Best Life Hacks: Pet Edition

Best Life Hacks: Pet Edition

By: Emily Griffith

We all have that one friend who functions as the MacGyver of your circle. You call this person for substitutes when you run out of milk in recipes. You text them to help with kids’ science fair projects. They just know everything! Thanks to the emerging geniuses who have furry friends, we have found some truly incredible and thrifty pet-based lifehacks! Whether you are remodeling your home and wish to add a pet space under your stairs or you just want a quick and simple toy, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of our favorites from the brilliant pet parents of the internet:

1.)DIY Treat Dispenser

If you have a high-energy pup like I do, you will relate to your animal being extremely playful and in need of mental stimulation as well. I love DIY treat balls from a tennis ball, because they provide a certain level of physical activity coupled with some mental exercise as well. The steps are very simple. Take a regular tennis ball from any local sporting goods store and carefully make an incision with a knife or scissors. Be sure to clear any loose or hanging rubber from the inside before inserting any treats. To insert the treats, simply squeeze the ball, forcing the incision to flex open and outward. Drop the treats inside, preferably something with a decently sturdy texture, and then its playtime! For an even more effective way to tire out your pet, sit uphill and roll the ball down a gentle grade. Be sure you know if your breed has any health issues, such as hip dysplasia, before doing so to prevent injury. Remember, a good dog is a tired dog!

2.)DIY Pet Home/Nightstand

Sometimes the crates and other homes we give our pets can be well, unsightly or just imply clutter the room. Solution: Take a piece of furniture, say a nightstand or small dresser, and remove the bottom drawers to allow plenty of headroom for your pet. Try to keep a top drawer so that it can still function as your furniture while still being your pet’s own special space. Place a pillow and all your pet’s favorite toys there and you have yourself a stylish pet house that is also stylish for your human home!

3.)Food Safety Hack

Most pets have a healthy eating rhythm, but for others, food can be a stressful event. Some pets get so worked up, especially dogs, when food or dinner time is near and they end up choking on food from eating too quickly. This is such a task if you own a pet who is prone to inhaling their food, but not anymore! Place a tennis ball in the bowl and allow it to cover the food. Now your pet must pause and nudge or move the ball in order to access the food below it. This is just enough of a delay that it may help reduce the risk of choking due to excitable eating.

4.)DIY Dog Dentist Hack

Okay, before anyone jumps to conclusions, you can NOT be a pet dentist for any reason, unless that reason is a license! But, a quick tip to fix bad breath: Parsley. Sprinle some fresh parsley over the food as it has properties that help to rid of bacteria that causes bad odor. Most pets enjoy the taste and it is good for them, so give it a try. I advise that you first consult with a veterinarian to ensure there are no sinister underlying health causes that would require treatment from a licensed professional.

5.)Pet Hair Cleaning Hack

We know how much you love them, but we could ALL live without the excessive amounts of pet hair. Your animal, just like you and your hair, sheds and often that shedding attaches to our couches, in our cars, and all over our clothes of course. When it comes time to clean around the house and car, grab a standard garden glove, like the yellow ones your grandma waters her roses with. That magical rubber glove is perfect for gathering every last hair into a vacuum-ready pile. I personally use this hack specifically for when cleaning my car. Think about all of those narrow crevices, in between your seat and center console, the part where the window meets the back headrests. Take your hand an grab and lift away the dirt and hair, keeping your vacuum on hand to eliminate whatever loosens up.

6.)Now That IS Progressive

Many people who have pets have probably never thought about how to cover them in terms of insurance on your vehicle. First, call your insurance company and ask if pets are covered in automobile accidents, especially if you have a family-based policy. Progressive insurance definitely offers coverage for pets in car accidents, offering to even cover veterinary expenses from the incident. Be sure to contact yours today and see where you stand. In the event that your company doesn’t offer such a plan and you don’t want to switch, look for an emergency credit card, just for vet bills or perhaps with perks pertaining to such. Care Credit is rumored to be perfect for just this because they do not charge interest for the first year on veterinary expenses.

7.)Travel & Lodging Hack

If you are like me, you either take your pets on vacation or you don’t take a vacation! Luckily, I have two fantastic hacks for this one. First and foremost, if you are reading this, you know who we are. But if you are new, remember to call Gwinnett Pet Watchers to meet your pet care and sitting needs. We do a wide array of visit types, from drop ins an 15 minutes all the way to moving into your home for the duration of your trip so that your pets are in their own home and never alone with plenty of love. Second to this, certain hotels and other lodging options offer up the chance to bring your pet along on vacation. The LaQuinta allows you to bring your pet, no charge, however this is not the commonality in regards to fees for pets. While they still ask for a deposit, I’ve used Atwood Vacation rentals in South Carolina for places near Edisto and Charleston. We were able to keep our loud barker, but otherwise a good dog by our sides during our trip. For that convenience, the fees will always be worth paying in my opinion.

Like what you are reading? Great! There are more pet hacks, helpful articles, and food and travel tips to come! Stay tuned and thank you for reading.

