When it comes to grooming and pet care, you don’t always need expensive products or professional services. Many everyday household items can be used to keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and well-groomed. In this article, we will share 50 grooming and pet care hacks that you can try at home using readily available household products. These hacks will save you money and ensure your pets are clean, comfortable, and looking their best.
Vinegar Spray for Coat Quick Drying and Skin Health: Spray your dog’s coat with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to reduce drying time after a bath. This spray also helps remove odours and can reduce the risk of skin fungal diseases.
Coconut Oil for Detangling and Conditioning: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to tangled fur to make it easier to comb through. Coconut oil also helps condition the coat, leaving it soft and shiny.
Olive Oil for Shiny Coat: Rub a small amount of olive oil onto your pet’s coat to add shine and lustre. Be sure not to use too much, as it can make the fur greasy.
Cornstarch for Flea Control: Lightly dust your pet’s fur with cornstarch and rub it in. This can help suffocate fleas and reduce their numbers between flea treatments.
DIY Flea Shampoo: Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture as a natural flea shampoo for your pet.
Vinegar and Lemon Myrtle for Odour Removal: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then add a few drops of lemon myrtle essential oil. Spray this solution on carpets to eliminate pet odours.
Tea Tree Oil for Ear Cleaning: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of olive oil. Use a cotton ball soaked in this solution to gently clean your pet’s ears and prevent infections.
Witch Hazel for Hot Spots: Hot spots can have different underlying causes and treatments based on severity. It can be caused by bacteria getting into a break in the skin and humid weather conditions. A veterinarian may likely prescribe a topical treatment plus oral antibiotic. It’s important you act quickly to take them to a Vet, and do not just use natural ingredients for this one as they can very quickly get worse. Witch hazel to hot spots on your pet’s skin can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Make sure your pet doesn’t lick it off.
Green Tea for Flea Control: Brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and then use it as a final rinse after bathing your pet. Green tea can help repel fleas and soothe irritated skin.
Vinegar and Water Solution for Cleaning Crates: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to clean and deodorise your pet’s crate or carrier.
Baby Wipes for Quick Cleanups: Keep a pack of unscented baby wipes handy for quick cleanups between baths. They are gentle and safe for wiping your pet’s paws, face, and rear.
Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin: Blend uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to your pet’s bathwater. Soak them for a few minutes to relieve itching and soothe irritated skin. Note, itchy skin can be caused by flea bites, grass allergies, food allergies, and more. Do book a visit with your Vet to tackle this one if irritation lasts longer than a week.
Chamomile Tea for Skin Irritations: Brew chamomile tea, let it cool, and use it as a soothing rinse for your pet’s skin irritations or mild rashes.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Wound Cleaning: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water (1:1 ratio) and use it to clean minor cuts or wounds on your pet. Be cautious and consult your veterinarian for deeper wounds.
Saltwater Rinse for Wounds: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and use it to rinse and clean minor wounds on your pet. Saltwater can help prevent infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Itchy Skin: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your pet’s water bowl to help alleviate itching caused by dry skin or allergies. Do see a Vet if the itch continues past a couple of days as the allergic reaction may be due to something else.
Petroleum Jelly for Cracked Paws: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your pet’s cracked paw pads to moisturise and protect them from further damage.
Homemade Paw Balm: Make a soothing paw balm by mixing equal parts coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. Apply this balm to your pet’s paws to protect them from dryness and cracking.
Calming Lavender Spray: Create a calming environment for your pet by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spritz the air or bedding before stressful situations, such as vet visits or car rides.
Baking Soda for Furniture and Carpet Odour Control:
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, or pet beds to absorb unpleasant odours. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Lemon Water for Tear Stains: Dab a cotton ball soaked in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water on tear stains around your pet’s eyes. This can help lighten the stains over time.
Homemade Dog Toothpaste: Mix equal parts coconut oil and Bi-Carb Soda to create a natural toothpaste for your dog. Use a soft toothbrush or a finger brush to clean their teeth.
Frozen Treats for Hot Days: Freeze small cubes of low-sodium chicken or beef broth in an ice cube tray. Give these frozen treats to your pet on hot days to help them cool down.
Homemade Cat Litter Deodorizer: Mix baking soda with a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, and sprinkle it on your cat’s litter to control odours.
Olive Oil for Hairballs: Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s food once or twice a week to help prevent hairballs and promote a healthy digestive system.
