Have you ever noticed how some dog parents never seem to miss a medication, a grooming session, or a vet appointment? While the rest of us juggle work, family, and daily life, it can feel impossible to keep every dog care detail straight. I have had more than one moment with Henry where I realized something important slipped through the cracks.
The truth is, forgetting dog care tasks is not a personal failure. It is a sign of a full life and a very full brain. Most routines do not fall apart because we do not care. They fall apart because we are trying to remember too many things at once.
That is why one small habit made such a big difference for Henry and me. It did not require more time or more effort. It just made everything easier to manage. Once you see it in action, it is hard to imagine staying organized without it. Let’s take a closer look at the simple habit dog parents swear by.
Budget tip: Remembering your dog's essentials before they are out means you don't have to pay top price or expediate shipping. That's a major for your pup and your wallet!
Oops…I forgot my dog chore again!
Are you guilty of having the best of intentions of training your dog several times a week, but then you get to the end of the week and wonder what happened? Or maybe you keep promising your dog a hike in your favorite park, but you don’t seem to have the time? Perhaps you want to look for a new dog walker and keep forgetting about it. There’s no doubt it’s easy to forget the little things without a reminder.
Is there a free and easy way to remind myself about my dog stuff?
Of course, you can write yourself notes or post-it notes. My problem with this method is I can look past them or turn them over and not see what I really need to see.
My favorite and easiest way is one everyone (or most everyone) has access to on their computer, phone, and tablet. It’s the built-in calendar with an alarm reminder. I look at my calendar daily and get popups daily for Henry.
Tip: A great bonus with your calendar is you can link all your devices, which is super helpful.
What sort of dog tasks should I put into my calendar?
First, you can color code your dog task so you can easily tell at a glance that it’s a dog task. Henry loves red.
I would recommend adding anything to your calendar that you tend to forget or overlook. This could include:
- dog walks
- exercise (whatever this is for you and your dog)
- vet visits
- vaccinations
- brushing
- playtime with a fun chew toy
- crate training
- special playdates
- fun activities like hikes or seeing someone special
- buying food
- RXs (such as tick and flea medication, joint supplements, vitamins, and heart guard..especially if not given daily)
- dog grooming
- washing beds, dogs collar, toys, leashes, and bowls (this all helps to control germs and keeps dog smells down)
- picking up yard poo
- even updating personal information with pet insurance, ID tag, or at your veterinary care office (I recommend reviewing this information at least once a year)
If you’re a new dog parent with a new pup or new pet, you may even want to include a calendar reminder to potty train, check pee pads, and extra playtime with a favorite chew toy.
Tip: Your dog may have special needs that you need to be sensitive to with your furry friend. For instance, Henry has a sensitive stomach and an eye issue, which I am aware of daily. However, if this was new to me, I’d add an alarm probably three times a day to check his eye and monitor his stomach. Thus, a reminder has health benefits for your pup or pet.
Testimonial of a dog parent using a digital calendar for dog chores
As an example, I have a pet parent friend who works from home. He and his wife have a pack of dogs, which to me is anything more than two dogs (I’m hoping to get there one day). His wife works a traditional brick-and-mortar job.
Since my friend has a bit more freedom in his day to take care of the dogs he has a few dog task popups in his calendar. One in particular that caught my eye is he has a popup alarm set each work day for 3 pm. This is to remind him to pick up the poop in their dog yard before his wife gets home. That’s not one I would’ve thought about. But it just goes to show how useful an alarm popup for dog chores can be when your life gets hectic.
Are there apps that will help me keep up with my dog schedule and reminders?
Of course, there are apps you can download. But I find if I have something that already works, why re-invent the wheel? Plus, when you get app overloaded your device will tend to run slower. But if you’re an app junky you can try the following free apps, which can be found in both Google Play and the App Store:
Budget tip:
Yes, there are free dog apps and even paid dog apps, but with your digital calendar you already have, it’s quick, simple, and you can link all your devices. To me, it’s a no-brainer. Unless you just love apps. Then go for a free dog app. Either way, it’s definitely a good idea to have a dog reminder. Your furry friend will thank you.
Related posts:
- 6 Dog Park Etiquette and Unwritten Rules
- How to Find the Best Dog Groomer
- 17 Things to Look for in a Good Dog Walker
- 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs
- What Are The Best Treats For My Dog?
- 10 Cheap Dog Birthday Ideas
- How to Cure a Smelly Dog – 6 Solutions
- Best Dog Travel Checklist – FREE Download!
- Hack Lets You Easily Open Dog Poo Bags
- How To Find A Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer For Your Rescue Dog
- Easy Home Dog Brushing Solution
The best trick to remember dog essentials
Sometimes life gets complicated and even the best dog parent can forget the basic dog essentials. But by just using a simple little popup or alarm, you won’t forget anything for your dog. The other great aspect of your digital calendar is you can put reminders for your other family members, cats, and pets in it too. This allows you to keep everyone’s schedule straight. When you link your calendar to all your devices, it makes it even easier. I didn’t realize how easy it was to let time fly even faster until I started working strictly from home. A simple little, free digital calendar has helped with my schedule. Well, Henry, my furry friend, helps too with my reminders.
