45 Clever Things For Dogs That'll Make Your Life Way Less Stressful

These inventions will change your life as a dog parent.

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By Christina Wood
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When you live with a dog, you need gear. Fortunately, pet owners have been inventing tools, hacks, and toys to that will make your (and your pup’s) life less stressful, and they often are way less expensive than you’d think. From a genius cleaning brush that’ll cut down time on their least favorite experience (the bath), to a calming pet bed that’ll they’ll cuddle up in for hours, these clever things for dogs will genuinely make your life way less stressful.

01A soft & washable cover for the couch

Don’t fight with your dog over comfort. They want to sleep on the couch. You don’t want a filthy, fur-covered, destroyed couch. This couch cover lets you both have what you want. The grippy backing keeps it in place. The soft surface is perfect for both of you comfort hounds. You can throw it in the laundry. And it looks stylish. Choose from six colors and three sizes.

02A set of bells so your dog can ask to go out

Teach your dog to use these door bells to ask to go out once, and you will spend the rest of your days together enjoying that ability. Instead of barking, whining, or scratching at the door, your pet can politely ask for precisely the thing they want. The bells make a distinctive but pleasant sound and look good hanging on your door. Just hook them over the doorknob.

03A safe way to put an AirTag on your dog

Avoid a lost-dog disaster by attaching a tracking device to your pet with this AirTag dog collar holder. It keeps the tag dry and clean inside a cute case. If your dog goes missing, a glance at your phone will tell you where they went. “This is genius,” wrote one reviewer. It comes in lots of colors.

04A paw cleaner that works fast

Keep this portable paw cleaner in the car so you don’t have to let those muddy paws destroy your clean interior. Fill it with water, dip a paw in, and the soft silicone fingers will scrub off the mud, sand, and mess. “Simple, clever way to get dog's feet clean!” wrote one reviewer. “Dog is happy, too, since it's quick, easy, and comfortable.” Choose from three sizes and eight colors.

05This bandana to keep the pup cool

Taking your pup out for a day on the beach or a hike in the woods is fun — unless they get overheated and dehydrated. This cooling bandana will keep all your activities chill, though. Dip it in water, give it a shake, and tie it onto the pup. It will keep them cool through the power of evaporation. It comes in 19 colors and two sizes.

06A flight of stairs for height-challenged dogs

If your pup is height-challenged, this set of dog stairs will make so many places in the house accessible. Set it next to the bed, couch, or car so those little legs can climb up on their own. It has a nonslip base to prevent accidents, and the fabric is waterproof. Choose the number of steps your pup needs and the size. It comes in nine colors.

07A steam cleaner for fur

Bathing a dog is a big chore. But it’s not the only way to get a furry beast fresh and clean. This steam brush gets rid of dirt, loose fur, and bad smells by applying bristles and a cool mist. It also tames static. There are two cleaning modes, it is rechargeable, and you can choose from two colors.

08This fast fur remover

You don’t have to live in a home that’s blanketed with pet fur or wear clothes that show off your dog’s coat. This pet hair remover is a grab-and-go solution that gets the fur off fast. Just comb the garment you are wearing or the seat you want to sit in. The comb gets into the fabric to pull out all the fur, and the corners reach into chair crevices. Pull the fur off the comb and throw it away. There are no glues or refills.

09This bathrobe that stops the post-bath spray

Why does a bath make the dog want to run around the house, shaking bath water on every surface? Who knows? But everyone knows there is no stopping it. This dog bathrobe lets that wet dog do as they please without making a mess. It absorbs the water, drying the dog as it protects your home. All you need now is dog slippers. It comes in six sizes and six colors.

10A snuffle mat that looks like a field of carrots

This snuffle mat will keep your hound sniffing among the carrots, hunting for treats for hours. When the treats have all been found, each carrot is a fun toy. And when it is just kicking around the house, it looks cartoonishly cute, so you won’t feel the need to stash it out of sight. Choose the squeak version or the silent one.