Natural Yoghurt for Digestive Health: Give your pet a spoonful of plain, unsweetened yoghurt as a treat. The probiotics in yoghurt can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Aloe Vera Gel for Minor Burns: Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to minor burns or skin irritations on your pet. Make sure the gel is free from added chemicals or fragrances.
Apple Slices for Fresh Breath: Give your dog a slice of fresh apple as a natural breath freshener. The crunchy texture can also help clean their teeth.
Epsom Salt Soak for Minor Paw Infections: Soak your pet’s infected paw in warm water mixed with Epsom salt (this is magnesium) to help draw out pus and reduce swelling. Afterwards apply a pet-safe ointment such as Savlon – available from a grocery store or chemist. Then apply a wound dressing and bandage and check on it every hour or two to see if it is improving or getting worse. They may need an elizabethan collar to stop them chewing at it or licking it. Prevent them playing outside until it heals. Consult your veterinarian ASAP for severe infections as they may need stronger topical or oral antibiotic medication, or both.
Coconut Oil for Dry Paws: Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your pet’s paw pads to moisturise and protect them from dryness and cracking.
Homemade Feather Toy: Attach a string to a feather and dangle it in front of your cat for a simple and entertaining homemade toy.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Urine Odours: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use this solution to remove urine odours from carpets or furniture.
Almond Oil for Ear Mites: Apply a few drops of almond oil to your pet’s ears to help suffocate ear mites and soothe irritation. Consult your veterinarian for severe cases.
Homemade Fish Treats: Bake small pieces of fish, such as salmon or whitefish, in the oven until fully cooked. Cut them into bite-sized treats for your fish-loving pets.
Aromatherapy for Anxiety: Use a diffuser to disperse pet-safe essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, in the air to help calm anxious pets.
Rosemary Rinse for Dark Coats: Steep rosemary leaves in hot water, let the mixture cool, and then use it as a final rinse to enhance the shine and colour of dark-coated pets.
Freeze-Dried Liver for Training: Break freeze-dried liver treats into small pieces and use them as high-value rewards during training sessions. Most dogs find them irresistible.
Vinegar and Water Solution for Smelly Ears: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and use a cotton ball soaked in this solution to gently clean your pet’s ears and eliminate unpleasant smells.
DIY Catnip Spray: Steep dried catnip leaves in hot water, strain the liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle. Use this spray on scratching posts or toys to attract your cat.
Frozen Watermelon Cubes for Healthy Summer Hydration Treats: Freeze small cubes of watermelon and offer them to your pet as a refreshing and hydrating treat on hot days.
Tinfoil as a Scratching Deterrent: Cover furniture corners or areas where your cat likes to scratch with tinfoil. The sound and texture can deter them from scratching in unwanted places.
Hydrogen Peroxide for Stain Removal: Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:1 ratio) and use it to remove stains from your pet’s bedding or other washable fabrics. Test on a small area first.
Peanut Butter for Medication Administration: Hide your pet’s medication inside a small dollop of peanut butter to make it more palatable and easier to swallow.
Homemade Feather Duster: Attach feathers to a long stick or rod to create a DIY feather duster. Use it to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts and provide mental stimulation.
Vinegar and Baking Soda for Carpet Urine Stains: Blot the area with a towel to absorb excess urine, then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Sprinkle baking soda on top and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting again.
Frozen Dog Toy for Teething: Soak a rope toy in water, squeeze out the excess, and freeze it. The cold toy can soothe teething discomfort in puppies.
Olive Oil for Hairball Prevention in Cats: Add a small amount of olive oil to your cat’s food to help prevent hairballs by aiding the passage of hair through the digestive system.
Vinegar for Weed Killer: Did you know the number one form of poisoning of pets is accidental? Yes! Pets absorb poison through their paws. Vinegar kills weeds and grass. Great for spraying along the edges of footpaths, fences, and flower beds.
Cleaning Vinegar for Mopping Tile and Wooden Floors: Add Cleaning Vinegar 50/50 water and a dash of dish soap to a spray bottle or to a bucket use in households with dogs. It is considered a natural cleaning product, and it may help to neutralise odours and remove pet stains.
Do you have a home hack for pet care? Let us know in the comment section below!
Disclaimer: This post is focused on home-hacks that Pet Owners can try and is not a substitute for Veterinary advice. Always use commonsense and schedule an appointment with your Vet as the ultimate source of advice and direction.
