Bark n Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk

Latest Episodes:

Nick Coy, Owner of Breck & Bailey, discusses his CO born and bred home delivered freshly frozen food company. Jul 02, 2023

Show notes

Breck & Bailey is a Colorado born and bred home-delivered freshly frozen dog food company. We work with a veterinarian nutritionist to develop fresh recipes that not only meet AAFCO standards but also OUR standards. Not only do our own dogs taste test our recipes, but SO DO WE! We are human and pup approved! We use only ingredients that you can pronounce and actually identify. We also use a limited number of fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients that are grown in the USA only. Our proteins are sourced from Colorado-based ranches and our vegetables and starches are sourced as close to Colorado as possible based on seasonal availability. You know what is so awesome?! Bark@BreckAndBailey.com.

Visit https://breckandbailey.com/

Dr. Doug Mader, discusses his new book, "The Vet at Noah's Ark" Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

From renowned veterinarian Dr. Doug Mader comes a stirring account of his fight to protect his animal patients and human staff amid the dangerous realities of inner-city life and the Los Angeles riots—and a celebration of the remarkable human-animal bond.

The life of a veterinarian is challenging: keeping up with advances in medical care, making difficult decisions about people's beloved companions, and, in Dr. Doug Mader's case, navigating the social unrest in Los Angeles in the early 1990s. As one of the few exotic animal experts in California, he was just as likely to be treating a lion as a house cat.

The Vet at Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital follows Dr. Mader and his staff over the course of a year at Noah's Ark Veterinary Hospital, an inner-city LA area veterinary hospital where Dr. Mader treats not only dogs and cats, but also emus, skunks, snakes, foxes, monkeys, and a host of other exotic animals. This real life drama is set against the backdrop of the trial of four police officers in the Rodney King case, as well as the violent aftermath following their acquittal.

This is a book about survival, both of the pets that Dr. Mader and his staff try to save on a daily basis, as well as the staff themselves. Living in the harsh reality of the city, surrounded by gangs, drugs, violence, traffic, smog, and deadly riots, they must overcome and rise above, for their own survival and that of the animals who need them. This awe-inspiring account is told through Dr. Mader's riveting storytelling―as Carl Hiaasen writes, "Doug is fearless and dedicated," and "a damn good storyteller."

Dr. Rebecca Windsor discusses Intervertabral Disc Disease (IVDD). Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a degenerative disease that can affect your dog's spinal cord and causes a range of painful mobility issues.

What is IVDD?

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs can also be described as a ruptured, slipped, bulging or herniated disk. This condition is most commonly seen in beagles, dachshunds, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, basset hounds, or American cocker spaniels but may occur in dogs of any breed.

What causes IVDD in dogs?

Intervertebral Disc Disease is an age-related, gradual degenerative process that affects the spinal cord of the dog over a period of time, often undetected. Even with yearly wellness exams, your vet may not detect any signs of IVDD until your dog's hardened disc or discs become ruptured and painful symptoms become evident. Something as every day as a jump up onto the sofa could damage a disc that has been weakened by IVDD, and trigger acute and painful symptoms of the disease.

IVDD occurs when the shock-absorbing discs between your dog's vertebrae gradually begin to harden until they are unable to cushion the vertebrae properly. The hardened discs will typically go on to bulge and compress the spinal cord, often damaging the dog's nerve impulses such as those that control bladder and bowel control. In other cases, a simple jump or poor landing can lead one or more of the hardened discs to burst and press into the nerves of the dog's spinal cord causing pain, possible nerve damage or even paralysis.

What are the symptoms of IVDD in dogs?

Intervertebral Disc Disease can occur in any of the discs in your dog's spine and symptoms of this condition will depend upon which part of the spine is affected, and how severe the damage is. Symptoms of IVDD may also appear suddenly or come on gradually. If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms seek veterinary care as soon as possible. IVDD can be very painful for dogs and early treatment is essential for preventing the condition from becoming more severe or causing irreversible damage to your dog's spine.

