Homemade Alternative to Bitter Apple SprayHere are a couple of recipes to make at home as an alternative to bitter apple spray. Use them to discourage inappropriate chewing by your pets.
Saving Money on Pet Medications and TreatsMedications that I normally get from my vet can be gotten from the local drug store at less than half the price.
Home Flea TreatmentsWith two cats who come in and out, I worried about flea treatments.
Waterproof Dog Blanket/BedMy older dog started having bladder issues. She was having accidents in the house, on dog beds and on our bed!
Computer Calendar for Tracking Pet's MedicationI put my pet's medication schedule on my computer calendar. I need to give my cat his medication once every three days so I set the reminder to come up every third day. It comes up in my e-mail and I don't erase it until I do it.
Get Pets Calm Before the StormBring outdoor pets inside and move everyone to the lowest level of the house before the storm begins. Then read aloud or sing or tell happy stories. Your pet will be comforted by your voice.
Removing Hardened Silly Putty in Our Dog's FurI used warm water on a wet rag. I put some Dawn dish soap on it and poured rubbing alcohol on the rag too. I rubbed the Silly Putty (which was hardened) out in a few minutes. It worked great! The dog didn't complain a bit either.
Using Stainless Steel Pet BowlsConsider using stainless steel bowls for you pet's food and water. There are several advantages to this type of bowl. Stainless steel is just that, it will not corrode or tarnish. It also does not absorb odors as a plastic bowl can. It will not break.
Citrus Does Not Repel CatsI have 8 citrus trees in my back yard and the miserable cats lounge in the shade under them, right beside the lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and limes that are near the ground.
Keeping Your Pets Safe as the Days Get HotterAs the weather warms up, pet owners need to be aware of the potential hazards to their pets, both as a result of poisoning and the weather itself.
Dawn Dish Detergent for Removing a TickI saw this on Facebook and tried it this morning. It works!
Pick Up Leftover Outside Pet FoodI have a neighbor who was country born and country bred. His cat is never allowed in the house. He feeds the cat outside, near his back door. I don't think he realizes that the food the cat leaves behind attracts flies, mice, rats, and other pests, including possums.
Don't Buy Pet BedsI buy used outdoor patio cushions for my dogs from our local Goodwill stores. They come in all sizes and colors and provide a lot of comfort and usually cost $1 to $2 each.
Caring for Rolly Pollies (Pill Bugs)Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs, aren't insects. They are more like shrimp, crabs, and lobsters. They need a moist environment, so put a few drops of water in. Add some rocks or dirt to let the roly pollies hide in. They like to eat lettuce, squash, carrots, apples, cardboard, paper, or a bit of chips.
How to Help Pets Cope with LossMy husband and I had a beautiful cat named Muffin for 16 years. We were devastated when we had to put her down. He refused to get another pet for years. Then he had a stroke. My daughter got two kittens while he was in the hospital and after he returned from rehab he had an instant companion.
Pest-Free Pet Food StoragePests can be a problem around pet food; moths, beetles, and mice all love to dine on these 'delicacies'. We don't want our precious pet's food to be infested or contaminated.
Pet Gate to Keep Dog out of Cat AreaWay too many times, my Pomeranian would sneak into the room where my 3 cats' litter boxes and food are stored. She loved finding and consuming the "tootsie rolls" out of the litter boxes. We found the perfect pet gate that fits in the doorway and has a smaller opening at the bottom. The cats can fit through but not the dog.
Polypropylene Bag as Dog MattressI wanted to buy my dog a mattress for her bed, but the store versions were just too expensive. I turned an empty polypropylene bag and old newspapers into a recycled dog mattress. Very cost-effective and my dog loves it!
Repairing Dogs' Stuffed ToysI have tried nylon, polyester - all kinds of thread only to have my big chewer (Slick) demolish my stitches! I have finally found a type of thread he does not seem to be able to get through, upholstery thread!
Donate Cloth Items to SPCA or RescueI have done volunteer work for the SPCA in my younger years. Many little lost or surrendered animals are scared, sick, or hurt. They do not understand being in a cage and being around all of the animals that are barking. These animal shelters will take blankets, stuffed animals, etc.
