Life with dogs is happier. They don’t judge you and look forward to you coming home so they can give you all the love you need and play with you. Add to that the fact that they make even the saddest days better and are loyal. However, these people will also tell you that taking care of animals is a big responsibility. You need to take the animal to the vet for regular checkups, it needs to be groomed, you need to play with it, and you need to make sure it’s clean. Owning a dog means having to deal with hair and fur, fleas, ticks, dirt and smells. Don’t worry, we’ve put together some tips that can help you make your life with Fido as comfortable as possible.

1 Collect dog urine samples easily.

Sometimes it is necessary to collect urine samples from your dog. This usually happens when your dog has health problems and your veterinarian asks you to help him. The task may seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

This inexpensive solution from Amazon is just what you need. It looks like the usual small scoop, but it’s specially designed. Just be sure to label it so no one in the house uses it for food! We don’t need to tell you that this utensil doesn’t belong in the kitchen.

2 Don’t leave fur on your furniture.

Most people allow their pets to jump around, sit and lay on their furniture. This keeps them close to you. However, it also means that their hair is all over the sofa, which can be difficult to remove. How can you keep your furniture spotless if you have a pet?

Thanks to our great love for our furry babies, we humans have developed many ways. For example, you can use covers, sheets and blankets. You can also have covers custom made to match the rest of your home’s decor.

3 Make dry food more appetizing.

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that there are different types of dog food: Dry food, wet food, semi-moist food, and frozen or freeze-dried food. Dry dog food can sometimes be difficult for our canids to eat.

You can easily make it more palatable by adding hot water. Softening the food so it’s easier to nibble and chew is amazing for dogs with sensitive teeth. Keep this in mind, as it may prove beneficial in the future.

4 Say goodbye to your dog’s coat.

As much as we love the dogs in our lives, we don’t like the damage they leave behind, especially the hair that seems to get stuck everywhere. They can find themselves on our furniture, our clothes, and sometimes even on our skin.

Fortunately, there is now an easy way to collect them, and that is to use dryer sheets. They attract the dog hair like a magnet. Just rub them on your sofa or any other hairy surface and watch them work their magic.

5 Scratches? No problem

Dogs and cats have claws that they like to sharpen on furniture. So if you let them in the house, it’s normal for your wooden furniture to have scratches. Our solution? Take some walnut oil and rub it on your wooden furniture.

Walnut oil helps cover scratches, and it’s a slow-drying oil that tends to dry faster in a warmer environment. However, you can use it if you live in Alaska or a place where it is extremely cold. Unlike other oils, it will not go rancid.

6 Keep dog food cool

How do you keep dog food fresh? While we humans don’t like to eat food that isn’t fresh, keep in mind that dogs are no different. They prefer not to eat expired dry food. Once you open a bag of dog food, you need to store it properly.

Put it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer. These containers don’t have to be expensive, and you’ll probably find plenty of them in most grocery stores and online stores. Just make sure they are sealed airtight.

7 remedy for dogs who don’t like brushing their teeth.

Brushing your dog’s teeth is a necessary part of being a fur parent. Plaque can quickly build up and put your canine at risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease, and we all know what that means: more expenses and health risks.

If your dog is the type that doesn’t like having its teeth brushed, you can squeeze some doggie toothpaste onto a rope and let them bite and play with it. This is a good introduction to brushing so they won’t be so sensitive to it next time.

8 Dog barriers for safety and cleanliness

For some reason, dogs like to play in kitty litter boxes, which is not good for the rest of the household. It smells, and it’s unsanitary. If this is a common occurrence in your household, there’s something you can do about it.

Help keep your dog away from your cat’s litter box by not letting them get near it in the first place. A few options are purchasing an elevated litter box, a covered litter box, making a barrier, or buying a pet gate to put around the box

9 Picking up stray dog hairs

You know pet hair is a big problem when we mention it several times. As much as we’d like to avoid it, we have to expect it to cover every surface when our pets run around the house. Sometimes they even end up in our food, but we love our pets anyway.

