until their diarrhea clears up.
9. Use baby gates to keep your dog contained.
If you have an area of your home that you don’t want your pup to access, block it off with a baby gate! This hack is especially useful for keeping dogs out of the kitchen while you’re cooking or preventing them from going upstairs if you don’t want them on the furniture.
10. Use a slow cooker to make homemade dog food.
If you’re concerned about the ingredients in commercial pet food, try making your own! Use a slow cooker to cook up a healthy and nutritious meal for your pup. Simply combine meat, vegetables, and water in the crockpot and let it cook on low for several hours.
11.Never punish your dog for coming to you when you call them.
If they think they’re going to get scolded, they won’t want to come next time you call. Instead, make a big fuss over them and give them a treat when they come to you.
12. If your dog is afraid of the vacuum, start by vacuuming around him or her while they are in another room.
The sound of the vacuum won’t be as overwhelming if your pup isn’t right next to it. Once they get used to the noise, you can start vacuuming around them while they are in the same room.
By following these simple tips, you can be the most intelligent dog parent possible! Do you have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
