Safety and Comfort While Dog Sitting
As a dog sitter, your main objectives are the safety, comfort, and security of the clients and their home. That is easier said than done, especially if you are relatively new to dog sitting or are looking after a new dog for the first time. There are a number of things you can take into consideration to provide the best care for the pets in your care and provide the owner with some peace of mind while they are away. This blog will walk you through the essentials of preparing to dog sit, following the owner's instructions, what to do to keep the pets as comfortable as possible during your time in your care, handling any medical situation that may arise, and the condition of the home when the owner returns. If you are lucky enough to partake in a dog-sitting experience, you can gain valuable dog-sitting experience and develop your reputation as a trustworthy and responsible dog sitter.
Securing Entrances and Exits
Please check all entrances and exits (gates too) to ensure they are closed and securely locked. Place baby gates to block off stairs and/or access to certain areas of the house. Also, check fences to ensure they are tight and in good repair (no holes or weaknesses). AS well, place "beware of dog" signs on gates or doors leading into the yard.
Removing Hazards
Do a thorough sweep of the areas of access of the dog and pull any hazards, including choking, tripping, and toxicity (plants, food, chemicals) hazards. Also, be vigilant of loose items on the floor (clothing, toys, shoes, trash cans) that can be put away. Secure any edible plants, foods and chemicals that could have been previously poisonous to dogs.
Providing the Essentials
Make sure you have food, a leash, treats, grooming supplies, water, a dog bed, waste bags, medications (if any), an emergency contact number readily usable, and have arranged a feeding and elimination schedule as close to the dog's normal routine as possible.
Ensuring Adequate Ventilation and Temperature
Ensure that any space the dog will be occupying will have adequate ventilation and temperature comfort. Have fans, air purifiers, cooling pads, bedding, and heaters, should you need them for weather emergencies. Finally, after you have provided the essentials and removed dangers, you will be able to devote all of your attention to being a loving and lovable friend, all the attention they need.
Provide Lots of Exercise
Make sure to give your dog a lot of exercise before you leave your dog alone. Walk your dog for a long time or run with your dog to relieve their energy and encourage them to sleep while you're gone. You will also stimulate the release of the endorphins they need for a calm state.
Leave with Treats and Toys
Leave your dog with interactive food puzzle toys and long-lasting chew toys to occupy your dog when he is alone. Puzzle toys are capable of entertaining dogs for hours when they dispense a reward for the dog's behaviour. Leaving your dog with a special reward as you leave will also create an association of happiness when you're leaving.
Stick to a Familiar Routine
Make every effort to keep your dog's feeding, sleeping, and walking schedule as close to normal as possible. Performing routine activities at regular intervals will also help avoid digestive upset due to variances in diet and feeding times.
Use Calming Aids
Think about calming equipment such as a thundershirt, anxiety medication from your vet, pheromone sprays/collars, calming music, DAP diffuser, or CBD oil, which can all be used to diminish anxiety and promote calmness while your dog is alone or exposed to a new environment.
Check In Frequently
Use a pet monitoring camera to check in on your dog often for safety, comfort, and reassurance. Hearing your voice or seeing you on video may help lessen separation anxiety and make the time apart feel shorter.
Walking
Dogs should always be walked on a leash, especially for the protection of both other people and the dogs. Extra caution should be taken if you are walking the dogs near roads. Be certain to always pick up after the dog(s) as well. In the case that someone is hurt, it is necessary to have a first aid kit handy.
Feeding
Feed the dogs according to and at the same time as the owner wishes, based on the amount of food indicated by the owner. Moonlighting and portion control are essential. Never leave uneaten food outside for dogs to graze on because it may create obesity and other health issues in some dogs. If you give treats, always assume the owner has consented and account for them as part of the dog's daily caloric intake. Making sure the dogs have proper and constant access to fresh water is critical since dehydration can be a serious liability.
Playtime
Use caution when playing and never leave the dogs alone with toys or items that may be a choking hazard or dangerous for the dog. Observe the dogs' body language closely, and if you notice signs of aggressiveness, please take action; dogs will typically signal through bodily gestures like staring, biting or growling. If the dogs get too excited or anxious, it may be time to stop playing.
Conclusion
You now have all of the information you need to dog sit responsibly and safely. With a few safety precautions and considerations made ahead of time, you will be able to focus on walks together, grooming, bonding, and playing. When dog sitting is done correctly it can be the most rewarding thing. If you follow the tips provided, you will be focusing on keeping the dog happy & healthy while eliminating unwanted stress and chaos. The most essential thing to do is love the dog; that’s what it is all about.
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