Symptoms of Neck Intervertebral Disc Disease (Cervical IVDD)

Cervical IVDD occurs in the discs of the dog's neck. If you may notice one or more of the following symptoms, which can affect the whole body and range from mild to very severe contact your vet for immediate advice, or visit your closest animal emergency hospital for veterinary care:

Head held low
Arching back
Shivering or crying
Reluctance to move
Unsteadiness in all 4 legs

Inability to walk normally
Knuckling of all 4 paws
Inability to support own weight
Inability to stand
Inability to feel all 4 feet and legs

Symptoms of Back Intervertebral Disc Disease (Thoracolumbar IVDD)

Dogs with Thoracolumbar IVDD have a damaged disc causing issues in their back region and may display one or more of the following symptoms. Symptoms of Thoracolumbar IVDD mainly affect the mid to back portion of the dog's body and can range from mild to very severe:

Muscle spasms
Tense belly
Weakness in hind legs
Crossing back legs when walking

Inability to walk normally
Knuckling of back paws, or dragging rear legs
Inability to support their own weight
Unable to move or feel back legs

Symptoms of Lower-Back Intervertebral Disc Disease (Lumbosacral IVDD)

If your dog is suffering from lumbosacral IVDD the problematic disc or discs are located in your dog's lower back region. Symptoms of lumbosacral IVDD typically affect the very back of the dog's body and may range from mild to very severe:

Pain and/or difficulty jumping
Limp tail

Urinary or fecal incontinence
Dilated anus

How is IVDD diagnosed in dogs?

If your dog begins showing any of the above symptoms immediate veterinary care is required. Tests for diagnosing Intervertebral Disc Disease typically include standard x-rays, a neurological exam, and/or MRI to help locate the disc or discs causing your dog's symptoms.

What is the treatment for IVDD?

The diagnosis and treatment for Intervertebral Disc Disease needs to begin as early as possible in order to achieve good treatment outcomes. That's why we recommend taking your dog to the vet for a full examination if you spot signs of IVDD in your dog. Delays in treatment could lead to irreversible damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

If your dog is diagnosed with a mild to moderate IVDD injury, treatment may include steroid and anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling, combined with strictly reduced activity for approximately 4 -6 weeks

Surgery

Surgery is typically recommended for dogs suffering from more severe cases of Intervertebral Disc Disease where rest and medication are not sufficient to reduce pain and other symptoms. During surgery, your dog's veterinary surgeon will remove the hardened disc material which is pressing on your dog's spinal cord and causing the IVDD symptoms.

Surgery outcomes are most successful in dogs that have not lost their ability to walk. If your dog's surgery is not successful in returning your pet to normal mobility, a dog wheelchair can help your pup to enjoy a happy and active life while living with Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Recovery from IVDD surgery requires 6 - 8 weeks of restricted activity. Running, climbing stairs, playing with other dogs, or jumping on furniture need to be prevented in order to avoid further damage as your dog's spine heals.

Physical Therapy

Following surgery, your vet may also recommend physical therapy for your dog in order to work on muscle strengthening and to help get your pet moving comfortably again.

Protect your dogs from Ticks this Memorial Day weekend! All about ticks. May 28, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Bark & Wag 15 Minute Vet Talk – I am your host Polly ReQua.

Today we are talking to Dr. Laura Brown, a Veterinarian and owner of Green Tree Animal Hospital in Libertyville, IL as we discuss Ticks. Yuck! They are out there and what can we do to protect our dogs?

Dr. Brown, thank you for taking the time to talk about ticks with our dogs. Welcome and please let us know more about these gross insects?

TICKS

Ectoparasites are organisms that live on the outside of an animal. Ticks are fairly common ectoparasites of dogs (and cats). How often you see ticks on your dog and how severe a tick assault will be depends on the region of the country in which you live, the time of year (tick activity varies in warm and cool weather), the habits of your dog, and how and when you use tick control products. Some ticks can infest dogs that spend most of their time indoors, and even dogs that only spend brief periods of time outside can have ticks.

How will ticks affect my dog?

Ticks attach to your dog by inserting their mouthparts into your dog's skin. Many ticks also produce a sticky, gluelike substance that helps them to remain attached. After attaching to your dog, ticks begin feeding on your dog's blood. The places where ticks attach can become red and irritated.

Although rare, ticks can consume enough of your dog's blood to cause a deficiency called anemia. Certain female ticks can also cause a rare paralysis in dogs as a result of a toxin they produce while feeding. More important, ticks are capable of causing many diseases in your pet. The disease with which most people are familiar is called Lyme disease. Another is Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Lyme disease can cause arthritis and swelling of your dog's joints, resulting in painful lameness. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause fever, lameness, and other signs. There are also other diseases that ticks can transmit to your dog. Your veterinarian can answer questions about the diseases that are important where you live.

