Are you trusted to take care of a dog while its hoomans are away? We’ve got you covered! Dog sitting can be a piece of cake for non-pet owners if you know the basics they need. Your time as their dog sitter will be really enjoyable and fun as you know these six things!
1. Chocolate is a no-no!
Ultimately, chocolates are bad for dogs! Any food that has chocolates can hurt their digestive system. Chocolates are considered toxic for dogs, and when consumed, they can develop significant illnesses. You wouldn’t want to return the dog to its owner with a disease, would you?
2. Wash their food containers and water bowls daily.
If the dog is in your hands for several days or even weeks, you should wash their food containers and water bowls daily. Veterinarians suggest cleaning these containers with hot water and soap every day to prevent the dogs from acquiring diseases.
For dogs sitting longer than weeks, you should generally wash their toys and bedding once a month, but if it gets dirty midway, better to wash them at that time. By doing this, you prevent them from becoming smelly, and you can control fleas.
3. Dogs of whatever age need structure and routine.
Ask the dog owner about their daily routine with their dogs, such as time of feeding, playing, and sleeping. You can’t just spoil them or give new rules because these may really confuse the dogs.
Dog experts recommend sticking to their regular schedule so the dogs can become comfortable around their dog sitters. Dogs basically need structures, routines, boundaries, and rules so they can adjust well. Also, consistency is the key when enforcing these!
4. Bathing dogs shouldn’t be done every day.
Unlike us, dogs should not be bathing every day. You must only bathe the dog at least once every month, depending on whether they get dirty or not. You will be damaging their skin when you shower them regularly. Overbathing can cause itchiness and flaking, as it can deplete their natural oils and reduce the luster of their natural coat.
This also applies to other dog grooming practices, which include trimming nails and hair. Most especially for dogs with long coats and are naturally hairy.
5. Who is their veterinarian?
Whether it is your first-time dog sitting or you have done it several times before, you should know who to contact when emergencies happen. Ask their fur parents for their veterinarian’s name, phone number, and clinic address. As non-pet owners taking care of a dog, you can’t actually learn everything overnight. So, it is better to seek help or ask some questions from animal health experts.
6. Dogs should not drink alcohol.
Dogs are good companions, but not for drinking alcohol because it is poisonous. Be careful as well for spilled alcoholic drinks on the floor as they may ingest them. Dogs who consume alcohol may suffer severe side effects, such as hypothermia, diarrhea, and vomiting.
You will surely enjoy being a dog sitter! Think of the things that you can do with them, such as joining you in your daily grocery tasks or jogging around the village or park. Not to mention that they can be a great stress reliever and a playmate, too! After dog sitting, you may even want to have a dog for real!