11A leash that lets you go hands free

With this dog leash looped around your waist and clipped to your pup’s collar, you can walk, run, and go about your business using both hands. No more struggle to send a text while your dog threatens to pull the phone out of your hand. It has a pouch to stash your gear in and an internal bungee cord to soften the pulling. It comes in two sizes and 34 colors.

12The toothbrush you can wear on your finger

Getting a toothbrush into a dog’s mouth can quickly devolve into a battle of the wills, and one of those wills has sharp teeth. But there’s an easier way: Pull these teeth cleaning wipes on your finger and you can rub tartar and plaque off those teeth. Choose from four flavors.

13Nail clippers with a light

Clipping a dog’s nails can be terrifying for both human and canine participants. But it is a necessary chore. These LED dog nail clippers help you get it done without trauma. A light shows you where you are cutting to prevent painful mistakes, and a nail file in the handle helps you finish the job right. It comes in two styles and four colors.

14A water bottle with a built-in bowl

Some dogs can drink from a water bottle, and some cannot figure that out. This dog water bottle enables even the most bottle-averse canine to stay hydrated. A silicone bowl wraps around the bottle, keeping a low profile until your pup is thirsty. Then flip it around and pour water into it. The stainless steel won’t break, and it comes with a carabiner so you can clip it to a pack. Choose from two colors.

15This trick for managing doors & pets

Opening and closing doors for a pet with no opposable thumb is irritating. This door latch lets you set the door for the moment. The strap will hold the door ajar so the cat can get through it, but the dog can’t. The stopper prevents the door from closing all the way. You choose when the door is available and what size creature can go through it.

16A shower head you can attach to any water bottle

Hiking with a canine companion does not necessarily mean sharing a car ride home with someone who likes to roll in things that are rotten. You can give your furry friend a shower anywhere with this portable outdoor shower. Attach the cap to any water bottle and squeeze to shower away that mess. If you have a dog, you will want to keep this in your car.

17This blanket that’s soft & waterproof

Drape this puppy blanket over any bed, seat, lap, couch, or surface your dog wants to curl up on, and you will both be happier. There will be no muddy footprints on the furniture or your pants. And your dog will love the luxurious soft texture and warmth. It’s waterproof and washable. It comes in six sizes and seven patterns.

18This nose butter for a softer snout

When your dog’s nose is dry and uncomfortable, this nose butter is the cure. Shea butter, almond oil, olive oil, and essential oils will hydrate, heal, and soothe that sore sniffer. Choose the formula that suits your dog’s breed. If your pet is a canine everyman, there is a blend that will suit every dog. There are eight sizes.

19A vest that keeps your dog from overheating

Warm weather can be rough on those among us who wear a fur coat 24 hours a day. This cooling dog vest can help. Soak it in water, wring it out, and zip it onto your panting pet. As the water evaporates, it will take body heat with it, so your dog is more comfortable and less likely to suffer from overheating. It protects from the sun, too. It comes in seven sizes and two colors.

20This cooling blanket that’s comfy & chill

Give your dog a cool, comfortable place to lie down by setting this cooling mat in a cozy area, on the couch, or in the pet crate. It absorbs body heat so your dog can shake off the heat, and it is soft and comfortable to sleep on. “Perfect,” wrote one reviewer. “[My dog] loves it and has stopped panting all night!” It comes in three sizes and four colors.

21A comb for delicate areas

This eye comb is the small tool you need to brush face fur, clear away tear stains, and do some fine grooming and primping. The rounded comb tips are gentle and safe. The handle is comfy to hold. And the fine teeth get rid of all the gross crud that gets into your pet’s fur.

22Gloves for fast dog cleanups

These pet glove wipes are your secret weapon when it comes to cleaning the yuck off your pet’s fur. Pull on a glove and grab it, swipe it, or pet it off. Then toss the glove, and the mess is gone from your life. The fabric is thick enough to do the whole dog, and the infused coconut and jojoba oil will leave that fur hydrated, shiny, and smelling fresh. This is a pack of three wipe packages.