Events for Saturday, September 20th

There are two events on Saturday, September 20, 2014.  The first is Bark for Life Canton.  The American Cancer Society sponsors it and it is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.  Go walk for a great cause!  The other event the 10th annual Hot Lips Hustle 5K in Marietta. This fast, flat, certified 5K race in Marietta is fun for the whole family (and dogs, too)! Chip timing, live DJ, trophies in 14 age groups, prize giveaways and great t-shirts define the Hot Lips as the must-run race of the fall. Entries will be capped at 500 participants for this celebratory event, so register now! Families, dogs, runners and all walkers are welcome. All dog participants receive special collar tags and the top three dog finishers receive special awards. This race was founded by a Marietta girl born with cleft palate who wanted to give back to needy families with children who cannot afford treatment for this crippling birth defect. Since inception, the Hot Lips Hustle has changed over 200 children’s lives through The Smile Train.  People are encouraged to let their dogs participate for an additional $5 per dog.  Both of these activities are benefiting great causes!

Upcoming events for the weekend September 5-7

There are two notable events coming up this weekend that you may want to check out.  One is the Evening in Paris hosted at the Gwinnett Arena.  On Saturday, September 6 the Georgia SPCA hosts their most luxurious gala event of the year. Come see and be seen and support the important work of the Georgia SPCA.  Enjoy an evening reminiscent of Parisian nightlife, featuring dinner, cocktails, dancing and a spectacular doggie haute couture fashion show!  Special guest, Xena the Warrior Puppy, winner of the ASPCA Dog of the Year 2013, will join in for the festivities.  The other event is Frankie’s Friends Doggone Run.  Fetch your sneakers (and Fido or Fluffy) and join Frankie’s Friends Doggone Run anytime the weekend of September 5-7 for a unique, virtual 5k event that will put thousands of runners across America on the road to raise funds to help sick and injured pets who need lifesaving medical care. It’s easy and fun! A virtual 5k is just like any other race — but without an official location. Participants register, create their own teams for fundraising — or participate as individuals — and then run, walk, bicycle or skip during the designated race weekend — when you want and where you want. Come check these events out and have a great time!

This weekend in Atlanta…

There is an event this weekend in Atlanta that is for a very good cause.  It is not in Gwinnett, but you may want to venture into the city for this one.  This event is listed on the Gwinnett Pet Watchers events page.  It is the 3rd Annual Ahimsa House Walk, Wag, N’ Run 5K race and 1-mile Fun Run on Saturday, August 23, 2014 in Lenox Park in Brookhaven. The proceeds benefit Ahimsa House, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the links between domestic violence and animal abuse. Anywhere in Georgia and at no charge, Ahimsa House provides emergency pet safe housing, veterinary care, pet-related safety planning, legal advocacy, a 24-hour crisis line, outreach programs, and other services to help the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together. To date, Ahimsa House has provided over 37,000 nights of safe, confidential shelter for pets in need. In 2013, they took in 38% more animals than in 2012, and received 26% more crisis calls than the previous year. Ahimsa House relies on individual donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships. They are run almost entirely on volunteer labor and receive many in-kind donations of goods and services, making us highly cost-effective.  Join their efforts to help people and pets escape domestic violence by participating in Walk, Wag, N’ Run. All proceeds go directly to help Ahimsa House provide these critical services. You can register to run, form a team and help raise donations, become an event sponsor, or just learn more by visiting www.ahimsahouse.org

An Upcoming Event at Lenora Park in Snellville

This Saturday, August 16th, there will be a pet friendly event in Snellville at Lenora Park in Gwinnett County, Georgia.  Milo’s Kitchen will be sponsoring a truck treat stop with their own food truck to serve your pooches.  We, Gwinnett Pet Watchers, have the details for the event on our website Events page.  The event will be held from 2-4pm and will be giving free samples out of Milo’s Kitchen home style treats to your pups.  All of their products are made in the USA.  They will also have family portraits, personalized give aways, and information on their products.  Lenora Park is located at 4515 Lenora Park Road in Snellville, GA.  The truck will also be at Bark in the Park on Sunday August 17th at 755 Hank Aaron Drive with the Atlanta Braves.  The truck has been touring the United States all summer promoting their treats.  You can follow their schedule www.MKTreattruck.com.

Dog Friendly Restaurants in Gwinnett County

Looking for a place to dine with your dog in Gwinnett County?  Well, there are several places in the area where you can share a meal with your pooch.  If you are looking for a sweet treat, Bruster’s Real ice cream has several locations in the area that offer pet friendly seating.  They also have special “doggy ice cream” treats for you pet.  There are locations in Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Dacula, Grayson, and Suwanee.  If you are in the Snellville area, Panera Bread and Fratelli’s Pizza both offer a dog friendly patio.  The 1910 Public House in Lilburn offers a dog friendly patio with a dog loving staff.  They even have a greyhound as their mascot.  If you are in the Norcross area, Loving Hut, a vegan restaurant, and and Iron Horse Tavern offer pet friendly seating.  The Iron Horse Tavern also sponsors a doggie meet and greet each summer.  Chipotle Mexican Grill in Duluth and Five Guys Burgers in Suwanee both offer pet friendly seating.  Rising Roll Gourmet in Lawrenceville has fast sandwich service and a water bowl on their patio just for your pups.  Ray’s New Pizza in Buford has a fun atmosphere and loves pups on their patio.  With all of these places to choose from, you can dine with your pup every day of the week.  I am quite sure your canine friend would enjoy it just as much as you!