There’s a lot that goes into parenting. You have school drop-offs, work, errands, and keeping the house from looking like a tornado on your day’s to do. When all is said and done, there’s barely time to sit down, let alone give your dog the attention they deserve.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a superhuman to keep your pup happy and healthy. With a few simple hacks, you can make sure your furry friend is well cared for without adding extra stress to your already busy schedule.

1. Automate the Essentials

Thank goodness we are in the age of tech. Let an app or two take control of a few of your responsibilities. The less you have to remember, the better! Automating certain aspects of your dog’s care will make life so much easier.

*       Food Delivery: Last-minute trips to the pet store? You don’t have to do all that. By setting up an automatic subscription for your dog’s food. Brands like californiadogkitchen.com offer fresh, nutritious meals delivered straight to your door, so you never have to worry about running out.

*       Water Fountain: A pet water fountain ensures your dog has fresh, filtered water all day without constant refilling.

*      Automatic Feeder: If your schedule is unpredictable, an automatic feeder can keep your pup on a consistent eating routine.

2. Keep Walks Quick but Effective

As parents, we don’t always have as much time on our hands as we’d wish. Take the pressure off. Not every walk has to be a marathon. If you’re short on time, go for a quality-over-quantity approach:

*       Morning Zoomies: A quick game of fetch or a five-minute backyard play session can burn off energy before you head out for the day.

*       Evening Walks: Instead of a long, leisurely stroll, make walks interactive—switch up the route, let your dog sniff around, or include short bursts of jogging to keep it exciting.

*       Treadmill Training: If you have a treadmill at home, some dogs can be trained to walk on it, giving them exercise while you multitask.

3. Mental Stimulation is Key

A tired dog isn’t just a happy dog—it’s also one that’s less likely to get into trouble. If you don’t have time for long play sessions (it happens), here are some quick ways to keep your pup’s mind engaged:

*       Puzzle Toys: Fill a treat-dispensing toy with kibble or peanut butter and let your dog work for their snack while you get things done.

*       DIY Scent Games: This one’s really fun for many dogs who love to sniff around. Hide treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out. It keeps them occupied and taps into their natural instincts.

*       Training in Small Bursts: Committing to long-hour sessions can make it feel like another thing on your list of to-dos but you still want to make sure your furry friend gets the play time they deserve. Five minutes of training a day can reinforce good behavior and strengthen your bond.

4. Grooming Made Easy

It’s not always fun to do but it’s got to get done. Here’s how to simplify grooming your pet:

*       Dry Shampoo for Dogs: A waterless shampoo can keep your pup smelling fresh between baths.

*       Self-Cleaning Brushes: Invest in a brush that collects hair easily. It’ll cut down your clean-up time.

*       Dental Chews: Brushing your dog’s teeth every day? Not always realistic. Dental chews can help reduce plaque and freshen your breath with minimal effort.

5. Make Vet Visits Stress-Free

Every now and again, you might need to see the vet. These tips can make vet visits super efficient:

*       Schedule Early or Late: Avoid peak hours for a quicker, less stressful experience.

*       Use a Mobile Vet Service: Some areas offer at-home vet visits. If that’s available to you, why not save yourself the time and hassle?

*       Keep Medical Records Handy: Having all your dog’s records in one place (digital or in a folder) makes booking appointments and filling out paperwork much faster.

6. Quick and Healthy Meal Options

Feeding your dog well doesn’t have to mean slaving over homemade meals. A great shortcut is choosing high-quality, gently cooked dog food that offers fresh, nutrient-packed meals without the hassle of meal prep.

If you prefer adding variety, try these quick meal boosters:

*       Scrambled eggs for extra protein

*       A spoonful of plain yogurt for probiotics

*       Blueberries or carrots for a healthy treat

7. Create a Dog-Friendly Play Zone

If you need to focus on work, chores, or just five minutes of peace, set up a dedicated area where your dog can safely entertain themselves. This way, your dog stays happy, and you can tackle your to-do list without interruption.

*       Soft bedding for naps

*       A rotating selection of toys to keep things interesting

*       A chew-proof area for puppies or teething dogs

8. Involve the Kids

If your kids are old enough, make dog care a family responsibility. Simple, age-appropriate tasks include:

*       Filling the water bowl

*       Helping with brushing

*       Tossing a ball for playtime

*       Assisting with training commands

Not only does this lighten your load, but it also teaches kids about responsibility and empathy for animals.

9. Keep a Doggie Emergency Kit

Life happens, and when it does, being prepared is a lifesaver. It’ll save you from scrambling if something unexpected pops up.

 Keep a small dog emergency kit on hand with:

*       Basic first aid supplies

*       Extra leash and collar

*      Travel water bowl and food

*       Favorite toy for comfort

10. Give Yourself Grace

Some days, your dog will have the best day and get a long walk, a homemade treat, and a full grooming session. On other days, it’ll be belly rubs and Netflix while you eat takeout on the sofa. And that’s okay! The key to keeping your dog happy and healthy is consistency, love, and a little creativity. You’ve got this!