A suitable method that doesn’t cost a lot of money is to buy rubber gloves that you put on to pick up dog hair easily. Pet hair sticks to the rubber easily and almost immediately. Rub the gloves over your hair-covered furniture and voila!

10 Baking Soda Saves the Day

Baking soda is a lifesaver. Not only is it used in the kitchen, but it’s also indispensable when it comes to cleaning. You mix it with water and vinegar to clean tiles, countertops and even microwaves. Who knew it could also be used to clean up pet accidents?

Some pets have a habit of soiling the carpet, and we all know it smells terrible. Baking soda will help clean the fabric and get rid of the smell. Just sprinkle some baking soda on the spot where your dog has peed, leave it there for 20 minutes and then vacuum.

11 Protect your dog from bites.

As adventurous and curious as dogs are, they can suffer serious accidents, such as bee or other insect stings or bites from wild animals. This can be very painful, but you can ease your dog’s pain by pulling out the stinger.

But be careful, because there is always a risk that part of the stinger will stay in your dog’s skin. Use a credit card and scrape the barbs up and out with the straight edge of the card. This method is gentle and easy.

12 Place a bandana around the dog’s neck.

Hunting is a fun activity for both humans and dogs, but it can be dangerous if you and your dog are not wearing the proper clothing. You don’t want anyone to mistake you for another animal. There’s a great way for you and your dog to stand out.

Wear bright colors when you go hunting so everyone can easily spot you. Orange is the color of choice, but you can wear other colors as long as you can attract the attention of others. If your dog doesn’t want to wear a vest, you can tie a bright bandana to protect him.

13 Don’t pet strange dogs.

Most dogs are adorable, and children love them. Children like to pet dogs, even if they are strangers, which can lead to accidents. In the U.S. alone, more than 4 million dog bites are reported each year.

Teach your children to stay away from strange dogs and ask owners for permission before petting an unfamiliar dog. Dogs don’t always like strangers touching them, just as we wouldn’t like strangers trying to touch us.

14 Kitchen squeegee to remove hair from the carpet.

If you have tons of dog hair on your carpet, you don’t have to despair because you are definitely not alone. This is a universal problem for furry pet owners, and for many of us it’s a daily struggle. Window cleaners are here to rescue you.

Yes, they can do more than just clean your windows. Just swipe them across the carpet and watch the hairs magically fly out. This trick doesn’t take much effort and makes cleaning a breeze.

15 Getting rid of drool marks

Dogs drool, and it’s something we can’t help. The only problem with dog drool is that it tends to stain clothing and furniture. While there are some steps you can take to minimize drooling, you should also know how to clean up the marks it can leave behind.

Scrubbing thoroughly with a brush takes a lot of time, and it’s also laborious. Get yourself some magic erasers and watch them work their magic. One swipe and the drool mark is gone. No sore arms the next day, just a clean sofa.

16 Play ball with popcorn.

Dogs love to play catch and fetch because it’s a canine instinct. Several dogs were bred specifically to retrieve objects for their humans. That’s why even now, many dogs are seen to love to chase different things, pick them up with their mouths and bring them to their humans.

Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t know how to catch, because you can train them. The wrong way is to throw toys in their face. It’s more effective to use unseasoned popcorn for this purpose, because it’s delicious and light. Plus, it’s tempting for them!

17 Give your dogs a vegetable and fruit treat.

When dog treats are mentioned, most people don’t think of fruits and vegetables. People usually think of dog cookies and rawhide bones. Most people don’t know that some types of products can be given to dogs as training treats.

Just make sure to choose those that are healthy and ideal for dogs. Peas and carrots are good treats because dogs like them. Apples, green beans, bananas and cooked sweet potatoes are other great options that your furry one will love.

18 Don’t let your carpet smell bad.

Fur, dog hair, stains, drool marks and odor are all part and parcel of having an adorable, loving dog at home. But you don’t have to just let things go. There are other options besides toughing it out.

