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Organize your life - Get your dog his own Calendar

Life is busy… there are so many things to keep track of. Getting organized helps lessen the burden of a busy life.  One excellent tool to help keep your dog safe is to get him his own calendar.  You may be thinking “my dog’s social life isn’t that busy, why does he need a calendar”?

Here’s a list of things you can use a doggy calendar to keep track of
 

• Yearly Veterinary Appointments

Planning ahead allows you to easily fit your dog’s Veterinary visits into your         schedule… no last minute rushing.

• Grooming Appointments

Many breeds of dogs require regular grooming every 6 to 12 weeks. Planning ahead can help you avoid holiday or vacation conflicts.  

Some breeds of dogs go to the groomers less often.  If you notice an odor or coat condition problem with your dog it would be helpful to know when he was last groomed and how often he is usually groomed.

• Keep track of toenail trimmings
  If your dog is groomed every 6 weeks or so you probably don’t give your dog’s toenails much thought.  Dogs that need grooming only a few times a year will need to have their toenails trimmed between groomings.
  
   
• Keep track of your dog’s weight

Some dogs are prone to over eating. Setting an ideal weight and weighing them often is a good way to help you monitor their food intake.  

Older dogs may drop weight suddenly which can indicate medical problems.  Sudden weight loss is easy to see. Gradual weight lose over several months may also indicate medical problems but may go unnoticed.  Weighing your dog regularly helps you monitor your dogs well being.

 

• Monthly heartworm medication
  Write a monthly reminder and be sure to check it off indicating that your dog received the preventative medication.
  
   
• Keep track of seasonal flea and tick prevention

You don’t want to use treatments more often than you should nor do you want to go too long between uses.  It’s nice to be able to look at the calendar and know “I applied the Advantage three weeks ago”

 

• Dog license reminder   (June)
  State law requires all dogs be licensed.  The license protects your dog by aiding the canine control officers to return your dogs in the event that they ever get loose.
  
   
• Kennel reservations
  It is best to make your vacation and holiday reservations well in advance as these are the times when the kennel is the busiest.  Write down your reservation dates and jot down the kennel phone number for easy reference.
  
   
• Training Classes
  Your dog loves getting out of the house and spending one-on-one time with you.  There are a variety of training classes that you can enjoy with your dog.
  
   
• Accidents or injuries

Dogs can experience a wide variety of minor accidents or injuries.

Ear infections, bald spots, miscellaneous skin irritations etc. jotting these events on the calendar provides vital information if there are reoccurrences
(It may also be useful to jot down stool changes)
 

• Monthly health check.

• Keep track of dog food purchases

Keeping track of dog food purchases will help you plan and budget

• Note visits by your dog walker or pet sitters.
  
   
• For easy reference you can attach a list of important phone numbers such as your Veterinarian, Groomer and Boarding Kennel to your calendar
  
   
• Attach the name, phone number & directions to the nearest 24 hour Emergency Veterinary Hospital. In the event of an emergency you can grab the directions and go.  Always call the emergency clinic to let them know you are on the way. This gives them time to prepare for your arrival assuring your pet the best possible care
  
   
• Don’t forget your dog’s  birthday