5 Essential Dog Owner Life Hacks

Owning pets is a massive responsibility not to be taken lightly. Sure, when we were little it seemed like pets were a breeze to deal with, but as adults we finally understand just how much work is associated with keeping another living thing happy and healthy. 

Our pets depend on us for absolutely everything from food to shelter to exercise to affection. And, depending on the level of care your pet requires, looking after your furry friend can be quite tricky! 

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology (and, of course, the internet!), we have found so many great tricks that make our lives easier in nearly every way. These life hacks extend to pet-ownership as well, and with a few interesting suggestions and some tried-and-true tricks, dog owners can find a few ways to make their lives a little better!

5 Dog owner life hacks that actually work

Use parsley to treat bad breath

As much as we love those lovable, slobbery puppy kisses, dog breath is something we could certainly live without. 

Bad breath is usually caused by plaque buildup on teeth, so if you don’t have a dog toothbrush or teeth-cleaning treats then consider finding a long-term solution to stop the problem. There’s still a way to cure that occasional bout of bad breath, though, and you might already have it in your kitchen! 

Parsley is full of antioxidants, vitamins, microbes and diuretics, which is not only beneficial for your pup’s overall health, but is also great for freshening up dog breath. Be sure to only use the curly variety of parsley, as flat or Italian parsley can be toxic in large amounts. 

Sprinkle a little bit of curly parsley onto your dog’s food two or three times per week, or bake some parsley into a homemade dog treat. Use about one teaspoon per 20 pounds of weight to ensure you don’t use too much. 

Use dryer sheets to calm your dog during a thunderstorm

Dryer sheets should be kept out of dogs’ reach in every circumstance, as they usually contain chemicals and residues that are harmful if ingested. However, they can be an effective tool to calm down a frightened dog during a thunderstorm.

“Um, excuse me, person-who-writes-the-AMLI-blog, but what on earth do you mean?” We hear you, we hear you, and here’s why.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t just afraid of the noise during thunderstorms: it’s the static electricity that makes them anxious. 

Thunderstorms are caused by electrically-charged particles that interact with each other to cause lightning and thunder.  Dogs can feel this electricity through their fur, making them anxious and uncomfortable. 

Dryer sheets are designed to reduce static when drying clothes, so gently petting your dog with a dryer sheet can remove that storm-induced static in their fur. Make sure to use an unscented sheet so that your pup doesn’t pick up any chemicals when grooming. 

Use Vaseline to protect paws from snow

Winter may be ending, but keep this in mind for future cold seasons. 

Snow may look soft and fluffy, and your pup may have a ball frolicking around in the cool, white paradise, but snowy weather can also bring forth some potential issues. 

Snow isn’t the only thing on the ground, usually. There are bits of ice, gravel and salt lodged in the snow that can get stuck between the pads of your dog’s feet, and even if they don’t feel it immediately, it can still do damage. 

If your dog isn’t one for snow boots (which can also help with the cold), then spreading a bit of Vaseline onto your dog’s paws can create a barrier that prevents those scratches and injuries from occurring. 

You can use any type of unscented petroleum jelly, or you can get a natural wax made especially for dog paws. 

Use rubber gloves to pick up clingy dog hair

Hair everywhere? Holy shed!

We’ve all had to deal with a ridiculous amount of dog hair at some point, and it can seem impossible to get rid of those last few strands lingering on the furniture, the rug, the pillows, the blankets, your shoes, your…. (and on and on and on).

Use rubber dishwashing gloves to easily get the last of that hair off your surfaces. Rubbing your gloved hands over the hair-covered surface creates static energy between the rubber and the textile surface, causing the hair to release from the fibers and cling to the glove. 

If the dry rubber glove doesn’t do the trick, then try dampening the glove just slightly. There’s no hard rule as to what will work best for each type of surface, so do a little bit of experimenting to see what works best for the different areas in your apartment. 

Play hide and seek with treats to encourage nose work

You don’t need a fancy toy or slow-feed bowl to incorporate games into your dog’s life; you can play hide-and-seek with their treats to encourage their sniffing and nose work! 

If your dog knows how to sit and stay, then start by “hiding” a treat somewhere where they can see it before releasing them to “find” it. When your pup gets the hang of it, you can progress to hiding the treats in different rooms. Remember to praise your dog when they successfully find the treat! 

These simple dog-owner hacks can help with a variety of problems from bad breath to clingy dog hair to thunderstorms and more! Hopefully these helpful tips make your lives easier while also benefiting your beloved pet!

Have fun, and good luck!

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Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/ZigmarsBerzins