Our time is valuable and all of us wish we could spend more of it with our four-legged best friends. When you do, do you spend all your time doing chores? Things like cleaning, grooming, feeding, etc., can take up so much time that you don’t get to spend quality time with your dog. These 12 time-saving hacks will give you enough time at the end of the day to play a game of fetch or snuggle during your favorite show.
#1 – Contain the Food
Rather than wrestling with your dog’s food bag (who hasn’t had to spend an hour picking up a spill?) Store the food in an airtight container that not only keeps it fresh, but also makes it easy to scoop it out with a measuring scoop. No more “guessing” on how much food your dog should get.
#2 – Have a Schedule
Don’t waste time repeating chores. How many times has your dog been feed twice, walked twice…even bathed twice? Paint or hang a chalkboard dog above your pet’s bed and put his list for the day on there. Whoever does an item simply crosses it off – easy (and your dog will thank you for not giving him two baths).
#3 – Squeegeeing the Car
Want to spend the day with your dog but you need to de-fur your car before you pick up your parents at the airport tomorrow? Using a squeegee (that thing you use to clean the windows at the gas station) on your cloth seats to gather up that long hair will cut your cleaning time way down.
#4 – Portion His Food
If you make your dog’s food, or you mix wet and dry, you can save a lot of time by pre-mixing a week’s worth and then portioning them in sealed bags or containers. You can even put his medicine in the bags so it’s already to be fed.
#5 – DIY Tooth Brushing
If your dog hates to have his teeth brushed, don’t struggle with him for an hour! Instead, put some doggy toothpaste on a bone or rope chew your dog enjoys and let him chew on that while you eat dinner or take a shower. His breath will be minty fresh for your snuggle session.
#6 – Stay Organized
If you’re like me, you spend half your time looking for the items you need to take care of your dog – brush, leash, toothpaste, nail clippers, etc. – rather than actually getting the chores down. Create a space and time saving area by using some cheap shelving (Ikea is good) and shower caddies to keep your dog items neatly organized. Spend less time looking for stuff and more time playing!
#7 – Brush with Baby Powder
This may sound strange, but baby powder helps get those mats and tangles loosened quicker and easier, making your grooming sessions go by faster. Plus, your dog will smell wonderful.
#8 – Multi-Task
Does your dog need to go to the groomer’s for a nail trim or a bath? Plan these outings when you have other errands so you can drop your dog off, do your errands and then pick up your dog on your way home. You just saved yourself a separate trip!
#9 –Home Delivery
Many companies will now directly ship your dog’s food, toys, treats, etc., to your house. This saves you the task of going and shopping for them. Not only does it save time, but also gas money!
#10 – Off-Peak Vet Visits
Don’t waste time sitting at the vet’s office. Make sure you make appointments way in advanced (walk-ins are sure to wait) and schedule them for non-peak days and times. These are usually week days in the mid-afternoon, but ask your vet about things like “surgery days” or when they only have one doctor, which can create long delays.
#11 – Replace That Carpet
Yes, it’s an expensive hack at first. But cleaning up after your dog’s potty accidents or vomit on anything but carpet will save you so much time (not to mention getting rid of those smells!) that it’s worth it. As if you needed another reason, getting hair up off a hard floor is a snap compared to carpet AND you won’t be paying to steam your carpet.
#12 –Another Use for Baby Powder
No time for a bath? Guests arriving soon? Bath wipes can help you for these quick in-between clean-ups, but don’t forget the baby powder. Not only does it detangle, but it whitens those dirty paws and freshens your dog’s smell.
