The Best Pet Hacks Every Owner Needs to Know
Nikita Kanyal | Feb 24, 2025, 23:51 IST
Uncover the best pet parenting tips to make your life easier and ensure your furry companion remains content and well. This guide covers everything from homemade toys and solutions for shedding to hydration methods and training advice. Whether you're addressing bad breath, arranging supplies, or soothing a nervous pet, these smart tips will change the way you look after your pet, providing a more enjoyable and relaxed experience for you both.
As pet guardians, we all strive to deliver the finest care available for our furry, feathered, or scaly companions. Yet, let’s be honest pet ownership can occasionally seem like a full-time occupation! From entertaining them to making sure they’re well and content, it can become daunting. That’s where some smart pet tricks can come to the rescue.
1.
Pets love toys, but they can be pricey, especially if your pet is a super chewer or easily bored. Save money and keep your pet entertained with DIY toys made from household items.
For Dogs: Turn an old T-shirt into a tug toy by braiding it. Or stuff a clean sock with an empty water bottle to create a crinkly chew toy.
For Cats: Use toilet paper rolls or wine corks to create interactive toys. Adding a little catnip makes them even more irresistible.
For Small Animals: Cardboard tubes from paper towels can be turned into tunnels or chewing toys for rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters.
If pet hair has taken over your home, you’re not alone. While shedding is a natural part of owning a pet, there are ways to minimize it.
Regular Grooming: Daily brush your pet to eliminate loose fur before it becomes dispersed throughout your furniture.
DIY Fur Roller: Use tape (sticky side outward) wrapped around your hand or take a slightly damp rubber glove to collect pet hair from upholstery.
Pet-Friendly Vacuum: Purchase a vacuum that has attachments designed for pets to maintain fur-free floors and furniture.
By managing shedding effectively, you will have a cleaner home and promote a healthier coat for your pet.
Accidents and emergencies can happen, so it’s best to be prepared. A pet-specific first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Include essentials like:
Hydration is crucial for your pet’s health, but some pets can be picky about drinking water. Here are a few tricks:
Pet Water Fountains: Numerous pets favor flowing water instead of stagnant bowls. Pet water fountains motivate them to consume more.
Ice Cube Treats: During warm days, freeze low-sodium chicken broth or watered-down tuna juice into ice cubes for a refreshing and flavorful treat.
Multiple Water Stations: Position water bowls in various locations throughout your home to facilitate drinking for your pet.
These tips guarantee your pet remains hydrated and content, even on the warmest days.
Training your pet doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. These hacks can help streamline the process:
Clicker Training: Use a clicker to mark good behavior, followed by a treat. This method works for dogs, cats, and even birds!
High-Value Treats: Keep your pet motivated by using extra-tasty treats during training sessions.
Short Sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to hold your pet’s attention and prevent frustration.
Consistency and patience are key, and these hacks will help you train like a pro.
If your pet gets anxious during storms, fireworks, or trips to the vet, try these calming techniques:
DIY Thunder shirt: Wrap your pet snugly in a soft T-shirt or towel to mimic the calming effect of a Thundershirt.
Soothing Sounds: Play calming music or white noise to help mask stressful sounds.
Natural Calming Aids: Products like lavender-scented sprays or pet-safe calming chews can ease anxiety.
These hacks create a more relaxed environment for your pet during stressful situations.
Paws are sensitive and require special care, especially in extreme weather conditions. Protect and pamper them with these tips:
DIY Paw Balm: Mix coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter to create a natural balm that soothes and protects paw pads.
Paw Cleaning Station: Keep a shallow tub of warm water by the door to clean your pet’s paws after outdoor adventures.
Booties for Extreme Weather: Invest in pet booties to protect paws from hot pavement or icy sidewalks.
These hacks ensure your pet’s paws stay clean and comfortable year-round.
1. DIY Pet Toys : Budget-Friendly Fun
DIY Pet Toys
( Image credit : Pexels )
Pets love toys, but they can be pricey, especially if your pet is a super chewer or easily bored. Save money and keep your pet entertained with DIY toys made from household items.
For Dogs: Turn an old T-shirt into a tug toy by braiding it. Or stuff a clean sock with an empty water bottle to create a crinkly chew toy.
For Cats: Use toilet paper rolls or wine corks to create interactive toys. Adding a little catnip makes them even more irresistible.
For Small Animals: Cardboard tubes from paper towels can be turned into tunnels or chewing toys for rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters.
2. Stop Shedding in Its Tracks
Regular Grooming
( Image credit : Pexels )
If pet hair has taken over your home, you’re not alone. While shedding is a natural part of owning a pet, there are ways to minimize it.
Regular Grooming: Daily brush your pet to eliminate loose fur before it becomes dispersed throughout your furniture.
DIY Fur Roller: Use tape (sticky side outward) wrapped around your hand or take a slightly damp rubber glove to collect pet hair from upholstery.
Pet-Friendly Vacuum: Purchase a vacuum that has attachments designed for pets to maintain fur-free floors and furniture.
By managing shedding effectively, you will have a cleaner home and promote a healthier coat for your pet.
3. Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Pet Emergency Kit
( Image credit : Pexels )
Accidents and emergencies can happen, so it’s best to be prepared. A pet-specific first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Include essentials like:
- Gauze and bandages
- Tweezers for splinter removal
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pet-safe pain relief (consult your vet for recommendations)
- Emergency contact numbers for your vet and a nearby animal hospital
- Keep the kit in an easily accessible spot, and you’ll be ready for anything.
4. Easy Ways to Keep Pets Hydrated
Hydration
( Image credit : Pexels )
Hydration is crucial for your pet’s health, but some pets can be picky about drinking water. Here are a few tricks:
Pet Water Fountains: Numerous pets favor flowing water instead of stagnant bowls. Pet water fountains motivate them to consume more.
Ice Cube Treats: During warm days, freeze low-sodium chicken broth or watered-down tuna juice into ice cubes for a refreshing and flavorful treat.
Multiple Water Stations: Position water bowls in various locations throughout your home to facilitate drinking for your pet.
These tips guarantee your pet remains hydrated and content, even on the warmest days.
5. Training Made Easy
Training Made Easy
( Image credit : Pexels )
Training your pet doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. These hacks can help streamline the process:
Clicker Training: Use a clicker to mark good behavior, followed by a treat. This method works for dogs, cats, and even birds!
High-Value Treats: Keep your pet motivated by using extra-tasty treats during training sessions.
Short Sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to hold your pet’s attention and prevent frustration.
Consistency and patience are key, and these hacks will help you train like a pro.
6. Reduce Anxiety with Calming Tricks
DIY Thunder shirt: Wrap your pet snugly in a soft T-shirt or towel to mimic the calming effect of a Thundershirt.
Soothing Sounds: Play calming music or white noise to help mask stressful sounds.
Natural Calming Aids: Products like lavender-scented sprays or pet-safe calming chews can ease anxiety.
These hacks create a more relaxed environment for your pet during stressful situations.
7. Keep Paws Safe and Clean
Keep Paws Safe and Clean
( Image credit : Pexels )
Paws are sensitive and require special care, especially in extreme weather conditions. Protect and pamper them with these tips:
DIY Paw Balm: Mix coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter to create a natural balm that soothes and protects paw pads.
Paw Cleaning Station: Keep a shallow tub of warm water by the door to clean your pet’s paws after outdoor adventures.
Booties for Extreme Weather: Invest in pet booties to protect paws from hot pavement or icy sidewalks.
These hacks ensure your pet’s paws stay clean and comfortable year-round.