Did you know four out of five people who make resolutions break them by the end of January? The main reason for resolution failure is setting so many goals that trying to stick to them becomes arduous. A little trick that has worked for me (and my dog): Space your goals out to one per month! Here’s a month by month way to keep motivated and focused as presented by our Puppy Relations (PR) Manager, Dexter:
January
Wednesday, Jan. 2, was National Pet Travel Safety Day, but even in retrospect it’s a good reminder to check items related to automobile travel. Ensure your dog’s tags are up to date, double check any harnesses or travel safety belts in your vehicle, and start planning for your next trip.
February
Though February is a shorter month, it is long on love. Set a goal to keep your dog’s heart healthy by scheduling a veterinary visit for a wellness check. With that checked off the list, get to keeping Fido fit! There are cold weather and rainy day games for dogs, which can be played year-round indoors.
March
National Poison Prevention Week occurs in March, so clean out those medicine cabinets, safely dispose of expired medications and treats, and ensure prying paws do not have access to cupboards or doors that house dangers behind them.
April
It’s National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! If you do not already have a “go to” home emergency kit and travel emergency kit, now’s the time to make them. Read our article on how to build your own first aid kit for dogs. An item I’ve recently added to my dog’s first aid kits is the Pet Clot single-use mesh pouch for bleeding emergencies.
May
There is a bevy of dog celebratory and awareness weeks and dates peppered throughout May, but perhaps one of the most important is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. (Speaking of teeth, you are brushing your dog’s teeth daily by now, right?) According to the ASPCA, 50 percent of all children in the United States will be bitten by a dog by the age of 12. If you have human children, teach them the dos and don’ts of approaching a dog, including when to pet a dog and how to do so.
June
Although this month celebrates National Take Your Dog to Work Day (June 22), set a goal to check your dog’s urine. I do this once a week with my dog. I use the Siemens Multistix, which tests for 10 different levels of things in my dog’s urine. If your dog battles urinary tract infections (UTIs), these strips can be a lifesaver for detecting levels such as pH and blood in urine. Collect the dog’s urine with a free catch in the morning when it is most concentrated, dip the stick in, follow the time recommendations (two minutes for most), and then compare against the colors on the bottle. Use these in conjunction with veterinary visits and to keep an eye on any levels that are cause for concern.
July
Do you have an escape plan that includes your dog if a fire were to occur in your residence? July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day. Firefighter Dayna Hilton and her fire safety dogs have made it their mission to save lives, reduce injuries, and decrease property loss from fire. Ensure you have a fire-escape route plan in place, check your smoke alarm batteries, and learn more by visiting the Sparkles the Fire Safety Dog blog.
August
August 26 is National Dog Day. The day was founded to celebrate shelter dogs. If your heart beats dog as mine does, take some time this month to give your dog some extra TLC (tender loving canine). Give your dog a tummy rub or pat down. Dogs are calmer, happier, and connect with us emotionally when we pet, massage, and rub them. Additionally, you’ll be aware if any concerning lumps or bumps develop.
September
Back to school time means back to basics. Set a goal to regularly examine your dog’s paws and pads, looking for any cuts, cracks, blisters, or lacerations. Keep hair between pads groomed and nails adequately trimmed by a qualified groomer.
October
It’s Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month! But if you are unable to do so, there are many other ways to help shelter animals. When you shop at “give back” websites, companies provide money, food, and treats to shelter dogs. Also consider sponsoring a dog. I send $10 a month to a Cocker Spaniel rescue and foster group.
November
As remnant leaves scatter about the earth, ticks burrow beneath, waiting for the chance to leap onto your dog as a host. Do a flea and tick check and talk with your dog’s vet about year-round protection. I am never without a tick key on my keyring (and in my dog’s first aid kit) for those “just in case” moments.
But remember: Just because something is dubbed natural does not mean it is 100-percent safe. Always check with your vet prior to applying any product.
December
Life is short, dogs live in the moment, so celebrate and set a goal to make December a time of tradition.
What’s on your “to do” list for your dog this year?
