Life can be crazy for dog owners! Between exercising, feeding, grooming, playing, and training it can soon start to feel like you’re simply spending all your time and money on a pet that you never get a chance to enjoy. With a little lateral thinking, however, you can cut down on the chores associated with owning a dog and spend time just hanging out with your new best friend.
You’ll finally have time to relax at home with your new companion, reading that book that you’ve been meaning to get to for ages, or binge-watching a brand-new series.
Create Your Own Dog Chew
A tennis ball and some treats will make sure your pet stays busy and calm when you’re out of the house. Cut a small hole in an old tennis ball and then fill it up with treats, peanut butter, and even cheese.
Eliminate Stains on Carpets and Furniture
Even the best-trained, totally housebroken dog has an accident every now and then, but removing stains is incredibly simple. Mix up two cups of vinegar, two cups of warm water, and four tablespoons of baking soda. Put the solution into a spray bottle and spritz on the soiled area and voilà! Your carpet or couch will look as good as new.
Keep a Carabiner Close
Put a carabiner on your dog’s leash so you can secure it to a post or tree more safely and easily if you have to, wrap waste bags around, or attach multiple leashes together when you’re walking more than one dog.
Make Your Own Pill-Pockets at Home
Some dogs are easy to trick when it comes to getting them to take medication but others are more difficult. Pill-pockets are perfect for the latter group, and will cut out any hassle when it comes to keeping your furry little friend healthy.
Pill-pockets are small treats with a hole in the middle for tablets, and most dogs will eat them right up! They’re very easy to make at home, too. Combine one tablespoon of peanut butter, one tablespoon of milk, and two tablespoons of flour. Roll the dough out into a long tube and cut into pieces the right size for your pet. Use a skewer or chopstick to make a hole in one end of each piece and store them in a ziplock bag in your refrigerator for up to seven days.
Slow Down a Fast Eater
Some dogs seem to inhale their food rather than chewing it properly and swallowing it. This is a bad habit and can cause stomach problems and vomiting, but slowing them down is actually pretty easy.
Place an object in their food bowl as an obstacle, forcing them to work around it so they eat more slowly. Buying a slow feeder is an option, but you can easily make one at home, too. Put a small bowl in the middle of their food dish, keeping their food outside of it where it’s not as easy to reach.