As a dog parent, you know that items like food, grooming tools, and toys can really add up. Wouldn’t it be nice to learn homemade dog food recipes, DIY dog toys, and natural cleaning products to ease your wallet?
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or your favorite pastime is dog grooming, you’ll love these dog hacks. Don’t forget to check out more tips for your family after you’ve read through these.
1. Make homemade dog shampoo with baking soda, cornstarch, and lavender essential oil.
Check out the full recipe on how to make dry dog shampoo here.
2. Keep your pooch occupied for hours by filling a Kong with homemade dog treats.
And if you’re worried about getting your pet’s Kong clean, try throwing it in the dishwasher!
3. Freshen your dog’s breath by applying dog toothpaste to a lint remover, then have your dog lick it off.
4. Price match competitors’ ads in store at PetSmart to save money.
Be sure to check out the KCL PetSmart page to find the best deals before you head out. Here’s PetSmart’s full price-match policy and Petco’s full price-match policy.
RELATED: PetSmart Hacks You Won’t Want to Shop Without
5. Use a plastic pitcher as a dog food storage idea.
Bonus! If you don’t like paying full price for dog food, then make sure to check our dog food coupons and deals page before you go shopping.
6. Protect your dog’s paws in the snow with Vaseline.
Since dogs have a natural curiosity about new smells and textures, be sure to monitor your dog closely so they don’t lick the Vaseline off (which may cause an upset tummy). Try boots for dogs feet or a paw protector cream.
7. Repurpose an old tennis ball by turning it into a treat dispenser.
Check out these other amazing ways to save on cat and dog supplies, too.
8. Fill an empty syrup bottle with water and use it as a portable, squirtable water bottle.
RELATED: Unexpected Ways to Repurpose Plastic Laundry Detergent Containers
9. Use a shower cap as a DIY dog bowl when traveling.
10. Get rid of fleas with a DIY dog wash made from dish soap.
If you like using Dawn, then we also have Dawn Dish Soap Uses That Will Make Your Life Easier!
11. Or, spray apple cider vinegar and water on your dog’s coat to get rid of fleas.
12. Make a DIY dog toy by braiding strips of old T-shirts.
Directions
- Lay the T-shirt flat on your work surface with the front facing up.
- Starting at the bottom, cut the shirt into 2- to 3-inch-wide strips until you reach the top of the shirt.
- Gather your strips together and tie off one end.
- Separate the strips into thirds and braid. Tie off the other end.
- Trim any stray strips.
Pro Tip: A 2-inch strip makes a thinner toy, while a 3-inch strip equals a thicker dog toy.
You can also use old towels or jeans — anything your pup can sink her teeth into and that you won’t mind giving up.
13. Or, tie and braid strips of an old shirt around a tennis ball to make a DIY dog toy.
14. Make homemade dog treats with pumpkin and banana.