10 Pet Care Hacks That Can Ease Your Life from PetCareRX
If you’re a loving pet owner, you want only the best for the animal that shares your life. But today’s fast-paced lifestyle means we have to do two, three, sometimes four things at once, even when it comes to caring for your canine or feline companion.
At PetCareRX, we never want you to skimp on the things that make your dog, cat, or other pet happy and content. Here are some unusual but useful ways to cut a few steps off the pet care routine and still keep your animal’s needs first and foremost.
1. Make Your Dog Brush Its Own Teeth!
Keeping your dog’s teeth free of debris and food is essential to prevent plaque, which can lead to painful tartar buildup. Unfortunately, many dogs dislike having their teeth brushed; and some owners don’t have time to scrub Spot’s choppers. Some vets recommend a Nylabone or similar item; but for even better results, squeeze a little canine toothpaste onto the bone or another favorite durable chew toy. Result: dog cleans its own teeth!
2. Make Your Own Pill Pockets!
Pet stores and veterinarians sell pill pockets—meat-flavored packs which hide pills your dog hates to take. A favorite brand is Greenies, which makes a variety of pill pockets for dogs and cats. Pill pockets are a must-have for elderly animals or pets with a chronic condition.
If your dog or cat only needs pills occasionally, make your own! Pill “pockets” can be rolled quickly out of a tablespoon each of milk and peanut butter, mixed with two tablespoons of flour. The mix makes a dozen handy pill pockets.
3. Learn Doggie CPR!
There is such a thing as canine CPR. It’s used frequently for search-and-rescue dogs, K-9 dogs, and combat canines, and knowing how to do it can save your pet’s life, too. Canine CPR is not that different from human CPR, except the respirations are given down the dog’s (or cat’s) nose, and the chest compressions are much shallower. An animal’s pulse can be found midway down any of its legs. Check with your vet to see if classes are being offered!
4. See If Scaredy Dog Is Just Static Dog!
Dogs and cats often become anxious and nervous when a summer storm approaches. Owners often think their pets are scared of the thunder and lightning. But before breaking out the sedatives and Thundershirt, try running a dryer sheet over your pet’s fur. It may be that what’s making your pet crazy is the static electricity tingling its skin. Use an unscented, baby-safe dryer sheet for your pet’s safety. Static fur is the cause of stormy pet problems about half the time.
5. Get A Carryall Leash!
Dogs need walks. Humans need walks, too. The longer the better, but where to put all the keys, cell phones, doggie-cleanup baggies, and other accessories? Answer: Fozzie Leash! This standard leash comes with a built-in pocket below the hand grip, providing enough room for keys, phone, doggie treats, and waste baggies. Now you have no excuse for not getting out and walking the dog!
6. A Tea Party Cures Kitty Box Odors!
We all love our cats, and we all hate kitty box smell. Some good cat litters on the market reduce odors, and of course regular cleaning will prevent the smells from building up. But for an extra odor-eater, a layer of dry green tea leaves in the bottom of the litter box will suck up the urine odor as well as any fancy cat-box deodorant. Loose tea leaves can be purchased in bulk at any grocery store.
7. Bitter Apple Will Save Your Cords!
Cats love to chew electrical cords. This is not good for the cat, especially if the cord is plugged in; but even if not, the cat can easily swallow bits of plastic and metal. It is also not good for the human who finds his or her computer cable chewed through.
Behold the power of Bitter Apple spray. Made by many companies, including Grannick’s Bitter Apple, this harmless but unpleasant-tasting liquid will deter cats and small animals from chewing nearly anything.
8. Pine Cones Will Save Your Plants!
Everyone thinks of dogs doing the digging, but cats like to dig, too, especially in your indoor plants. Sometimes it is to use the pot as an auxiliary litter box, but more often it is just to play in the dirt. If your plants are too big to be put on a high shelf or enclosed in a terrarium, try putting small pinecones in the pot. Cats dislike the feeling of pine cones and won’t walk or dig in your plants. Little decorative pine cones can be found at garden supply stores.
9. Find an Escaped Gecko in the Last Place You’ll Look!
Finding a lost dog or cat can be difficult enough, but what if you have a pet that’s only six inches long and designed for stealth? Geckoes, iguanas, and other reptiles are popular pets, but what happens when one goes missing? Easy: check behind the fridge. Reptiles seek out warmth and moisture, and the back of the refrigerator provides both, as well as being dark and safe. Larger reptiles, like pythons, may hide in the bathroom, but smaller ones may head for the kitchen first.
10. Become A Lizard Veterinarian!
Little lizards are prone to scratching or injuring themselves on their cages. You may not want to run your gecko to the vet for every little cut, but it can’t be left unattended. If the wound is not too deep or dangerous, make a warm, shallow bath of Betadyne, and let your lizard soak in it for about 15 minutes. Then dab some Neosporin or other topical antibiotic on the wound, and wrap with gauze secured with tape. Repeat until the wound heals. If it doesn’t heal in a week, you’ll have to see a real vet.
These quick tips are not meant to be a replacement for visiting your veterinarian or pet-care specialist! PetCare RX has many of the products listed here and offers many non-prescription medications for your animal’s health and comfort. But if things get serious, remember: your animal’s health comes first.
