It’s no secret that keeping a pet is not an easy job. Although pets bring happiness and fun into our lives every day, this happiness and fun come with some challenges, extra work and unexpected problems. So, here are some inexpensive DIY pet hacks, as well as cleverly disguised tricks you may or may not have heard about before. 

Whether you are battling stubborn smells, excessive shedding, or excessive chewing issues, these 10 smart pet hacks will help solve common pet problems using household items or routines that are easy to adopt. Let’s check them out in detail and make your life easy. 

10 Smart Pet Hacks You Wish You Knew Sooner!

1 – Remove Pet Odors and Stains

You don’t need any strong chemicals to remove pet smells. A mixture of baking soda and vinegar works well. It naturally removes pet odors and unusual stains without any hassle. Follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle a good amount of baking soda on the stain
2. Let it sit for 30 minutes or more.
3. Vacuum thoroughly 
4. Spray the mixture of 1:1 vinegar and water, and let it stay
5. Blot dry and allow to air dry 

Bonus tip: For best results, treat accidents quickly. You may have to repeat this if you have a significant odor or a tough stain.

2 – Reduce Shedding 

A healthy, well-groomed pet is a happier pet, and less fur in your vacuum bag means one less chore for you. A healthier coat means less loose hair. Try these smart pet hacks for a shinier coat and fewer stray hairs:

• Add fish oil to meals as fish oil (rich in omega-3 fatty acids) can dramatically improve coat health. A spoonful of liquid salmon oil or a fish oil capsule (check dosage for your pet’s size) will make fur softer and reduce shedding.
• Sprinkle brewer’s yeast for coat health and make sure to start with about 1 teaspoon per day for small pets and up to 1 tablespoon for large dogs.
• Feed quality food and ensure hydration. For picky drinkers, consider a pet fountain to entice sipping.
• Regular brushing (daily for heavy shedders) physically removes loose fur before it ends up on your clothes. Use a brush or comb designed for your pet’s hair type. 

Bonus: Omega-3 fatty acids not only help skin and coat, but they also support joint health and heart function. 

3 – Protect Paws From Ice and Salt 

Winter walks bring icy sidewalks and rock salt, a harsh combination for sensitive paw pads. Ice, snow, and salt can crack sensitive paws. A little balm goes a long way. If you prefer a store-bought solution, many pet brands make paw balms with natural ingredients. But unscented lip balm or plain petroleum jelly is an effective budget-friendly alternative.

• Clean and dry paws before walks and wipe off any dirt or ice.
• Rub on unscented balm or paw wax.
• Wipe paws after walking to remove salt.

Bonus Tip: Trim nails regularly to prevent painful ice buildup between toes.

4 – Hide Pills Easily

Giving pets medication can be a struggle, but this food-based trick can turn it into an easy treat time. Hiding pills in penne pasta is a clever way to get a dog or cat to swallow medicine without a fuss. Follow these steps:

• Boil penne until soft.
• Slip pill inside the hollow tube.
• Offer as a treat or mix in food.

5 – Freshen Your Dog’s Breath

Bad dog breath is common, but before you reach for chemical mouthwash or let breath-mints roll on floors, try a natural chew: a cinnamon stick. Here’s how you can do it safely:

• Give a plain cinnamon stick to chew.
• Let your dog chew for a few minutes at a time.
• Use the cinnamon stick occasionally after meals or brushing.

Bonus Tip: Cinnamon fights odor-causing bacteria, naturally fresh and vet-approved (in small amounts).

6 – Natural Flea Repellent 

Fleas can be nasty, but the chemical flea collars and dips aren’t always appealing. For a preventive measure (not a cure for heavy infestations), try a natural flea-repellent mix of vinegar and coconut oil.

• Mix equal parts vinegar and melted coconut oil.
• Rub into fur (avoid eyes and mouth).
• Rinse after 20 minutes; repeat weekly.

Bonus Trick: Add vinegar to bath water for extra odor control and repellent power.

7 – Freshen Litter Box Odor

Cat litter boxes can emit strong odors, but you can make smells more manageable with an unexpected item: dry tea leaves. Both green and black tea contain tannins that naturally neutralize odors. Here’s how to use this smart hack:

• Sprinkle dry tea leaves into clean litter.
• Use dried tea bags in corners.
• Pour cooled tea water in litter occasionally.

Bonus Tip: Change tea with each litter refresh to keep things smelling fresh.

8 – Cat-proof Your Plants

Cat litter boxes can emit strong odors, but you can make smells more manageable with an unexpected item: dry tea leaves. Both green and black tea contain tannins that naturally neutralize odors. Here’s how to use this smart hack:

• Mix 1 part vinegar with 2–3 parts water.
• Spray the soil or pot edges (not leaves).
• Reapply weekly or after watering.

Bonus Trick: Add citrus peels to soil for double the deterrent.

9 – Quick Fur Removal 

Pet hair on furniture? Before buying a fancy vacuum attachment, try a simple rubber glove trick.

• Dampen glove slightly.
• Run over fabric to collect fur.
• Rinse glove and repeat.

Bonus Tip: Use a window squeegee on carpets or lint rollers for tight spots.

10 – Stop Furniture Chewing 

Is your pet treating your couch or table legs like a chew toy? One natural deterrent is citrus peels. Citrus scent is a natural no-go for dogs. Here’s how you can use it:

• Rub fresh citrus peels on furniture edges.
• Boil peels to make a citrus spray.
• Reapply daily until habit stops.

Trick: Give chew toys as a distraction and reward good behavior.

Conclusion 

To sum up, we can say that in this article we have narrowed down 10 smart pet hacks, all easy, natural and beneficial for pets and pet care. Whether it is a powder from your kitchen cupboard like baking soda, vinegar, or dry pasta, using gloves or citrus, each hack solves a common pet problem and requires little effort on your part. 

By using these tips, you can do everything from minimizing odors and managing fur, to protecting the environment and home for pets and people. Most of the tips are easy, tried and true, everyday, rustic approaches. So, try one or all of these hacks today. We hope they benefit you and help you change your pet care routine. You can also share these pet hacks with your fellow pet parents. Happy pet parenting!