23This water bowl that stops the messy overflow

If your dog leaves a puddle on the floor every time they lap water, this no spill water bowl will save you so much time and keep your floors dry. A special floating cover creates a small lake of water in the center for your dog to drink from, eliminating splashes and spills. “Drastically reduces the amount of water sloshed on the floor from my dog,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s easy to clean and easy to use.” It comes in two colors.

24This shampoo that stops tear stains

This tear stain remover improves the look of your dog by removing stains around their eyes. And the more you use it, the less staining there will be because it prevents staining as well as removing it. It smells like vanilla, too, so every kiss you plant on that cute, fuzzy face will smell great. Choose from three sizes.

25Grooming clippers that are easy & handy

Skip the expensive trip to the groomer and pull out these easy, rechargeable grooming clippers. The four cutter heads can trim everything from scruffy body fur to precise work around paws and ears. A grinder trims nails without snipping. And the whole package is easy to maneuver and store. It comes in three colors.

26A cute foam machine for fun pet bathing

This adorable duck turns your pet’s shampoo or body wash into a sprayable foam that’s easy to lather and work into their fur. Because you dilute the shampoo when you load the foam machine, you will save money on supplies, too. Choose a duck or an alien in one of two colors.

27This hack for feeding pills to reluctant dogs

Getting a dog to swallow a pill requires some skilled sleight of hand and persistence. This pill paste is a great tool to help you achieve this feat. Choose a flavor your pet can’t resist — bacon, bacon and cheese, or peanut butter — and wrap the pill in this tasty paste. It masks both the shape and flavor of the pill so your pet won’t see it coming and will gulp down that treat.

28The disposable booties that protect paws

When the sun is out, the pavement your pet walks on with those naked toe pads can get scalding hot. These unstoppable booties will protect those feet from getting burned. Keep some handy, too, to pull when the road ahead is sharp, muddy, or salty. They are disposable, and this is a pack of 32. Choose from five sizes.

29A poop bag dispenser you can mount to the wall

Mount this poop bag dispenser to the wall so you can grab a bag on your way out the door. Or put it in the dog’s yard so you never have to fumble around looking for a bag to keep that space clean. It holds eight rolls of bags, is waterproof, and works as a wall mount or tabletop dispenser. Choose from four colors.

30A feeder that slows the feeding frenzy

Some dogs are food gulpers, eating their food so fast they can’t possibly taste, enjoy, or chew it. This isn’t healthy and can lead to choking, vomiting, and indigestion. This slow feeder calms the feeding frenzy by engaging their mind in the activity. Your pet will eat more slowly and be happier for it. Choose from 10 colors.

31Ear wipes that prevent infection

When your dog starts scratching an ear with fury, it’s time to get involved. Cleaning away the mites and dirt is a good place to start. These ear wipes are soothing and effective, loaded with aloe and eucalyptus. Using them regularly can prevent ear infections. Choose regular wipes or those that fit over one finger.

32A fast way to clean messy paws

After a day at the dog park or a walk on the beach, give your dog’s paws a quick, easy cleanup so mud and sand don’t end up in your car or on your couch. This dog paw cleaner makes this chore so fast, easy, and effective that you won’t dread it anymore. You don’t need a hose — or even water. Just load the brush with cleanser and scrub those paws clean.

33This soothing balm for paw pads

Dry hands are painful and unpleasant. This is true for paws, too. This dog paw balm is the lick-safe hand lotion your pup’s paw pads are craving. Rub it in and watch as the safflower oil, avocado oil, and shea butter soak in to make dry, cracked skin soft and supple while vitamin E starts the healing. You know how good that feels. Now your dog does, too.

34This front seat cover for canine car rides

When your dog rides shotgun, make sure this seat cover is installed in the seat. It fits over a front seat — even in a car or SUV — and protects it from dirt and fur. The handle at the top makes it easy to yank off when a human wants to sit there, and the waterproof material won’t care if your dog just went for a swim. It comes in six colors.