How do I prevent my dog from getting ticks?

It is very difficult to prevent your dog's exposure to ticks. Ticks can attach to your dog when he or she goes with you on walks, hikes, or during any outdoor activities.

The best way to prevent ticks from attaching to your dog is by the regular use of tick control products. Your veterinarian can advise you about the best product for your dog and your situation. Your veterinarian is also aware of diseases that are common in your area and can pose a risk to your dog.

If you have a tick problem in your yard consider:

treating the outdoor environment (be sure to understand what products you are using and how they affect the environment)
making a landscape change to make the environment less tick friendly – this can be done by providing a 3 foot buffer between the lawn and any woods. Mulch, wood chips, or gravel work well, and help to decrease the migration of ticks into yards.
ridding your yard of wild animals

Often more ticks are present or they are more active at certain times of the year. Your veterinarian can tell you how to avoid locations where large numbers of ticks are found.

Can humans be harmed by ticks?

Ticks can attach to and feed on humans. The skin where ticks attach to humans can become red and irritated. Ticks that transmit diseases to your dog can also transmit many of the same diseases to people. It is important to realize that people do not get these diseases from their dogs. Both people and dogs get the diseases from ticks they come into contact with outdoors. Diseases, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which have already been described in dogs, can also be very serious in humans.

If you have questions about human diseases that are transmitted by ticks and how you can protect yourself, you should consult a doctor.

DID YOU KNOW?

While ticks themselves cause only mild irritation, they can carry diseases that pose a serious threat to animals and humans.
Ticks can be prevented by regular use of tick control products.
Just pulling off a tick can leave body parts attached to your dog. Ask your veterinarian about proper tick removal and tick control.
Illnesses transmitted by ticks can case fever, anemia, paralysis, lameness, and other symptoms.
People can not catch Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever from infected dogs, but the same ticks that bite dogs can cause these illnesses and others if they bite humans.
Adult ticks can live up to 3 years without blood meal.
Ticks live on three different animals during their life.
Most ticks spend most of their life OFF the host (animal) in the environment.
Ticks can't jump and don't "fall from trees" as most people think, but transfer onto hosts when animals or humans walk through long grass, bushes and brush.

Dr. Rebecca Windsor gives an update on the clinical trials to improve outcome for Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Pug Dogs (aka Pug Dog Encephalitis) May 22, 2023

Show notes

Pug encephalitis causes inflammation of the brain in some small-breed dogs.
It is always fatal and there is no cure.
It is estimated that 1.2 percent of Pugs will die from this condition.
It is believed to be an inherited autoimmune disorder with genetic markers.
Vets may prescribe steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs to manage the condition.

Pug dog encephalitis (PDE) is a severe and debilitating disease in small breed dogs that causes inflammation of the brain. This condition is inherited in Pugs but can occur in other breeds as well.

Unfortunately, the disease is fatal and it is estimated that 1.2 percent of Pugs will die from Pug encephalitis (1). Although there is no cure for this disease, early diagnosis and management can help your dog maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.

What is Pug Dog Encephalitis?

Pug dog encephalitis is the colloquial name for Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME), a severe and incurable condition that causes inflammation and death of the brain tissue.

Although the disease primarily affects Pugs, other small breed dogs—including Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers, can be affected as well.

Young adults are most commonly affected, with most being diagnosed before 7 years of age. Young, fawn-colored, female Pugs are especially prone to developing this condition.

What Causes the Condition?

Pug encephalitis is believed to be an inherited autoimmune disorder. In Pugs, genetic markers have been identified that can predict a dog's risk for developing the disease. One in eight Pugs with two copies of these genetic markers will develop Pug encephalitis in their lifetime (2). At this time, it is not known why some dogs develop the disease while others do not.

Other small breeds such as Maltese, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers can also develop NME. A genetic basis is suspected in these breeds as well, but has not yet been proven. To date, the disease has not been reported in medium or large breed dogs.

Symptoms of Pug Dog Encephalitis

The symptoms of Pug dog encephalitis may come on gradually or may progress rapidly depending on the patient. Many cases start with vague symptoms such as lethargy and depression, which can often be overlooked.