You don’t have to buy special, expensive products to deal with the smell. You can make your own using things that aren’t aggressive to either you or your dogs with items you already have at home. There are many recipes on the Internet.

19 Kiddie pool turned dog pool

Kiddie pools aren’t just for kids. Trust us. Kiddie pools also entertain dogs and puppies. Some dog breeds enjoy the water more than others, such as the Boykin Spaniel, English Setter, German Shepherd and American Water Spaniel.

Water entertains them for hours. You can keep your pooch cool in the summer and give them a place to expend their energy by placing a plastic kiddie pool in the yard. Not only are they easy to install, but they’re also inexpensive.

20 Prevent dog hair from clogging the drain.

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned dog hair, and we’re telling you it won’t be the last. Hair is a common problem, and there are many remedies for it. Bathing your dog is essential if you want him to stay clean and healthy.

However, this also means that their fur could end up clogging the drain, especially if you have a super fluffy boi. Avoid clogging problems by taking a baby wipe and placing it over the bathtub drain. Press the bathtub plug over it and your problem is solved.

#21 Make them come back to you

Training your dog can be a challenge. You can make it fun, though, for both you and for your beloved canine.  Instructing dogs to obey the “come here” command is one of the basics that every dog must learn.

Give them a lot of praise and treats when doing so. Convince them that coming back to you is one of the best things they can do. If you don’t, your dog is likely to focus more on what he is chasing or sniffing. After all, it’s much more interesting in that moment.

#22 Prevent pulling on the leash

Dogs like to pull on their leashes, but some seem to do it more frequently than others. If this constantly happens to you, you can try a harness that clips in the front. Why? Because harnesses that clip on the back tend to encourage pulling.

Experts also advise getting rid of retractable leashes. It’s better to get a regular 6-foot leash because it gives your dog freedom, and it introduces to them the feeling of what it’s like to walk around with a loose leash.

#23 Prevent dog nails from bleeding

The most common cause of nail bleeds in dogs is trimming, when toenails are cut at the soft tissue found at the base of the dog’s toenail. To prevent this, you need to be careful not to cut your dog’s nails too short next time.

However, if it’s all been said and done, you can mix baking soda, flour, or cornstarch with water to stop the bleeding. Mix all the ingredients to make a thick paste and apply it to the nail with moderate pressure.

#24 No need to buy a pet bed

Dog beds run the whole gamut, from simple and cheap to luxurious and ridiculously priced. If money is not an issue for you, you can get the most stylish, comfortable, and expensive type, but don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money.

There is no need to shell out tons of cash for a pet bed because you can make one using materials already in your home. If you have plenty of old sweatshirts, you’ve hit the jackpot. You can easily create a comfy dog bed.

#25 Elevate your dog’s bowl

Elevated dog bowls have several advantages. It leads to better posture, helps with swallowing, slows down fast eaters, keeps dogs from lying down while eating, and keeps the feeding area much cleaner. Elevated dog bowls usually cost more than your standard food dish.

But you don’t need to spend the extra money because you can easily make your own elevated dog bowl. The internet is a gold mine for these DIY elevated dog bowls. They are easy to do, and don’t require a lot of time.

#26 Packing tape for loose pet fur

Here we go again with pet fur solutions. You’ll be hearing more about it throughout this list because it is the bane of a dog owners’ existences. Furniture and clothes attract and pick up dog hair and fur like crazy.

Lint rollers help remove fur from clothes, but what if you don’t have one handy? Do you go out with pet fur on your clothes and hope people don’t notice? Yout don’t have to. Get some packing tape and you will be fur-free in no time.

#27 Winter protection for doggos

Winter can be harsh, not only on humans but also on dogs, especially for those who don’t have extra thick fur. Most veterinarians would recommend getting a good paw balm but if you’ve forgotten to do so, do not worry.

