Read this article with your smart phone nearby, your appointment book, or your wall calendar. You won’t need to jot down dates for things you’re supposed to be doing daily — those are tasks you’ll want to commit to memory. But reminders for what you’re supposed to tend to weekly, monthly, and annually will help you take the best care of your dog. What better time to get this in order than at the start of the year?*
Daily
Brush her. Many dogs love a good brushing, even if they don’t need it every day. They appreciate the massage, not to mention the attention from you. Owners of hairless dogs: Instead of brushing, just stroke your pet so she’ll get that time with you.
Brush her teeth.
Take her on a minimum of three walks a day; more outings are better. (Letting her in the yard does not count as a walk.)
Say something sweet to her.
Play with her. (Life gets pretty tedious unless you interact with her.)
Remember never to yell at her. It won’t just make her feel bad. It’ll also get in the way of her learning whatever you’d like her to.
Weekly
Take her someplace she doesn’t normally get to go. Maybe it’s a dog-friendly park that’s a bit of a drive or some other place she really loves. Perhaps it’s the home of a friend who doesn’t mind having her over and gives her special attention and treats.
Do something with her she doesn’t normally get to do. Have you thought of enrolling your pet in an agility class? Or a course in flyball? Maybe she’d like splashing around in an indoor dog pool.
Monthly
If you mark the same date for every month, it’ll become second nature after a while — for example, always on the 1st, or always on the 15th.
Give her a heartworm pill (or an injection at the vet’s office once or twice annually).
Administer her flea and tick medication if it’s a monthly application that you use. Never skip a month. Even in cold weather, these bugs can get around. (If you use a collar that needs to be changed every six months, write down the change dates.)
Bathe her. (Every two or three months is okay, too.) Bathing is not absolutely necessary for your dog’s health. But it might be necessary for your sense of smell. This one’s your call.
Yearly
Take her for her annual wellness exam (or twice-yearly exam if she’s older and sees the vet more often).
Make sure she gets all her required shots — on time — if she doesn’t get them at her annual wellness visit.
*These recommendations are for healthy dogs. Dogs with various medical conditions may need different routines and may need to see the veterinarian more frequently.
