Having a dog is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it's dealing with fur-covered clothes and furniture, surprise holes in the yard, or the daily struggle of getting your pup to take their medication, life with a dog isn’t always smooth sailing.
Thankfully, there are plenty of clever hacks that can make things easier. From using baking soda and vinegar to fight pet odors, to lifting stubborn hair from carpets with a squeegee, these simple tricks can make a big difference in your day-to-day routine.
Soften Kibble With Warm Water
Kibble is one of the most budget-friendly dog food options, which makes it a go-to for many pet owners. However, its hard texture can be tough on some dogs' teeth, especially for older dogs or picky eaters, causing them to be reluctant at mealtime.
A simple solution is to add water—preferably warm—to the kibble. This softens it up, making it easier to chew and more appealing to your dog, while still providing the nutrients they need.
Use Rubber Gloves To Pick Up Loose Fur
Whether your dog sheds year-round or just during seasonal changes, keeping your home free of fur can feel like a constant battle—especially when it comes to tight corners and fabric crevices.
One handy trick? Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and run your hands over the surfaces that need cleaning. The fur clings to the rubber like magic, making it easy to gather up. When you're done, just rinse off the gloves, and you're good to go!
Use Packing Or Duct Tape As A Makeshift Lint Roller
Most dog owners know the struggle of checking their outfit for fur before heading out—especially when it's something professional. That's why keeping a lint roller nearby is a game-changer for anyone with a furry companion.
No lint roller? No problem. Duct tape or packaging tape works just as well in a pinch. Just wrap a strip around your hand with the sticky side facing out, then run it over your clothes. It’ll pick up fur in no time—and you probably already have some in a drawer at home!
Use A Walnut To Buff Out Wood Scratches
If your hardwood floors or wooden furniture have been scratched up by your dog's nails, there’s a surprisingly simple fix—a walnut. Just rub the walnut gently over the scratch in small circles, then follow the length of the scratch.
Next, use your fingers to massage the area so the natural oils from the nut can soak into the wood. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff it with a soft cloth. Just be sure to clean the area thoroughly afterward if someone with a nut allergy will be nearby.
Bake Your Own Organic Dog Treats
Did you know you can whip up a healthy, homemade treat for your dog without any special training or equipment? It's easier than you think—and totally doable right from your kitchen.
With just three simple ingredients—banana, peanut butter, and loose oats—you can create tasty, organic dog treats. Just mash everything together, shape the mixture into small balls or cookies, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. These dog-friendly snacks are not only nutritious but also easy on your pup’s diet.
Make A Temporary Dog Sling Out Of A Fabric Shopping Bag
As dogs age, they can sometimes develop joint issues that make it difficult for them to stand on their own. While it's important to get a proper sling from the vet that’s strong enough to support your dog’s weight and comfortable, a tote bag can be a great alternative if you're in a pinch.
Simply cut the sides of the bag, leaving just the front, back, and bottom. Then, wrap the dog in the tote so that the bottom rests at their belly, and use the handles to help lift them. This can provide temporary support until you get the right equipment.
Create A Digging Box To Save Your Garden
Some dogs are absolutely obsessed with digging—even if it means tearing up your yard or garden. A great way to keep everyone happy is by creating a designated digging box just for your pup. You can build a simple wooden sandbox and train your dog to dig only in that spot.
The easiest method is to purchase a garden kit that includes precut wood pieces. Don't forget to place a wooden slab at the bottom to stop your dog from digging too far down.
Give Your Dog Ice Cubes On A Hot Day
Who doesn't enjoy a cold drink on a scorching summer day? Dogs feel the same way! When temperatures climb, a simple and fun way to give your pup a cool treat is by tossing a handful of ice cubes into their outdoor water bowl.
Many dogs even treat ice cubes like little crunchy snacks, which can help cool their mouths. Plus, the floating cubes can make the water dish more interesting, encouraging your dog to drink more often and stay hydrated in the heat.
Use A Squeegee To Get Fur Out Of The Carpet
Even after several rounds with the vacuum, dog hair can stubbornly cling to your carpet. When fur is deeply tangled in the fibers, give a window squeegee a try.
The rubber edge catches the hair and pulls it up as you drag it across the rug. Work the squeegee back and forth firmly until the hair loosens, then finish up with a vacuum for a thorough clean.
Use Dryer Sheets To Pick Up Pet Fur
If you don't have rubber gloves nearby, dryer sheets offer another easy way to remove fur. Because they’re designed to attract particles in the dryer, they work great at picking up pet hair from various surfaces.
Just rub a dryer sheet over your furniture, clothing, or any other fur-covered item. The hair sticks to the sheet much better than it would to regular paper towels. When you’re done, simply discard the used sheet.
Reward Your Dog With Rubs And Games Instead Of Treats
Training for many dogs revolves around positive reinforcement. If you're teaching your dog new tricks but want to avoid overloading on treats, try mixing up the rewards.
Instead of the usual snack, offer a belly rub or a quick game of tug-of-war. Dogs are sensitive to your emotions and will understand that your affection and praise come from their good behavior. Be sure to call them "good boy" or “good girl” and shower them with love.
Apply Dog Toothpaste To A Chew Toy For Dental Hygiene
Although dogs don't need dental care quite as often as humans, many owners still like to brush their pup’s teeth to help prevent plaque buildup. If your dog isn’t a fan of the toothbrush, try rubbing a bit of dog-safe toothpaste onto one of their favorite chew toys.
