Self Sufficiency
Awesome Dog Care Hacks That Every Dog Owner Should Know

Our canine companions, “man’s best friend”, are part of the family! They are there at our side no matter what so, naturally, they deserve the very best in pet care. Caring for our fur babies is, at times, time consuming. Between cleaning up dog hair, cleaning up a pee stain, or protecting them during storms…it’s something that is up to us. And we do it all with love! In today’s article I will cover dog care hacks to make caring for our fur babies go a little smoother and perhaps a little quicker. These hacks will save you time and that extra time we can spend with our lovable canines!
Let’s take a quick look at some of the hacks I’ll be covering:
- Easy ways to pick up dog hair
- How to cure bad doggie breath
- How to protect their paws in extreme weather
- A DIY “no chew” spray
….And much more! Let’s get started!
Dog Care Hacks That Every Dog Owner Should Know
2 Easy Ways To Pick Up Dog Hair On Furniture
Constantly cleaning dog hair off the furniture comes with the territory! Here are 2 easy ways to make it go a little quicker.
Dryer sheet: Run a dryer sheet over the dog hair and it comes off with ease. It’ll also help keep your furniture static free, which is why dog hair clings to fabric so easily in the first place.
Rubber Gloves: Simply wearing a rubber glove and running your hand across the hair helps to collect the hair much easier.
Easy Way To Grab Dog Hair Off Your Carpet
Of course vacuuming is the best way to remove dog hair from the carpet. However, did you know you can use a window squeegee to grab dog hair? Just simply scrape the squeegee along the carpet and you’ll be surprised how much hair comes up!
Clean Up Pee Spots On The Carpet With Baking Soda
Cleaning up pee spots on the carpet is a cinch with baking soda! All you have to do is pour baking soda over the urine and allow the baking soda to completely soak it up. Next, vacuum over the area and you’re all set!
Baking soda can be toxic to some pets so make sure to keep pets away during the cleaning process.
How To Protect Their Paws In Winter Weather
You can use paw balm or doggie boots to protect their paws in winter weather. However, If you do not have any paw balm and/or your dog simply refuses to wear boots, smear vaseline over their paw pads as a great alternative.
How To Protect Their Paws In Hot Summer Temps
If you walk your dog on pavement in the summer, there’s a simple test to see if the pavement is too hot for them. Hold the back side of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you then, it’s too hot for them. Try walking them on grassy areas during the hot part of the day.
Easy Method To Test For Fleas
If you suspect your dog may have fleas, here is a simple test to check. Lay your dog on a white towel to brush them. Look for flea dirt or fleas on the towel.
If your dog does have fleas, please check out my article 5 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas In and Around Your Home for all natural remedies for your pet and your home.
How To Get Rid Of Skunk Smell
Did your curious canine get skunked? No worries! You can remove the odor with soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Check out this article for detailed instructions.
Easy Way To Remove A Stinger
Removing a stinger from a dog’s skin can be tricky. Here’s an easy and quick way to remove a stinger. Scrape the stinger with something that has a firm straight edge like a credit card. The stinger will come with ease!
How To Cure Bad Breath
Does your fur baby have bad breath? Here’s an easy way to remedy that. Add small amounts of parsley to their food once or twice a week. Do not give them parsley in large amounts or on consecutive days as doing so can upset their stomachs.
How To Stop Nail Bleeding
Cutting a dog’s nails too short can cause their nails to bleed. Applying a paste made with equal parts of white flour, cornstarch, and water to their nails with light pressure for 3-5 minutes will stop the bleeding.
Easy Way To Train Your Dog To Stay Calm During A Storm
So many dogs (and cats) are afraid of thunderstorms! An easy way to train them to be less afraid is to play a sound recording of storms while going about your normal daily routine. Over time they will get used to the ‘sound’ and when the real storm comes along they may just shrug it off as ‘normal’, therefore, staying calm.
DIY Spray To Eliminate Pet Odors
Pet odors are no problem with this effective odor eliminating spray! Combine 5 tablespoons of baking and 4-6 ounces of water into a spray bottle. Next, add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil and shake well. Spray on carpets and cloth furniture to eliminate pet odors.
DIY “No Chew” Spray
Does your canine companion love to chew? Try this DIY “no chew” spray! This spray works really well due to the fact that dogs despise the taste of bitter apple. Mix together 2 parts of apple cider vinegar and 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on all their favorite “chew spots”!
First Aid Kit For Your Loyal Canine
We have first aid kits for ourselves but, we can’t forget that our loyal canines should have one of their own as well. Check out my article, Dog First Aid Kit For Your Canine Companion to learn how you can make the perfect first aid just for them!
**Information within this article is for informational purposes only. Read our full disclaimer here.
Do you have a dog care hack to share with us? Share with us in the comment section below.
Check out our other great articles on pet care:
Smart Fire and Electrical Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe
Basic Home Remedies For Fleas (Protect Your Pets)
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Self Sufficiency
NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead
Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
UP NEXT:
- Freezing Herbs with Olive Oil for Long Lasting Flavor | How to Freeze Basil like a True Homesteader
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Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide
In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
UP NEXT
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