Lisa O
Owning a pup is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest—it also comes with a fair share of challenges. From cleaning up fur-covered furniture to dealing with zoomies at the worst possible moments, every dog parent has faced situations where they thought there had to be an easier way! Well, there is! Here are 15 dog life hacks that will make life fun for both you and your furry best friend.
The Two-Bowl Trick for Fast Eaters
If your dog devours food like it’s a competitive sport, it’s time for a simple fix. Placing a smaller bowl upside-down inside your pup’s regular food bowl forces them to eat around it, automatically slowing them down. It reduces choking risks, improves digestion, and prevents bloating—a condition that can be dangerous for large breeds.
DIY Frozen Treats for Hot Days
Dogs overheat quickly, and summer can be tough on them. Instead of store-bought treats packed with sugar, make your own cooling snacks. Blend plain yogurt with mashed banana or peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), pour it into an ice cube tray, and freeze. You can also freeze low-sodium chicken broth in ice cube molds for a savory, hydrating snack.
Tennis Ball in the Bathtub = Stress-Free Baths
If bath time turns into a wrestling match, distract your dog with something irresistible. Smear a little peanut butter (again, no xylitol!) on the bathtub wall or a suction cup lick mat. Then, stick a tennis ball to it. Your dog will be so focused on licking the peanut butter that they won’t notice you scrubbing them. This keeps them calm and makes baths quicker, easier, and far less messy.
Towel Under the Water Bowl = No More Wet Floors
Does your dog treat drinking water like a splash zone? Instead of constantly mopping up puddles, place a highly absorbent towel or a waterproof silicone mat under the water bowl. This prevents floors from becoming slippery (and dangerous) while soaking up excess dribbles. If your dog is a serious splasher, consider getting a no-spill water bowl designed to minimize mess.
Use a Lick Mat to Distract During Grooming
Dogs can be wiggly when it’s time for brushing, nail trimming, or ear cleaning. What can you do? Spread some peanut butter or yogurt on it and stick it to the floor or wall. While your dog happily licks away, you can groom them without resistance. This works wonders for anxious dogs, making them associate grooming with something positive.
DIY Tug Toy from an Old T-Shirt
Why spend money on expensive dog toys when you can make one at home? Take an old T-shirt, cut it into strips, and braid them together tightly. Tie off the ends, and you have a durable tug toy that your pup will love. Not only is this an excellent way to repurpose old clothes, but the scent of the fabric can be comforting for your pup.
Socks for Slippery Floors
If your dog struggles with slippery hardwood or tile floors, putting baby socks on their paws can give them a better grip. Senior dogs or those with arthritis benefit the most from this hack, as slipping can be painful and cause injuries. Look for dog-specific grippy socks or booties, but if your pup isn’t a fan, trimming their nails and keeping paw pads moisturized can also help improve traction.
Elevate Food Bowls for Large Dogs
For large breeds or older dogs, eating from a bowl placed on the floor can put strain on their neck and back. Lifting their food and water bowls to a comfortable height reduces this strain and improves digestion. You can buy an elevated feeder, but a sturdy box or stack of books under their bowl works just as well. Just make sure it’s stable so it doesn’t tip over.
Rubber Gloves for Shedding Fur
Struggling with endless dog hair on your furniture? Instead of using lint rollers constantly, put on a pair of damp rubber gloves and move your hands over the couch, carpet, or even your dog’s coat. The fur will stick to your gloves, making cleanup much easier. You can rinse the gloves off and use them again and again—cheaper and more effective than disposable lint rollers.
White Vinegar for Carpet Accidents
Dog pee on the carpet is a nightmare, but white vinegar can save the day. First, blot up as much of the mess as possible. Then, mix equal parts vinegar and water, spray the area, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting again. Vinegar neutralizes odors and breaks down stains, preventing your dog from thinking it’s their new potty spot. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners—since dog urine contains ammonia, it might encourage more marking.
Frozen Washcloth for Teething Puppies
Puppies going through the teething phase will chew anything—your shoes, furniture, even your hands. Give them relief by soaking a clean washcloth in water or chicken broth, then freezing it. The cold soothes their sore gums while providing a safe, satisfying chew toy. Just make sure to supervise them so they don’t swallow any fabric.
DIY Snuffle Mat for Mental Stimulation
Pups need mental exercise just as much as physical play. A snuffle mat—a fabric mat with hidden treats—turns snack time into a fun puzzle. You can make one by tying fleece strips onto a rubber mat and hiding kibble inside. It keeps dogs engaged, slows down fast eaters, and satisfies their natural foraging instincts.
Baking Soda for Smelly Dog Beds
Dog beds can develop strong odors over time. Sprinkle baking soda over the bed, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. Baking soda absorbs bad smells naturally without using chemicals. For that extra freshness, add a few drops of lavender essential oil (only dog-safe brands!) before washing the bed cover.
DIY Portable Water Bowl for Walks
If you forget your dog’s travel bowl on a walk, no need to worry. You can DIY a bowl for your pup. Find a clean, empty ziplock bag to make an emergency water bowl. Pour in some water, hold the sides open, and let your dog drink. It’s an easy and space-saving trick for when you’re on the go and need a quick hydration solution.
Tennis Ball in the Toy Box = Instant Fetch Fun
Does your dog ignore their toy box after a while? Revive their interest by tossing in a tennis ball and giving the box a shake. The movement and sound make it exciting again, encouraging them to dig in and rediscover old favorites. Rotating toys every few weeks also keeps things fresh—dogs love variety just as much as we do.