Living Life to the Fullest: Taking Care of Your Pet on a Busy Schedule

Hectic and fluctuating work schedules, dropping off and picking up kids, hockey practice, softball, school, community service, working out, school fundraisers, dinner, grocery shopping, going back to school, book club… how do you keep up? Bark, meow… and then we also have Fido and Fluffy to worry about. In the famous words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it.” And sometimes, if you don’t slow down, you can miss hanging out with your best furry friend.

Here are some tips on time management to help ensure you and your fur-baby don’t miss a beat.

1. Schedule vet appointments far in advance and make sure to mark them down.

We all can procrastinate, but don’t be a pro at it. Instead put the pro back in proactive. After you have a trip to the vet make the next appointment before you leave. This way you have it all planned out far in advance so that you don’t have to scramble and take whatever time and day the vet says they can give you.

2. Speaking of marking things in a calendar, invest in a daily planner.

Daily planners are great for everything. You can schedule all the crazy things you have to do in a day and what time they need to be executed. This way nothing will blindside you and you can get back home and throw on some pajamas and cuddle up with your fur-baby faster.

3. Make sure that you take your pets for walks daily.

Daily walks are exhilarating and getting some fresh air is great for everyone. But when do you have the time? Schedule a walk with your pet at the same time everyday if you are loaded with other things to do. And if you live close to where you work take them on a lunch break. If you walk your kids to the buss stop every morning, take your dog with you.

4. Set aside time to chill out.

This may sound overly simple and almost impossible to do at the same time. But even if you and your pets have five minutes of free time make sure that you spend a little time decompressing. Sit down, do some yoga, or take a power nap, but make sure to include your pets. Another great idea to cut down on stress is to schedule free time. Sounds a little like micromanaging, but when you have a crazy schedule, like I know you do, schedule time to just chill out.

5. Go for a walk in the park… the doggy park.

Schedule a trip to the park at least once a month. Maybe you and the pups take a trip to the dog park every other Saturday to let off some steam. Take a ball or a blanket and spend some time in the fresh air.

6. Train you friend to enjoy or at least tolerate car rides.

Some dogs love car rides and every time you jingle the keys, they are ready to go. Starting your dog out getting used to the car when they are young and having them go with you on errands that you can take them with you is a great way to get in some extra quality time.

7. Having a spa day for you and your pets.

Getting a haircut, mani-pedi, or a massage? Schedule a similar spa treatment for your pet. If you can do it all in one day, do it. Of course, you may not be able to take your pet with you to a spa, but scheduling both of your spa treatments, i.e. both of your haircuts on the same day, may lead to better efficiency and less confusion.

8. Taking them to dog friendly destination.

Hey, if you are planning to go out for the night see if where you are going is pet friendly! Here in Pittsburgh we have dog nights at PNC park where you and your pup can catch a ball game. Check out our Doggy Destinations series to see where there is a pet friendly date night near you!

9. Treat yourself…

Going to the pet store to pick up your pet’s favorite food? Some pet stores allow pets! Take your furry-friend with you and treat them to a toy and a day out on the town.

10. When all else fails… take a nap.

At this point, you’re probably tired. You have been running around and maybe you fit in a day at the park with your best bud. Snuggle up and take a nap with your fur-baby. After your crazy day of errands, spa treatments, going to the pet store, and catching a ball game with your favorite four-legged companion, taking a nap together is the best treat of all.

How do you make sure you have time to spend with your furry-friend? Let us know in the comments!