Your dog is like a member of the family, and so, of course, you want to do all you can to make your dog as happy, healthy, and loved as possible. There is a wealth of information about what is best for your dog and how you can make your dog’s life the best it can be. Here are some tips and tricks that can make owning your dog more manageable, which will give you and your dog the best quality of life together possible.

1. What about all this dog hair?

Shedding is just part of dog life. There are a million solutions for cleaning up all that hair your dog sheds. Most of them are easy to do, and you probably already have what you need for these pet hacks.

2. Furniture slipcovers

Using removable and washable slipcovers on your furniture will not only keep your dog from shedding on your sofa, but it will also guard your upholstery against drool, dirt, and any accidents your dog might have. Cleaning up after your dog will be as easy as slipping off the covers, washing them, then slipping them back on. Your furniture will remain clean and like new underneath.

3. Dryer sheets

Dryer sheets are a miracle product when it comes to dog life. One pet hack to help is to rub a dryer sheet over your dog’s coat in dry weather to eliminate static electricity. You can also run a dryer sheet over the fabric of your clothes or furniture, and the hair will cling to the dryer sheet. Once the hair is all picked up, toss the dryer sheet in the trash and get on with your day.

4. Tape

Sure, you can buy one of those sticky roller things to get your dog’s fur off your clothing or furniture – or bed or anything else fabric – but you can do the same thing with packing tape you probably already have at home. Wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side out, then run the tape over your furry fabric. The tape will pick it up in a jiff!

5. Making toys for your dog

There are probably as many toys for pets on the shelves as there are for kids, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on fun stuff to keep your dog entertained. These dog life hacks will bring some inexpensive fun into your dog’s life.

6. Puzzle muffin tin

You don’t have to spend tons of money on those puzzle games made for dogs – use your muffin tin and some tennis balls. Place the muffin tin on the floor, drop a treat in each cup, then put a tennis ball on top of the treat. Your dog will smell the treats and work to get at them by nosing the tennis balls out of the way. This is one of many pet hacks to keep your dog’s mind focused and sharp.

7. Hide and treats

Speaking of treats, use them to play hide and seek with your dog. Hide treats around your house, then let your dog sniff them out and enjoy them. This kind of exercise can keep your dog super busy while giving him some mental stimulation.

8. Keep your dog safe

One of the most intelligent pet hacks to follow is to dog-proof your house. Put anything toxic in a place where your dog cannot access it. That includes gum and candy, which may consist of artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs.

Protect your dog’s feet—Run Vaseline on them in the winter to keep them safe from snow and extreme cold. Also, in summer, it’s best to walk your dog in the mornings before the sun has warmed the cement – walking on hot cement can burn the pads of your dog’s feet.

Be sure always to keep your dog restrained in the car, whether in a pet carrier or with specialized dog restraints that attach to the seat belts in your vehicle.

One of the most critical pet hacks is to get your dog microchipped. If your dog wanders away or, even worse, taken, the microchip is proof positive that your pet belongs to you. Microchips have led to many happy reunions between pets and their owners.

Dealing with pet waste

Pet waste removal is one of the most significant issues you’ll have to deal with when you have a dog. There are many pet waste hacks you can use. One that is inexpensive is to save plastic grocery bags and use them instead of buying waste bags. Picking up your pet’s waste is not only a nice thing to do for those in the area where you and your friend are walking; it also eliminates health issues that can result from exposed pet waste.

Cleaning up can be a problem if your dog is having digestive issues. Here are some pet waste hacks to help with those issues. If your dog is having diarrhea issues, feed them a mixture of bland-cooked chicken with cooked rice. It can help settle your dog’s stomach and firm up their waste. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if your dog is suffering from constipation, you can add pumpkin puree (the plain pumpkin, not the pumpkin pie mix) to your dog’s food – the fiber in the pumpkin will help get things moving again.

Of course, one of the most convenient pet waste hacks is to hire a pet waste removal company. They will come to your home and clean up the pet waste in your yard, and you don’t have to lift a finger. This is especially nice if you like to entertain in your yard or if you have small children. Hiring a pet waste removal company can be done just once or continuously, so you never have to worry about the work.

Got Poop AZ provides these one-time services or cleanings on a regular schedule. And your first clean-up is free if you set up a monthly service! Our pet waste removal professionals can come clean weekly, bi-weekly, or even just once a month. Our one-time clean-up service’s price will depend on the size of your yard. Call today at (480) 202-0296 to get started!