Life Hacks for Dog Owners

Dogs are great friends and companions. Fido has been by our sides for thousands of years, providing unconditional love and loyalty, and filling our lives with tail wags, laughter . . . and dog fur. We love our canine friends, but caring for Fido and picking up after him does take work. We can help! Below, a Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers life hacks for dog owners.

Did you know that a squeegee is great at getting fur off your couch? You can also use a damp sponge or rubber dish gloves.

Does your pet turn into a quivering ball of anxiety during thunderstorms? At the first sign of bad weather, rub an unscented dryer sheet along Fido’s fur. This will remove static electricity, which may be one reason dogs hate storms so much.

For a quick way to entertain your dog, turn a muffin tray upside down and put a few pieces of kibble in it. Fido can amuse himself for quite a while trying to get his treat.

Get a carabiner, and put it on the end of your dog’s leash. This makes it easy to tie Fido up at picnics, or during a visit to a doggy café.

Designate a jacket to wear just when walking Fido. Put waste baggies, a whistle, a flashlight, and a spare set of keys in the pocket. If you listen to music when walking your pet, get an MP3 player and earbuds, and keep that in it as well. (Safety tip: always listen to music at low volumes, so you can hear what’s happening around you.)

Do you like to take your dog out and about? Get a car caddy that attaches to the back of your seat. Keep a spare leash, treats, collapsible bowls, and waste baggies in it. Also, keep a few gallons of water in your trunk.

Want a quick way to get that furry tail wagging on hot days? Put crushed-up doggy snacks or apple slices (not the seeds) in an ice cube tray, and pour sodium-free broth over them. Pop out one or two when you want to give your canine buddy a treat.

Do you have questions or concerns about dog care? We are here to help! Contact us, your local Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, anytime!