Decide where to document their day.
Decide whether you want to keep a physical or digital record of your pet's day. While classic pencil and paper are the traditional option, there are a wealth of digital alternatives if you prefer writing on the go. Whether you're looking to take pristine, aesthetic notes or simply to scribble down whatever comes to mind, each method has its advantages. Physical records offer a personal touch, while digital notes are easy to edit and share. Some ideas include: Bullet journal Classic lined notebook Photo album Digital notes app A day-to-page diary A scrapbook
Document their milestones.
Record all your pet's "firsts" to keep track of everything they learn and experience as they grow up. The small, everyday milestones your pet reaches are easy to lose track of, but recording them all can help preserve the joy they bring. To save yourself from looking back at old photos and wondering, "Where did the time go?" you can map out, list, or tabulate these memories however you see fit. Ideas of what to record include: The first trick they master Winning a competition for the first time First time left alone at home The first day you brought them home with you First time introducing a new food First visit to the veterinarian
Write down foods they've tried.
Try out a new recipe or food for your pet and document their "rating" of it for future reference. If you're a budding chef or simply want to switch up your pet's diet, documenting their likes and dislikes could save you valuable time and money. This is especially useful if you struggle to keep track of what you have or haven't tried to introduce. This way, you can tailor their diet to ensure they receive meals they enjoy. You can include: A rating system of their reaction to the food Recipes for foods they enjoyed Any signs of an allergic reaction to a certain food Their energy levels after trying a new food Their favourite flavours Foods they refuse to eat altogether
Note what makes your pet happy.
Take note of the things that make your pet the happiest. Every pet has a unique personality, and you will have quickly become accustomed to their likes and dislikes. Your pet's joy can be infectious and even rewarding, as it shows their enthusiasm and curiosity towards the world around them. Any sign of happiness is a reminder that they cherish your loving home as much as you cherish their company! You could write down: The toy they play with most The person they're always delighted to see Their favourite activity Their preferred "hiding spot" A specific tool they prefer to be groomed with Their favourite trick to perform
Include their funny moments.
Write about a time when your pet made you laugh. Just like people, pets have their quirks and daft moments. In their eagerness to explore, your pet may often find themselves in sticky situations: ranging from the unusual to the downright bizarre. Ensure you're never short of a story to tell by noting down the dramas and unusual antics of your beloved companion. You could write about a time when: You couldn't find your pet and they mysteriously reappeared Your pet became strangely fascinated with an object They tried to chase their own tail They went exploring and got stuck somewhere They befriended another animal
Document their habits.
Keep track of your pet's dietary and exercise - based needs by noting down their day-to-day routine. As a pet owner, fitting your pet's needs around your own can prove challenging. Creating a plan for a typical day will help your pet settle into your home without disrupting your own schedule. You can then adjust their routine as needed, based on changes in your plans, or their behaviour and health. Examples of what to include are: Medication your pet needs, including the time it needs to be administered and the quantity required Scheduled daily exercise requirements such as walks Daily "playtime" when you can have fun and bond with your pet Scheduled reminders to clean up after them Scheduled times to refill their food and water
Take note of their medical needs.
Monitor your pet's health closely by creating a monthly checklist of all the medical observations and checks they need. An important part of being a pet owner is giving your pet the best possible chance of avoiding health problems and making sure symptoms of these problems don't pass unnoticed. Many diseases can affect a pet's quality of life. Some pets, such as cats, have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain. You could document: Tell-tale signs your pet might be injured or sick, such as fatigue and loss of appetite Upcoming vaccinations Dates to administer medication, such as flea treatment Scheduled dates to cut their nails Scheduled dates to check their bedding for fleas and ticks
Write down their "origin story".
Write down the story of how you ended up adopting your pet. Whether they were a former stray or taken from someone who couldn't look after them anymore, getting a pet is a lengthy process that only the most committed of owners can take on. Every pet has a backstory that ends in them finding your way into your beloved home. While they can't tell you of their adventures themselves, you can record the parts you know and the joy of finally being allowed to take them home. You could write about: Where they were rescued from, if you got them from a shelter How you prepared for their arrival How you chose them as the animal you wanted to take home with you Their arrival at your home
Include your favourite photos and drawings of them.
Preserve the contents of your camera roll and your artistic triumphs by collecting drawings and photographs of your pet. Some moments just can't be captured by a written description, and demand to be captured through pixels and ink. Pets can inspire you to pick up our cameras and pencils, to capture their essence and spirit. Collating these treasured moments can allow your pet to live on in your memory, long after they have passed away. Ideas for presenting these moments include: A collage A timeline or calendar to show how your pet grows through the years On a map of places they have visited Taking a photo every day and creating a time-lapse video Envelope-style pages within your diary where you can slip in photos and drawings Mounted on diary pages with photo corners or washi tape Embellished "scrapbook style" with stickers and captions
Document their reactions to changes.
Document your pet's reactions to change to help ensure smooth transitions and reduce stress caused by changes in routine. Many pets thrive on routine, and sudden changes to the structure of their day will reflect in their behaviour. For example, a dog who misses out on a morning walk will have stored up energy and become destructive. Documenting any signs of stress will allow you to counteract any changes that have upset your pet, for example hiring a dog walker if you can no longer take your dog for a morning walk. Alternatively, it may warn you to avoid certain breaks in routine altogether. For example, if your pet reacts badly to travel, you could hire a pet sitter to care for them rather than taking them to a boarding facility when you next go on holiday. Examples of reactions to document include: Reaction to new furniture or changes in the layout of your home Behaviour during travel Response to new household members or pets Any behaviour changes when on a new diet Reactions to medication such as flea treatment
Write down their grooming requirements.
Keep a close eye on your pet's coat to ensure their comfort and identify any early signs of health problems. Thinning, dull, odd-smelling or unkempt-looking fur could be signs of a problem requiring veterinary attention. Grooming your pet will also help shed fleas, ticks and moulted fur. You could note down: Grooming tools they prefer Sudden changes in coat condition that require attention Grooming schedule Frequency of baths
Document their sleeping patterns.
Track your pet's sleep habits closely to observe any factors that may be impacting their sleep. Noise and nutrition both play a role in your pet's sleep schedule, and disturbances in sleep can impact their energy levels and even escalate to depression in dogs. Restlessness while trying to sleep can point to mental or physical discomfort and decrease a pet's quality of life. The root cause of the issue can also cause your pet serious distress, and could be something as serious as a metabolic imbalance or cognitive dysfunction. It's important to observe and record your pet's sleep habits closely, so they can receive the medical attention they need if an issue disturbing their sleep arises. You could record: Daily sleep duration Signs of discomfort during sleep Favoured sleeping spots Any changes in sleeping patterns
Make a note of their bonding moments.
Strengthen your bond with your pet by highlighting your special moments together. As your pet becomes a beloved part of your daily routine, these cherished instances will become testament to the joy they bring into your life. It is easy to forget to slow down and appreciate these everyday moments, but years later you will want to look back on these small memories that made your companion so dear to you. Examples of moments to note down include: The first time your pet sits on your lap How your pet greets you in the morning Times your pet seeks comfort from you Outdoor activities you enjoy together A time your pet cheered you up when you came home from a difficult day The ways your pet makes you smile
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