Vets also advise getting your dog winter boots, but some dogs just don’t like wearing them. Most of us have Vaseline lying around the house, and you can apply this to your dog’s paws to protect them during harsh winters.

#28 Simple but fun toys for your dog

Toys for dogs and other pets can be costly, but they are necessary if you want to keep them entertained and want them to have something to spend their energy on and keep them busy. But you don’t need to spend so much money on toys.

You can easily make one by creating a simple puzzle toy using a muffin tin, tennis balls, and some treats. You can check the many DIY articles and YouTube videos on the internet to find ways to be more creative or simple, depending on want you want.

#29 Water bowls made with love

Another essential when you have pets in the home is to get a durable water bowl made with dog-friendly materials to ensure that your pet has sufficient hydration throughout the day. However, if you bought a bowl that requires frequent refilling, you might need a better one.

But you don’t need to buy one when you can easily make one. Not only will you be able to save money, but you will also be able to show off your DIY skills. This option features an upcycled plastic bottle and two boards. Looks easy, right?

#30 Chasing bubbles

No, we don’t want Adele’s “Chasing Pavements.” We would rather go with chasing bubbles because it sounds more fun and entertaining. This is what you should teach your dogs to do instead of treating other stuff in the house as prey.

Chasing bubbles can be a fun time not only for your dog but also for you. It takes advantage of their instinct and makes for easy exercise and playtime. Start by blowing a few bubbles and if they don’t show any interest, try aiming the bubbles at them.

#31 Support your arthritic dog

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints and is a common issue for dogs, too, not just humans. There are many ways to make arthritic dogs comfortable such as massage and exercise, controlling your dog’s weight and diet, as well as consulting your vet for possible treatments.

For extra support, you can also make a sling for your dog. It can make a world of difference. You can easily turn grocery bags into dog slings by cutting the sides off the bags. This takes less than 5 minutes to do and turns the bag into a proper sling.

#32 Keep your dog entertained with a stuffed Kong

Sometimes keeping your dog entertained can be difficult. The good news is a stuffed Kong can help you with this and keep their attention for some time. Dog Kongs are easily found in pet stores, and if you already have one at home, so much the better.

Stuff the Kong with a variety of treats, and if you want to make the challenge tougher for your canine, you can freeze the goodies in the Kong. No, you don’t need fancy treats. You can even use healthy nutritious foods for your dog.

#33 Brush your dog’s teeth regularly

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly can help you avoid expensive dental visits, as well as medical treatments. They say that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, and that is certainly true when it comes to your dog’s health.

No need to get a fancy toothbrush; you can use the same kind you use. However, you need to make sure you pick out a toothpaste meant for dogs. Brushing should be done at least three times a week for the best results.

#34 Make simple dog treats

Yes, having a dog as a pet can be expensive, especially if you’re not into DIY-ing stuff. But the thing is, instead of buying a lot of doggie things, you can make them on your own, with the help of videos and step-by-step instructions on the Internet. It doesn’t have to be annoying!

Dog treats are easy to make. An advantage of making your dog treat is that you know exactly what’s in them, and you can make sure it’s healthy. No need for complicated recipes; they can be made with as few as five ingredients.

#35 Use old clothes wisely

Old clothes may no longer look nice and may not be worn out of the house, but they still have plenty of purposes. They can be used as rags to clean and wipe stuff dry with. They can be used to clean the car and can also be used as rugs for dirty shoes.

Old clothes can also be used to make a tug toy for your doggie. Braid your old t-shirts into a tug toy rather than throwing them out. This way, you’ll be able to save money and use it for something more important.

#36 Frozen dog treats which your doggo will love

Frozen dog treats are great for hot summer days. While we humans can keep ourselves cool by eating ice cream and drinking cold juice, your furry friend can’t do the same. But you can keep them cool too by giving them frozen dog treats.

Contrary to the rumors, it is perfectly safe to give your dog frozen treats and ice during hot summer days. Consider what kind of eater your dog is, and you might need to allow the food to thaw a bit to avoid any damage to the teeth.

