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I’ve had pets my entire life. We always had one cat growing up. My first cat was Snowy, and as his name implies, he was all white. When I got married, my husband was a dog lover, and so we had dogs and cats; 3 dogs and two cats to be exact. We used to say the pets outnumbered the humans – and they did.
Today I have three cats and no dogs, but I appreciate how important it is to pet owners to keep their pets happy and healthy, so our furry friends are with us for many years.
I want to share these genius pet tips, so your pets get the same benefit from them that my pets do!
Table of Contents
Genius Pet Tips To Keep Them Happy and Healthy
Cat Pet Tips
1. Keep Cats Away From Potted Herbs
I’ve been growing basil this year and for the last several weeks something has been getting into my basil plant that I leave on the top step. Curious to see who was so interested in basil, I set up a camera and caught one of the neighborhood cats digging in my plant.
Desperate for a solution, I found if you smear a bit of vapor rub on the sides and bottom of the pot, it will keep kitties away from the herbs. The strong menthol smell is particularly unappealing to cats and will prevent them from eating or digging in your herb containers.
2. Cut Down on Cat Dandruff
My cat Louie is flaky, particularly in the summer months when it’s hot and dry outside. To cut down on the flakiness, I discovered my favorite coconut oil works wonders.
Here’s what you do: Rub a pea-sized amount of coconut oil between your palms and massage the oil into your cat’s fur.
Not only will your cat like his little massage, but when he grooms himself, the oil will lubricate his digestive track and help hairballs to pass more easily.
Read: 9 Unbelievable Uses for Coconut Oil You’ll Absolutely Love
Dog Pet Tips
1. Stop Itchy Insect Bites
Mosquito’s like dogs too! So if you notice your furry little friend is scratching like crazy, and you see the tell-tale raised red bumps, grab some apple cider vinegar. Grab a cotton ball and saturate it with the vinegar and dab it on the bites. Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties in it that work to stop the itch and heal the irritated bite. If she licks her coat, it’s harmless.
Read: 8 Brilliant Uses For Vinegar
2. Get Rid of Doggy Odor
Nothing smells worse than a wet dog! But you can combat that wet dog smell with this method. After wiping your dog down with a clean towel, wipe her again with a dryer sheet. The sheet will absorb that doggie smell and leave her smelling fresh and clean. You’ll also end up eliminating static electricity buildup on her fur.
3. Stop Begging
Nothing’s worse than a dog that is always begging particularly when you’re trying to entertain at the family BBQ. One way to keep him from begging is by making him a treat of his own. He’ll love these so much he won’t care what others are eating.
Mix 2 cups of plain yogurt, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1 smashed banana and a tablespoon of honey. Mix and pour into lined muffin tins. Place a dog treat in the middle and freeze.
This will take some time for him to eat and he’ll be outside so no mess will be created inside the house!
Related Content: Be grateful for what you have, learn how to appreciate small things!
We love our pets, and these pet tips are sure to keep our furry little friends happy and healthy all year-long.
I’m a professional cleaner with over 13 years of hands-on experience cleaning homes, a published writer, certified money specialist, and the founder of A Mess Free Life. After paying off over $50,000 in debt, I dedicated myself to helping others master their homes and their money — proving that a clean, organized, stress-free life is possible no matter where you’re starting from. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me cooking, playing bocce, sipping an extra dirty martini, or enjoying the ocean with my cats nearby. I’m also a proud mom and grandma who cares deeply for my mother at home.
