Time flies by so fast and, before we know it, another month has passed, and then another year. With our lives filled with meetings, deadlines and challenges, we sometimes miss important dates and things we were supposed to do, but just didn’t get round to. Planning ahead and making actual notes somewhere, will help a lot in being on top of your pet responsibilities.
To make life a little easier for you, we’ve made a list of things you need to do according to a general timeline. This timeline does not include daily responsibilities, like feeding your dog, filling water bowls or picking up his poop – we know that you’ll remember these.
Every day
Brush his teeth This can be difficult to do every day, but at least try. If you do forget one day, don’t worry, Rufus will be forgiving.
Brush his coat Short coats might not need a brush every day, but long-haired coats definitely need a daily brush. This will help prevent knots and mats from forming, and will especially help when your pet is shedding.
Daily exercise Some dogs need a long walk in the neighbourhood, while others enjoy a good play session in the garden.
Mental games Playing mental games doesn’t have to be time-consuming every day. You can give your dog a puzzle toy to play with while you do something else, and then make up for it on another day by playing more interesting games with him.
Every week
A walk in the park Your dog’s fitness level and health will determine how long the walk should be.
Brushing Make the weekly brushing session part of your #metime, while you talk to your dog and tell him all sorts of interesting things.
At least one adventure Create adventure in your cat or dog’s life by doing something different – like scatter-feeding his food at dinnertime. See page 56 for more ideas.
Wash bedding and toys A weekly wash is necessary for his health.
#metime This could be reading an Animaltalk article, staring into space, or having a quiet moment in the garden.
Every month
Ticks and fleas If you use preventative products that last 30 days, you need to administer them every month.
New trick or cue Make time to teach your pet at least one new trick or cue a month. This will help to stimulate and occupy his mind.
Take a picture They grow up so fast, so capture special moments with your pets at least once a month, and then send them to us for the Crazy Critters pages. See page 38 for more details.
Playdate If your dog is socialised and has a few friends of the same age and size, why not treat him to a playdate once a month?
Every two months
Take a bath Depending on your dog’s coat and what breed he is, you may only need to bath him once every second month. Some breeds will need a bath more often, while others can wait longer between baths.
New adventure Go do something different every two months and make your lives interesting.
Every three months
Deworming Depending on the product you use, you need to deworm your dog at least every three months.
Every six months
Food and condition Ask yourself if your dog is still at his ideal weight, and if his food is still appropriate for his age. If he is an adult, he needs adult dog food, and if he has become a senior dog, he will need dog food for seniors – your vet will know best.
Once a year
Visit the vet Your pet has to see the vet at least once a year for a full health check-up, and twice a year if he is a senior.
Vaccinations Once your pet has received all his vaccines and booster shots he needs in his first 12 months of life, he then needs to get his vaccinations once a year.
Check microchip While at the vet, ask them to check his microchip to see if it is still in working condition. Make sure the contact information is still valid and correct.
Update medical aid Make sure that all the information is still relevant and that your pet will still be covered according to the cover you’re paying. This is also a good time to find out if there are any new additions or exclusions to the policy.
Update first aid kit Take the time at least once a year to go through the first aid kit and dispose of expired or spoilt items.