As the disease progresses, pet owners may notice more dramatic symptoms, such as:

Seizures
Collapse
Circling
Appearing lost or disoriented
Behavior changes
Weakness, stumbling
Blindness
Abnormal gait
Coma

Diagnosing the Condition

If your dog is showing symptoms of Pug encephalitis, you should seek veterinary care immediately. Other conditions may present with similar symptoms, so your veterinarian will likely recommend several diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your dog's clinical signs.

Sampling the brain tissue through biopsy or necropsy is the only way to definitively diagnose Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis. However, other less invasive tests may be used to establish a tentative diagnosis.

Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination, and may perform some or all of the following tests:

Blood Work. A complete blood count and biochemistry panel may be performed to evaluate organ function and look for underlying conditions such as liver disease or toxin exposure, which can cause similar clinical signs.

Diagnostic Imaging. Imaging such as MRI may be used to evaluate your dog's brain and spinal cord. Often this requires referral to a specialist. Your dog will also likely need to be placed under general anesthesia for this procedure.

CSF Tap. Your veterinarian may recommend taking a sample of your dog's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Examining the cells of this fluid under a microscope can help rule out other types of meningitis and encephalitis that cause similar clinical signs.

Genetic Testing. In Pugs, a genetic test is available that can identify which individuals are at higher risk for developing NME. Dogs with two copies of the genetic markers of NME are 12.75 times more likely to develop the disease in their lifetime, compared to dogs with only one or no copies of these markers (2).

How to Treat Pug Encephalitis

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Pug encephalitis. Treatment is focused on decreasing the immune response, alleviating inflammation, and minimizing seizures.

Your veterinarian may prescribe steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs to manage the condition. Antiepileptic drugs may also be prescribed for patients experiencing seizures due to NME. Most patients will need to stay on these medications for life and will relapse if the medication is discontinued. Because these medications can have severe side effects, some trial and error may be necessary to find the drugs and dosages that work best for your dog.

Pug Dog Encephalitis Life Expectancy

Pug dog encephalitis is a serious condition and is ultimately fatal. Most dogs will succumb to the disease within a year of diagnosis, although some dogs can survive for several years with medication and supportive care.

Frequent rechecks with your veterinarian will be necessary to monitor response to treatment and ensure your dog is maintaining a good quality of life.

Cost to Manage Pug Encephalitis

Pug encephalitis can be costly because it often requires advanced testing to diagnose the condition. In some cases, your dog may need to be referred to a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

Depending on the medications used, your dog may also need frequent rechecks and blood work to monitor the effects of these drugs.Thus, pet owners should expect to spend several thousand dollars on diagnosis and treatment of Pug dog encephalitis.

How to Prevent Pug Dog Encephalitis

Studies have shown a strong familial inheritance of this disease in Pugs. The disease is also believed to be genetic in other breeds, although this has not yet been proven. Any dog diagnosed with Pug encephalitis should not be bred, because there is a high risk that the disease will be passed on to the dog's offspring. The parents of affected dogs should also not be bred together again, as they may be carriers of the disease.

In Pugs, a genetic test is available which can help identify potential carriers of Pug dog encephalitis. Testing before breeding is recommended to avoid producing puppies with a higher risk of developing this disease.

SoulSpeak is a uniquely organic and conversational approach to healing that allows Tami to go underneath surface layers directly to the heart of an issue or situation. Tami Hendrix gives the listeners an exercise. May 08, 2023

Show notes

Visit https://tamihendrix.com/

SoulSpeak is a uniquely organic and conversational approach to healing that allows me to go underneath surface layers directly to the heart of an issue or situation. During the conversation with a client (human or animal), I employ intuitive listening and receive precognitive, intuitive, and soul-level information that directly relates to the situation and delivers a means for resolution, clarity, and positive change. I hold the energetic space to receive spiritual messages that foster my clients' healing and transformation.

Clients are able to make positive internal and external changes in their lives and in their relationships with their pets following just one session with me. A session leaves clients feeling grounded, clear-minded and with a renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing. I inspire clients to embrace new perspectives of life situations and connect with their own heart wisdom.

Please reach out to Tami.

All about ear infections with Dr. Lucas May 01, 2023

Show notes

Dog Ear Infections: Everything You Need to Know

Home » Blog » Dog Ear Infections: Everything You Need to Know

There are many possible causes of dog ear infections. Ear infections can be painful for your pup, so getting them to the vet is essential to get them treated right away. The longer the ear infection goes untreated, the worse it can become.