As they gnaw on it, especially during a tug-of-war session with a rope toy, the toothpaste works its way across their teeth. You can also find toys with built-in bristles designed to help clean their teeth more effectively while they play.
Give Your Dog Pills With Homemade Pill Pockets
Getting your dog to swallow a pill can be an impossible deed. To make the process much easier for you both, try making a pill pocket. Simply mix one part milk, one part crunchy peanut butter, and two parts flour.
Stir them together and form them into the shape of a pill pocket. The simple recipe is much cheaper to make than the premade versions at the store, and dogs love them. Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Protect Your Dog's Paws In The Winter With Vaseline
If you live somewhere that gets very cold in the winter, be sure to take into consideration how the ground may impact your dog's paws. While one option is to buy them winter boots, a cheaper option that your canine may prefer is to simply use some petroleum jelly.
By applying a thick coat of vaseline to the bottom of your dog's paws, you're creating a barrier that will keep snow, ice, and salt out of their toes. It also keeps their paws hydrated and prevents cracking.
Use Popcorn To Teach Your Puppy How To Catch
Puppies are adorably eager to do everything, even if that means getting bonked in the face while they try to learn how to catch. If you don't have any soft toys to play with, try popping some popcorn.
Popcorn is light but aerodynamic enough to be thrown with some precision. Plus, your dog will be extra motivated to catch it because it's food! Be sure to opt for plain popcorn and to keep their intake moderate.
Keep Your Dog Cool With A Kiddie Pool
If you live somewhere with scorching summer temperatures, it's crucial to keep in mind that dogs are often more vulnerable to heat than people. To help them stay cool while enjoying the outdoors, try setting up a kiddie pool.
A simple hard plastic pool offers your pup a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat. And before heading out for a walk, always check the pavement—if you can’t comfortably press your hand to the asphalt for more than five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
Remove Dog Urine With Baking Soda
If you're raising a puppy, chances are you’ve become familiar with cleaning up little accidents. Instead of buying pricey cleaning sprays, just grab some baking soda—it’s a budget-friendly lifesaver.
Sprinkle it generously over the urine spot, work it in gently with a damp cloth, and let it sit for several minutes. The baking soda will help disinfect the area and neutralize any lingering odors. Once it’s dry, vacuum it up and your carpet, rug, or mattress will be as good as new.
Use Vinegar To Get The 'Dog Smell' Out Of The House
Have you ever been to someone's house and you can immediately tell that they have a dog because of the smell? It isn't a terrible odor, but it certainly isn't desirable. To avoid being that friend, just fill a spray bottle with plain white vinegar.
Spray along the carpet and other areas where the smell is strong. Open the windows to air out the house. As the vinegar smell dissipates, the dog odor will go out with it.
Use A Credit Card To Take Out A Bee Stinger
Dogs adore being outside and sniffing the bushes, so it's no wonder that they are susceptible to bee stings. If your dog does get stung, you'll need to remove the stinger in such a way that part of it isn't left behind.
To ensure the entire stinger comes out, slide a credit card along the dog's skin and past the stinger. Use a cold compress to ease the dog's pain and watch out for signs of an allergic reaction.
Use A Fitted Bed Sheet To Save Your Car Seats
Traveling with your dog is awesome but spending weeks trying to get all of the dog hair out of your car seats is not as much fun. Dog seat covers can be expensive and difficult to find the right size depending on the model of your car.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to put your dog in the car, reach for an old fitted sheet in your house. The cinched corners will help the sheet to cling around your seat backs and you can put your furry, muddy pup on your makeshift seat cover!
Make A Paste To Stop Your Dog's Nails From Bleeding During Clipping
Cutting your dog's nails can be stressful for both you and your dog. The worst thing is when you accidentally go too short and your dog's nail starts gushing blood everywhere. If this happens to you, don't panic!
You can use a mixture of flour and baking soda or cornstarch to create a paste. Apply the paste to the bloody nail and apply moderate pressure for a few minutes, your dog's foot should stop bleeding quickly! Next time, it might be best to leave it to the pros who have all the supplies on hand to avoid bleeding and stop it when it happens!
Use Dog-Safe Fruits And Veggies As Training Treats
You don't have to break the bank to get treats for your furry friend! According to the American Kennel Club, plenty of the fruits and veggies you already have in the fridge can be shared with your K-9 best friend.
It's always important to check what is healthy for your dog and if you're ever unsure be sure to ask your vet. However, some safe fruits and veggies to start with as small treats are pieces of banana, apples, strawberries, cucumbers, pumpkin, carrots, and peas. Just like people, dogs have different taste buds and may not like some things that you thought they would!
Make A Tug Toy Out Of Old Clothes
If you have old clothes that are too worn out to donate, put them to good use by making a dog toy out of them. Take two cotton tees and cut them into two-inch-wide strips. Gather the strips and tie them together at one end.
Then, divide the strips into thirds and braid them. Tie the other end like you did the first and cut any stragglers off. The result should be a rope-like tug toy that smells just like you!
Use Baby Wipes To Prevent Fur From Clogging The Drain
Especially if you have a long-haired dog, you may notice that your shower drain clogs whenever you give them a groom. An easy fix is to use baby wipes to block the hair from getting into the drain.
If you have a removable stopper, simply take it out and place the baby wipe over the hole before plugging it. If not, then place the baby wipe over the entire stopper once it's plugged. After your pet's bath, hold down the wipe and let the water drain through it to collect the fur.