23 Genius Dog Hacks Every Owner Needs to Know (Your Pup Will Thank You)

We all want to give our dogs the best life possible. But let’s be real—it takes a lot to care for them every day. From chewing to digging to weird bathroom habits, dogs come with their own set of challenges.

The good news? Plenty of easy tricks can make things smoother for both of you. Here are 23 dog hacks to make your pup’s life more fun—and yours a little easier.

1. Stop Furniture Chewing

If your dog loves to chew on your table legs or cables, try spraying them with bitter apple spray. The pungent smell and taste keep most dogs away. But if you regularly give your dog sticks to chew or fetch, you might make them love wood in general—including your furniture.

2. Freshen That Doggy Breath

Parsley isn’t just for people. A sprinkle of fresh parsley in your dog’s food can help fight stinky breath. It’s natural, safe, and tackles the bacteria that cause that bad smell.

3. A Trick for Brushing Teeth

Most dogs hate getting their teeth brushed. Instead of fighting them, squeeze dog-safe toothpaste onto a rope toy or chew. While they gnaw away, they’re cleaning their teeth. It’s easy, hands-free, and they won’t even notice.

4. Clean Up Accidents with Baking Soda

If your dog pees on the carpet, baking soda can help. Just sprinkle it on the damp spot or over an old stain. Let it sit overnight to soak up the odor, then vacuum. It’s cheap, easy, and works.

5. Chicken Popsicles for Hot Days

Hot outside? Pour chicken or beef broth into an ice cube tray and freeze it. These “popsicles” make great summer treats. You can even stick a mini dog biscuit inside for extra fun.

6. Print a No-Food List

Please list foods dogs shouldn’t eat and stick them on the fridge. It’s especially helpful when you have friends over or if someone else is watching your dog.

7. Protect Those Paws in Winter

Ice, salt, and cold weather can hurt your dog’s paws. Use booties or rub a little Vaseline into their paw pads before going outside. After walks, wipe their feet to remove any harmful chemicals.

8. Make a Digging Zone

Some dogs love to dig. Instead of fighting it, could you give them a digging box in the yard? You can bury toys or treats to keep them interested. Also, remember that overheating can make dogs dig—so keep them cool on hot days.

9. Keep Ears Dry with a Shower Cap

Bath time? Put a shower cap on your pup to keep water and soap out of their ears and eyes. Some dogs don’t love it, but you can gently place it before rinsing and use treats to keep them calm.

10. Backyard Pool Fun

Fill a small inflatable pool with cold water on hot days and toss in some toys. Many dogs love splashing around, and it’s a fun way to help them stay cool.

11. Calm Anxiety with Music

Dogs get stressed, too. Soft classical music can lower their heart rate, reduce barking, and help them relax. Try playing it when your dog is alone or during thunderstorms.

12. Get Rid of Hair the Easy Way

Put on damp rubber gloves and rub them over your couch or car seats. The hair will stick and clump up. You can also use a window squeegee on fabric to pull up the fur with little effort.

13. In Case of Emergency: Induce Vomiting

If your dog eats something dangerous like chocolate or grapes, hydrogen peroxide can help them throw up. Use one teaspoon per 10 pounds of weight. Always call your vet first, especially if you have a short-nosed breed like a bulldog.

14. Quick Tick Removal

Besides using tweezers, soak a cotton ball in liquid soap and press it over the tick for a few seconds. The tick will let go on its own. Never pull ticks with your fingers—you could make things worse.

15. Downhill Fetch for Tiring Them Out

Need to burn off that endless energy? Try downhill fetch. Throw the ball down a hill so your dog runs down and back up. It tires them out quicker than flat-ground fetch.

16. Say Goodbye to Fleas

A bath with Dawn dish soap kills fleas fast. You can also use apple cider vinegar spray—fleas hate the smell. It’s a natural way to protect your pup from unwanted bugs.

17. Help During Thunderstorms

The scary part for your dog may not be thunder but the static buildup in their coat. Wipe them down with a dryer sheet to remove static, and give them cuddles to help them calm down.

18. DIY Doggy Nail File

Don’t want to trim your dog’s nails? Attach sandpaper to a board and teach your pup to scratch it. They’ll file their nails while playing. It’s safer and stress-free.

19. For Fast Eaters: Slow Them Down

Place a tennis ball in their food bowl if your dog eats too fast. It forces them to move the ball around, slowing down how quickly they eat. Fast eating can lead to choking or even dangerous bloating.

20. Play “Hurt” to Catch a Loose Dog

Instead of chasing your dog when they run off, fall to the ground and pretend to be hurt. Most dogs will run back to check on you. It works better than chasing, which makes them run faster.

21. Teach a Fail-Safe Recall Word

Choose a special word like “treat” that your dog learns means big rewards. Use it only in emergencies and always reward generously when they come. That way, they’ll always come running.

22. Pillowcase Bed Covers

Dog beds can get gross fast. Cover them with pillowcases. When it’s time to wash, pull off the pillowcase and toss it in the laundry—easy and clean.

23. Keep Dogs Out of the Litter Box

Dogs and litter boxes don’t mix. Raise the litter box off the floor or place it behind a barrier. Cats can jump higher than dogs, so it keeps the box safe and clean.

A Thoughtful Ending

Caring for your dog doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. A few small changes can go a long way in making life easier for both of you. Whether calming them during a storm or helping them eat at a safer pace, these little tricks show how much we care.

The love, attention, and wise choices help our dogs live their happiest lives—and that’s really what it’s all about.