5 Life Hacks for Pet Owners | Make Life Easier as a Pet Parent

Pets are a source of joy and happiness, but they can be a lot of work too. Between their feeding, training, grooming, and cleaning, it can be hard to find time to simply enjoy their companionship. However, that will no longer be the case if you have some life hacks for pet owners up your sleeves.

You don’t have to rely on trial and error to learn smart ways to look after your cat or dog. We searched the internet for pet parents who speak from experience. The following article lists their top tips for making life as a cat or dog owner so much easier.

1. All the Different Ways to Keep Your Furniture Fur-Free

No matter what type of cat or dog you own, one problem applies to all. They shed quite some hair!

Pet fur that gets stuck to bed covers, sofa, and other furniture can be a real pain to get rid of. But that happens only if you use the wrong tools for cleaning.

You won’t build any muscles using lint rollers or vacuuming the house for hours. So, forget those traditional tools and use the following items for cleaning loose pet fur instead:

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets can pick up loose pet hair on fabrics like magic. Simply rub a dryer sheet over your bed linen, couch, or even car’s seats and watch as the fur stuck on the fabric clings to it instantly.

Furniture Covers

Pet fur protective furniture covers offer a convenient way to keep your place clean and fur-free. They are quite inexpensive and come in a variety of styles that won’t compromise the aesthetic of your interiors. Rather than straining your wrist trying to get between tight spaces, you can just toss the cover in the washing machine. It’ll come out all clean and fur-free. Note that if your pet sheds too much hair, it’s better to dust the cover outside the home before washing it. This will keep the excessive fur from collecting in the washing machine and clogging the drain.

Rubber Gloves

Using rubber gloves is another incredible way of picking up loose pet hair, especially from hard- to-reach corners. Think about the fancy cuts around furniture. If you have run out of dryer sheets or don’t wish to use furniture covers, just use kitchen gloves instead. You will be surprised at how easy it becomes to clean fur-laden surfaces.

Window Squeegee

You probably know how annoying it is to remove pet hair lodged deep in rugs and carpets. Vacuum filters tend to choke too if your furry friends have a really thick coat or are considerably long-haired. This is where a window squeegee can make cleaning a breeze. Scrape it along the floor spread to avoid pet fur clogging your vacuum rollers.

2. Hide Scratch Marks on Wooden Furniture with a Walnut

They may have learned to behave well by now. But you probably have a few scratch marks on your door from when you first brought your fur friend home, and they tried to claw their way out. Or maybe they still like to have a go at scratching the bed post, chairs, and tabletops every now and then.

A quick fix for covering up those scratch marks is to rub a walnut over the damaged wood surface. The wood absorbs the natural oils from the nut, giving it a polished look. This wacky walnut hack is most effective on small wooden areas and grooves that don’t go too deep.

Remember to use the seed kernel of the walnut and not the outer shell itself.

3. Clean Pet Poop on Carpets and Sofas with Everyday Kitchen Items

Our four-legged friends can have a mind of their own when it comes to finding a spot to do their business. Why waste money on buying expensive pet waste cleaners when you can easily make one at home?

To clean pet urine from carpets and sofas, simply pour a generous amount of baking soda over it. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes before vacuuming it up.

To remove poop stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Add a drop or two of mild liquid detergent and apply it to the dirty upholstery. You can let it dry on its own or clean with a damp cloth afterwards.

4. Prevent Your Pet from Gobbling Up (and Choking) on the Food

You have probably seen a few instances where your fur friend wolfs down their food as if you haven’t fed them for days. Eating too fast can be problematic for pets and pet owners alike. They tend to demand more even after having a full serving. Plus, there’s a risk of choking. Gobbling down the food can also lead your dog or cat to vomit soon after finishing.

One of the best life hacks for pet owners is to put a tennis ball in their food bowl. This will force them to slow down as they will have to move the ball around to get to their food.

Of course, if they are smart, they will just roll the ball out of the bowl. If that happens, consider using a food-dispensing toy. Or you can also replace their food bowl with a small muffin tray. Divide the food in the molds, and it will automatically help them eat at a normal pace.

5. Use Old Sweatshirts to Make a Pet Bed

Your friend and family members might be tired of seeing you wear your favorite sweatshirt over and over again. But don’t throw it out just yet.

Stuff an old sweatshirt with pillow or cushion filling to make a nice comfy sleeping spot for your fur friend. You can watch the step-by-step process for upcycling a sweatshirt into a pet bed here.

If you have a couple of old t-shirts lying around, braid them together to create a fun tug toy.

Every new cat or pup parent should know these essential life hacks for pet owners. So, if you know someone who’s bringing a fur friend into their family, don’t forget to share this article with them