#37 Make your dog Find the Treats

Life need not be boring for you or your dog. Inject some fun into your games and make games exciting for the both of you by hiding treats throughout the house and teaching your dog how to find them.

This will not only keep your dog busy, but it will also stimulate your dog’s brain and senses, too, as he has to use his nose to sniff out the treats. It’s an indoor game that will soon become your dog’s favorite, and it will prevent them from wreaking havoc on the furniture.

#38 Ticks

Most dogs get ticks because they go outdoors, walking through areas with tall grass and trees. The thing is, you can’t keep canines locked indoors because it will affect them emotionally and physically. They have to be allowed to let out and enjoy the outdoors.

Your dog may get ticks, but you can help remove them, and no, we don’t want you doing that by hand. Get some fine-tipped tweezers and use them to grab the ticks by their mouth. Make sure you wear gloves because of the risk of disease.

#39 Opt for a homemade flirt pole

Also called a flirt stick, the flirt pole is a piece of exercise equipment meant for dogs. Once it’s moved about, it entices the dog to chase the fast-moving lure that’s attached to it. It helps improve their skills and gives them the workout they need.

Flirt poles are readily available at brick-and-mortar stores and can also be ordered online. However, you don’t need to buy the commercial type. You just need some rope, pipe, and a toy to tie at the end of the rope. Just take it easy with the exercise, though, because it can be hard on dogs with joint problems.

#40 Get your dog to take his medicine

Dogs can be very clever, and most of the time, they know when you’re trying to get them to take their medicine. They seem to have a sixth sense about those things, and the moment they realize you’re concealing pills in their food, they’ll stop eating.

Make a pill pocket so that even the cleverest dog won’t know that there’s a medicine somewhere in there. Peanut butter is one of the things they love the most. There are a few recipes online with only three ingredients that will work great.

#41 Entertain your dog with stuffed animals

The majority of dogs seem to be smitten with stuffed animal toys. They sleep with it, snuggle with it, and nibble on it. What makes them so appealing that dogs just can’t seem to get enough of them? They carry them around and are so protective of them.

A few dogs also like to destroy their stuffed toys, so there’s no sense in purchasing the very expensive types. Make one so you don’t have to feel guilty about the money you spent when they shred it to pieces.

#42 DIY digging box

Dig, dig, dig. Is that all your dog seems to do? It’s only normal for dogs to dig because to them, it’s a fun activity, and it helps relieve stress. The most active diggers are often dogs who suffer from boredom or separation anxiety.

Constant digging comes with downsides, and one of them is your garden getting wholly obliterated, and your plants uprooted. Make a special digging box for your doggos and teach them to dig there instead of the garden or your beautifully-landscaped yard.

#43 Easy way to check for fleas

What do pet owners dread most about the summer months? Fleas constantly figure on the top five answers. These tiny, dark brown insects prefer high temperature and humidity levels, and to some dogs, they are more than just a summer problem.

Check your dog for fleas so that you can quickly remedy the situation. Have your doggo lay on a white sheet or towel while you brush and examine its fur at the same time. With the white sheet or towel, you’ll easily see any fleas that might fall from the fur.

#44 Tug of war with Fido

A game of tug can be fun, physically tiring, but also mentally stimulating. And no, don’t believe what they say. It doesn’t cause aggression in dogs. If you’re searching for an activity to add to your best friend’s routine, a game of tug is a perfect choice.

Just 5 minutes of the game can make a world of difference. It will tire him out and let him expend all his pent-up energy. Your canine companion will be less likely to exhibit behavioral problems and more likely to come when called.

#45 Keep your dog interested by switching its toys

Dogs are just like humans; they also get bored, especially when exposed to the same things every single day. They may love their new toy for a week, but the more they keep using it, the faster they become bored.

Keep their interest in toys by switching things up. A dog that hasn’t seen his stuffed toy for a month will be excited to play with it. They will appreciate things more when things go missing and they become excited the next time they see these things again.