Pets are fun and loving creatures to have around. That said, keeping a pet requires a high level of commitment and responsibility. Having a few hacks up your sleeve can help make things simpler and more convenient. You can even be able to save more money by making DIY kennels and pet toys. Here are a few tips to keep your pet healthy and happy.
1. Wrap electric cords with conduit
Not only is it dangerous for pets to chew on electrical cords, but it will also be expensive to keep on replacing damaged cords. You can protect your computer cables with split flexible plastic conduits, and your pet will eventually get bored and stop chewing on cables. All you need to do is cut the right length and push the cable through the slot.
2. Train your dog to communicate with bells
Ring a bell each time you want your dog to go outside or during mealtime. With time, your dog will associate the bell with either food or going outside. Go a step further and hang a bell at the doorknob. Your dog will soon start ringing the bell whenever they feel hungry or want to play outside.
3. Use hook and loop door fasteners
If you do not want your pets getting into restricted rooms, place adhesive door fasteners at the front of the trim and to the back of the door so that the door only opens inwards.
4. Lay ice bottles in rabbit hutches
Fill a bottle with water and let it freeze in the cooler. If you have a rabbit, it will appreciate lying next to a bottle of ice in the summer when temperatures are through the roof.
5. Make the food dishes ant-proof
Setting your pet’s food bowl in a pan of water will keep the ants away. An added advantage of this hack is that your pet can drink the water whenever they get thirsty. However, you must ensure the water is clean and fresh at all times.
6. Provide a healthy diet
Ensure your pet’s diet has a good balance of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fibers. A well-balanced diet like healthy raw dog food is the foundation of your pet’s overall wellbeing. It will protect against common issues like vomiting, loose stool, eye stains, and the likes. It will also prevent your pet from being a fussy eater.
For example, regular dog treats are high in calories and can cause your dog to put on a few extra pounds. To prevent dog obesity, switch out their high-calorie treats for plain rice cakes. They might be tasteless to you, but certainly not to them!
7. Use a garbage bag in the litter bin
We all know how annoying it is to clean up the litter box. to make cleanup easier and faster. So, perhaps you can place a disposable garbage bag in the litter box before adding the litter.
8. Make a plastic, rain-proof kennel
A good kennel can cost you bucks. You can save money by inverting a plastic storage bin, cutting a hole big enough for your dog to fit, and placing a dog bed beneath.
9. Turn a shower cap into a water bowl
When the sun is scorching and your dog is feeling thirsty, you could carry a plastic shower cap and fill it with water for it to drink on the go.
10. Make bath time easier.
Place a bath mat in the shower to prevent your pet from slipping during bath time. Use a sprayer instead of the shower to ensure water is not getting into your pet’s ears. Place a scrubbing pad on the drain to trap fur and prevent the drain from clogging.
11. Use enzymes on pet stains
Enzymes contain bacteria that eliminate odor by consuming organic matter in pet stains. After the bacteria run out of food to eat, they die, leaving your furniture clean. That is why experts recommend covering the enzymes with a wet cloth to keep the bacteria hydrated.
12. Make a birdbath out of a paint tray.
Birdbaths can be quite expensive, so why not make your own out of a paint tray? Yes, paint trays contain a gentle slope which gives your bird an option to wade in the shallow end or proceed to the deep end. The ribs provide excellent traction and prevent the birds from slipping.
13. Clean the birdbath regularly
Pour two cups of vinegar in the birdbath water, cover with a plastic bag and let it soak overnight. Scrub the bath thoroughly, rinse and refresh the water. A layer of builder’s sand at the bottom of the birdbath will attract butterflies and prevent the formation of toxic algae blooms.
14. Schedule regular trips to the vet
Ensure you take your pet to the vet at least twice a year for a checkup. Well, find a good vet that will make your pet feel safe. Talk to your vet about a suitable immunization schedule to protect them from diseases such as rabies and distemper.
15. Elevate the dog bowl using a bucket
Big dogs can hurt their necks struggling to reach their food bowl on the ground. Invert a plastic bucket and cut a hole big enough to fit the food bowls into the openings to prevent this from happening.
16. Ensure your pet is spayed/neutered
Spaying female cats reduce their likelihood of contracting cervical and ovarian cancer and prevents multiple pregnancies since she will not go into heat. A spayed kitty is less likely to roam the neighborhood in search of a male partner. Neutering male cats and puppies minimize aggression. It is also one way to protect against testicular cancer, plus they are less likely to spray urine all over your furniture.
17. Groom your pet
Keep up with at-home pet care such as brushing teeth, combing fur, and trimming nails. Ensure that your pet’s ears are clean and schedule visits to the groomer to trim long fur.
18. Ensure all toys are safe
Toys are a great way to keep your pets occupied and can be used for bonding. Be extra careful of stuffed toys that can pose a choking hazard or toys with sharp edges that can cause injury. Save some cash by making DIY toys for your pets and throw out any worn-out toys.
Final Remarks
That’s it! We hope you can add the tips into your everyday routine and see how big a difference they will make to your pet. Your best friend will appreciate any little adjustments you make for them to be happier!