Bethany says
That is an awesome to-do list, Dexter! And a much smarter way to manage your goals than impossible to keep resolutions.
Harvey Button says
We plan to keep going, keep to a timetable and HOPE!!!
Harvey
Carol Bryant says
Hey there, Dash Kitten, good to see you here and Happy New Year!
The Stately Hound says
Oh boy, what a fab list. For me, the ‘urine test’ is a big deal – glad you highlighted it!
Susan and the gang from LifeWithDogsAndCats.com says
How have I gone this long without knowing about the Tick Key? Will be ordering one today! Thanks!
–Woofs (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats.
Susan says
Wow that is an impressive list- very organized and helpful. Thanks Talent Hounds
Carol Bryant says
Pooches gracias!
Caren Gittleman says
LOVE the idea of breaking down goals by the month and you mentioned some super good events/happenings here! Wonderful!
Carol Bryant says
I can’t overwhelm myself any longer, so doing things in segments works for me. Thanks bunches!
Aimee @ Irresistible Pets says
This post rocks! I’m saving this so I can add these to my calendar for 2014. Happy New Year!
Flea says
What a great idea, taking it monthly! I don’t usually do resolutions, but this year I did, and it’s only one. I figure one I can handle.
Carol Bryant says
I am with you, Flea – I like to do at least one – one per month that involves my dog works for me, too 😉 Happy New Year!
Roxy the traveling dog says
Those are all great things to remember. We are just going to stay healthy, and happy.
Carol Bryant says
That is the way to be – happy new year!
emma says
Good ideas for each month, but you forgot to add in attend BlogPaws in May 😉
Carol Bryant says
I need someone to put me in timeout for skipping that!
Liz (Woof Woof Mama) says
Lots of great ideas! Daisy & I are going to keep working on training, and staying healthy together! Happy New Year!
Carol Bryant says
And I am all about times of day that I play with Dex and just e-unplug – happy new year!
Sheba's Life Story says
For me no blogging at weekends and less time on social media, there’s more to life than work so I’m going to make more time to spend with Sheba.
Jobi and Fisher says
I tried to figure out if the adorable puppy with the pumpkin was Dexter. My conclusion is he sure is adorable enough to be Dexter. I like your ideas and I will give it a try. I might get to March at least!
Carol Bryant says
Yep that is my boy!
M. K. Clinton says
Thanks for the information! I will keep your list handy so I can refer to it throughout the year.
Carol Bryant says
Thanks for that! Happy New Year, MK!
Nailah Bone says
Very cool post! It’s true that most people set very lofty goals for the New Year and that’s why most people stop going to the gym by the end of February. I’ve always been the slow and steady kind of girl so I’m getting into shape the slow way. 🙂 Niles is also getting into shape slowly!
Carol Bryant says
Slow and steady is best. Just knock your list off daily and not get overwhelmed is key.
Golden Woofs: Sugar says
PAWsome idea. the main thing is to be realistic on “resolutions” Happy Wednesday. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Carol Bryant says
Indeed – we won’t overshoot the net this year. Happy New Year to you, friend
Paws andPedals (scooter & Kate) says
Didn’t realise there where som many national days for dogs!! Gothe US. True pet lovers
Playful Kitty says
Spacing out your goals is a great idea! All too often we make a huge list and are overwhelmed by all of the changes we need to make to our lives. Thanks for the great ideas for goals to set too! 🙂
Carol Bryant says
Thanks so much for stopping by and happy new year!
maggie says
What a fantastic list! I am really going to try to keep on track month by month!
Carol Bryant says
It helped us a lot to do goals month by month. Sometimes they change but at least we don’t feel as overwhelmed as much.
Sharon Gilbert says
Great ideas! I am printing this off for me. My one goal for all year for myself and my dogs…taking daily walks and eating healthy including my dogs. To make sure their toys and food and treats are USA made.
Anita Burke says
Thank you so much for such a great list! Love all the pictures too! One of my new year’s resolutions is to spend more time playing with my dogs and going on more hikes with them.