Dogs are more predisposed to ear infections than humans due to the shape of their ear canals. The most common dog ear infections are bacterial infections or yeast infections. Sometimes ear infections can be caused by environmental allergies or endocrine issues.

You can help prevent ear infections for your dog altogether. If you regularly clean your dog's ears and make sure they are free of wax and dirt, this will help. If you read this article, you will find out everything you need to know about dog ear infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Ear Infection in Dogs?

Sometimes dogs do not demonstrate any symptoms of ear infection. Ear infections are typically painful for dogs, so you will need to frequently examine your dog's ears to know if they are clean and healthy. The following are some common symptoms of a dog ear infection:

Dark discharge
Unpleasant odor
Redness or swelling of the ear canal
Pain
Constant head shaking
Itchiness
Scabs in the ears

Around 20 percent of dogs suffer from some kind of ear disease in one or both ears. If you note your dog has any of these symptoms, you must get them to the vet right away.

Do not make an attempt to clean your dog's ears if there is any sign of infection. It can be too painful for them, and it requires the help of a veterinarian.

What Causes Ear Infection in Dogs?

There are a plethora of causes of ear infections in dogs. Most of the time, an ear infection results from an underlying problem. The following include some of the causes of ear infection in dogs:

Ear Mites

When your pup has ear mites, they live in your dog's fur. Ear mites are typically black and cause a lot of pain and itchiness in your dog's ear. Ear mites devour skin debris, which triggers inflammation and perpetuates the infection. Some of the problems ear mites can cause your dog include:

Bacterial infections
Inflammation in the ear canal
(Eventually) Partial or complete deafness

Ear mites usually have eggs, which need to be destroyed. Ear mite medication will kill the adult mites but leave the eggs, so it can take time to resolve the problem.

Environmental Allergies

Some of the most common environmental allergies that can cause ear infections in dogs to include:

Mold
Pollen
Dander

Allergies cause the skin barrier to lessen, producing excess wax in the ear canal. Yeast and bacteria are made, which permits severe infection strains to grow. This growth can cause the following:

Inflammation
Pain
Discharge

Chronic inflammation can trigger the deterioration of the opening of the ear canal. Treatment is often difficult for this affliction.

Endocrine Issues

Hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease can be the culprit when your dog has an ear infection. If a dog keeps getting otitis externa and they are not itchy, endocrine disease could be to blame. Symptoms of endocrine disease in dogs include the following:

Increased thirst
Increased urination
Excessive hunger
Weight gain
Sleepiness
Poor coat condition

If you see your pup has any of these symptoms, take them to the vet as soon as possible. With endocrine issues, your dog may need lifelong treatment.

Food Allergies

More than 20 percent of ear infections begin with just otitis externa, and ear disease occurs in 80 percent of ear infections from food allergies. Animals with food allergies tend to have recurrent skin and ear infections unless the underlying cause is taken care of.

Inhalant Allergies

Inhalant allergies are the most common underlying cause of ear infections in dogs. Seasonal allergies are usually the perpetrator.

It generally worsens over time. The dogs who suffer from this tend to have itchy feet, faces, and ears. They are susceptible to secondary skin and ear infections which often occur after treatment.

Tumors

Some research suggests that chronic, long-term inflammation of the ear canal could cause tumors in the ear. It can form due to abnormal growth of tissue. Some of the symptoms of ear tumors include the following:

Swelling of the ear
Crying when the ear is touched
Bloody or yellow discharge
Chronic ear infections
Scratching or rubbing the ear
Foul odor coming from the ear
The visible growth in the ear

The initial symptoms mean your canine is very uncomfortable, so seeing the vet would be the best course of action. Fortunately, most ear tumors are benign. There are many different types of ear tumors. These include:

Tissue tumor of the inner ear
Tissue tumor of the outer ear
Bone tumor
Tissue tumor of the middle ear
Earwax gland tumor

Most vets will want to remove the ear tumor no matter where it occurs in the ear. The tumor can cause infection, pain, or growth if left untreated.

What is the Remedy for an Ear Infection in Dogs?

