As much as we love our pets, let’s be real…there are just some things we could live without. Yes, that dog hair on your pricey sofa, stinky kisses, and the destruction of the flowerbed you so beautifully laid out. But don’t you worry… these 10 pet hacks are here to help!
1. Remove Pet Hair
One of the number one problems associated with dog and/or cat ownership is shedding. With a pet hack like Squeegees, you can quickly remove unwanted pet hair from carpets, upholstered furniture, and cars. For more daily upkeep, you can also try a DIY pet hair removal tool by like wrapping duct tape (sticky-side-out) around a paint roller and use over car seats and more.
OR why not avoid hairy situations all together? If you don’t want cat hair on your clothes or dog hair on the couch, try an Indoor Shields® Plus Solution. With an adjustable signal field, Shields Plus Units have saved 179,947 sofas since 1973.
2. Dogs Eating the Cat Food? Cats Eating the Dog Food? Ants Eating Both Your Pets Food?
There’s a pet hack for that too! For ants, just draw an outline using chalk around outdoor pet food bowls. Ants won't cross a chalk line because it interferes with their ability to follow scent trails left by other ants and prefer not to walk through a line of powdery material such as chalk dust.
For multi-pet homes, the Micro Shields® Indoor Solution can make feeding time a breeze! The Indoor Micro Shields Plus Units offer adjustable settings, so your cat and dog have access to different areas of your house and don’t eat each other’s food – an especially helpful trick for pets on a prescription diet.
3. Dogs Scared of Thunder
There are several ways to weather the storm for dogs that fear thunder. Rewarding calm behavior, using a Thundershirt, and creating a safe place for your pet are key.
4. DIY Dog Toys (and Treats)
Help pets stay hydrated and occupied by freezing toys and treats in chicken broth or water. You can freeze them in bowls, cake molds, or ice cube trays. We also recommend freezing cat food to keep your kitty occupied while cooling off. Your pets will love licking their way to a cool treat in the center!
5. Get Rid of Bad Dog Breath
Our friends at The Dogington Post have a fresh idea: spread some doggie toothpaste (often mint or bacon flavored) on your pet’s favorite chew toys. As they gnaw away, they’re not only having a ‘ball’ but getting a cleaning too! While home remedies like this can help with bad dog breath, also be aware that this can be a sign of an unhealthy mouth and may need veterinary attention.
6. Preventing Scratches On Doors
Sometimes your pet wants out or back in and they communicate that by scratching the door or barking. While training is the first answer that comes to mind, it often takes time and practice to put an end to this habit. Try placing clear contact paper on the door as a barrier to prevent deep scratches.
You can also keep your pets and doors protected with Doorman™ Electronic Pet Door. Set different rules for different pets and let your mind be at ease. Not only are automatic pet doors convenient for pet owners, Doorman comes equipped with advanced safety technology that locks automatically, so only your pet has access. Set times and rules for when your pet can go out without letting neighborhood animals in.
7. Keeping Pets Out of Your Flowerbed
Colorful flowers are pretty to look at but munching on them is a big no-no when it comes to pets. Add an Outdoor Shields® Plus Solution as a discreet fix to your landscaping, gardens, and flowerbeds. Your cats and/or dogs can wander and roam while respecting their boundaries and staying away from poisonous plants and off-limits areas.
8. Protecting Your Pets Paws
Protect your pets paws by rubbing a little bit of Vaseline on them before heading out. During the winter, the layer of Vaseline helps protect their paws from salt or other chemicals. As for the summer, it will help keep their paws from getting too hot on the pavement. Wash or wipe the paws after an outing. A good rule to remember is, if the pavement will burn your feet, it will most likely be uncomfortable to your pet as well. Try to keep your pet on grass as much as possible on those super hot summer days.
9. Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast
Does your dog like to inhale his food? Teach your dog to eat more slowly by placing a ball in the food bowl. Not only does this make a game out of dinner, but it slows down the pace and helps your pet digest food more easily. This hack can also help avoid stomach aches and vomiting. Another way to control pet’s food portions is to get an automatic feeder.
10. Pet Hacks for Dog Baths
Make bath time fun time! Before the bath, get outdoors if you can and let your pet run around and burn off a lot of energy. Then, when it’s time for a bath, keep the water lukewarm and add a toy or two for good, clean fun. If your pet has a habit of hopping out of the bath, smear a little peanut butter on the walls. This will keep them busy and distracted during the bath. This also works if you're trying to trim their nails! Afterward, be sure to give a treat for good behavior and dry your pet thoroughly so they don’t catch a chill.
Whether looking for a pet hack for inside or outdoors, Invisible Fence® Brand’s wireless pet fences and solutions can eliminate temptations and keep pets happy and safe! More pet questions? We’ve got a hack for that!