35The door protector for your car

Dogs can wreak havoc on a car door, drooling, scratching, and leaning a mud-caked body against it. This car door protector lets your pet live a worry-free backseat life. It clings to the window with suction cups and protects the entire frame. When it gets messy, you can toss it in the wash. This is a pack of two, and it comes in four colors.

36This pet bed that’s so calming

An anxious dog is hard to live with. It’s hard on the dog, too. This calming pet bed offers some comfort. Your dog can sink into a soft, pillowy hide-y hole to feel safe and secure. “I cannot get my dog, Sammy, out of it,” wrote one reviewer. “He sank right into the center [...] — completely content, cozy, and clearly in heaven.” It comes in nine sizes and 17 colors.

37The dog collar that lights up

It’s easier to keep track of a dog if you can see them — even in the dark. This LED dog collar gives your pup visibility no matter how black the night or the fur. The collar is rechargeable, waterproof, and makes it possible to see your pet at a distance at night. Choose from three sizes and seven colors.

38A training clicker with a built-in treat holder

Click training is a great way to teach a dog tricks. This training clicker is also a treat carrier, making the process so easy and convenient. Wear the clicker around your neck, and you have everything you need for a training session. Just slide it open to issue a reward. It comes in three cute, wearable colors.

39The trick for softening leash jerking

Tired of having your arm yanked out of the shoulder socket by your powerful pup? Put a bit of bounce in the lead with this bungee dog leash extension. It’s a simple but effective fix. “No more pain for me and more flexibility for my pup. It’s firm with just the right amount of stretch,” wrote one reviewer. It comes in four sizes and three colors.

40A seat belt for your dog

You buckle your seat belt when you get in the car, right? No one wants to fly through the windshield in a crash. What about your dog, though? This safety belt for dogs will keep your canine companion safe, too. It snaps into the seatbelt latch and clips to their collar or harness. Bonus points, too, for stopping your dog from traveling around the car’s interior, and hunting through your bag or groceries while your eyes are on the road. It comes in three sizes and four colors.

41This hack for grooming fighters

This grooming hammock makes pet care less of a battle. Suspend your pet while you trim, wash, or clip their nails and paws. They can’t run away, bite, or fight, which makes the chore faster, safer, and less stressful. “This hammock has been a total lifesaver!” wrote one reviewer. “He dangles ‘enthusiastically' while I Dremel his nails.” It comes in seven sizes and five colors.

42The stain remover that eliminates the smell

If you have a dog, there will be stains. And many of those stains will carry a scent that encourages your dog to visit that spot over and over. This stain and odor eliminator will take care of those pernicious stains by eliminating not just the sight but also the smell of the mess. It’s easy to use, too. Spray it on, wait, blot it off. It comes in two scents and two sizes.

43A diaper bag for dogs

Instead of tossing all your dog supplies into the car next time you go on a trip with your pet, pack them up in the travel bag that’s designed to handle everything from food to toys. It has two food containers that fit neatly into it. And the two collapsible silicone bowls inside make it easy to deliver food and water. There are lots of pockets inside and out, it’s waterproof, and it comes with a shoulder strap.

44This food supplement that tastes great

If your pup would rather eat Beef Wellington than the healthy food you are offering, try topping it off with this bone broth powder. It enhances the smell and the flavor of kibble and makes it irresistible while adding collagen, protein, and minerals that support heart health, joints, and immunity. It comes in three flavors and four sizes.

45A plug-in that calms anxious dogs

A scared and anxious dog can do a great deal of damage to your home and themselves. Pheromones can help calm them down. And this pheromone diffuser kit makes releasing them into the atmosphere of your home’s interior so easy. Just plug it in, and it will calm your dog for 30 days. “Works really well for our overly sensitive and separation anxiety senior dog,” wrote one reviewer.