A good ear cleaning is an integral part of treating ear infections in dogs. You must be careful to remember that you could over clean your pup's ears, which can also lead to infection. A clean dog's ear is the following:

Pink on the inside
Not dirty
Not swollen
No nasty odor

If your dog's ear is red and inflamed or smells like yeast, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your veterinarian should clean out an infected ear.

How Do You Clean Your Dog's Ear Regularly?

You need three things to clean a dog's ear successfully. These include the following:

Cotton ball or gauze
Dog ear cleaning solution
Towel

Do not use any tool with a pointed tip, such as a Q-tip. A Q-tip can further push the dirt deeper into your pup's ears, triggering infection. Here is how to clean your dog's ear in simple steps:

Clean your pup's ears in a bathroom or someplace where your dog is free to shake their head as much as they want
Fill your dog's ear with dog cleaning ear solution and lightly rub at the base of the ear for 30 seconds
Use a cotton ball or gauze and wipe the ear canal without going in too deep. If your dog appears in pain, stop the cleaning immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Cleaning your canine's ears regularly can help prevent infection. You should aim to clean your pup's ears at least once a month. Regular ear cleanings will also serve as a preventative measure against mites and other problems before they become a significant issue.

You should also take care to dry your dog's ears after a bath. Moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. If you clean the ears after a bath, this will help to prevent excess moisture from causing an ear infection.

Keep Your Dog's Ears Clean and Infection Free

Ear infections are a common dilemma for dogs, but by using regular preventative measures, you can help keep your pup's ears fresh and free from infection. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see evidence of swelling, redness, or infection.

Silver Honey Rapid Ear Care line (Amazon links below) consists of:

· Silver Honey Vet Strength Ear Treatment and Rinse ($54.99 MSRP): a two-step system to treat otitis externa-related ear infections in 10 days or less and starts working to soothe pet pain in less than 30 minutes.

· Silver Honey Vet Strength Ear Wipes ($19.99 MSRP): convenient ear wipes instantly remove debris and wax to maintain ear health and prevent bacteria from entering the ear.

Meet the owner of Soul Speak, Tami Hendrix, offering spiritually-based intuitive guidance, messages, and clarity for people and animals going through life transitions and personal transformations. Apr 23, 2023

Show notes

Visit https://tamihendrix.com/

Meet the team that created the book, The Great Rescue, Grayson's Story, benefitting PugHearts of Houston. Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

GRAYSON'S BOOK LAUNCH AT TODDY OAKS

Toddy Oaks I 20120 Franz Rd. I Katy TX

Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 1-5 pm

This event is to celebrate Grayson's book launch.

You can pick your book up here if you ordered it from the square store and chose an in person pick up.

It is dog and child friendly and the venue is gorgeous.

Come celebrate this stubborn dog with incredible will to live and his beautiful book!

NOT AN ADOPTION EVENT!

Make sure you get the book - https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-great-rescue-grayson-s-story-heather-bass/19937885

Cristi, Owner of Natural Pet Wellness, discusses insights on pet sitting from the pet sitters perspective - how to prepare for a pet sitting job. Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Your vacation is scheduled and you've decided to find a pet sitter so your pet can stay at home while you are away. To ensure you find the perfect pet sitter, you should conduct an interview, check references and make sure the sitter is licensed, bonded and insured, and LOVES pets. But there are some additional steps you should also take to help ensure your pet will receive the best care possible:

Schedule Early

Most pet sitters book appointments far in advance. Make reservations as early as possible to guarantee a spot for your pet's care. If your schedule changes, alert your pet sitter so additional care can be scheduled if necessary.

Meet & Greet

Make sure your pet has had an opportunity to meet the sitter before your vacation. Give your sitter your pet schedule, feeding and medication instructions. If possible, have the sitter take your dog for a walk so that your pet and sitter get accustomed to each other, or bond for a few minutes with you cat or other pets.

Pet Care Information and Supplies

Don't make your sitter search for pet care items. Place everything your sitter will need in one specific place. This includes food & treats (including a can opener, utensil to mix/chop food and scoop for measuring dry fare), extra food and consumable supplies just in case, medications (with clearly written instructions), leash and collar/harness, paper towels and cleaning supplies, broom/dust pan or vacuum cleaner, plastic bags for waste disposal, litter and scooper, and potty pads if used. Clearly write out and review with your pet sitter any special instructions you want them to perform.

Thermostat

Your pet will be in your locked, sealed home. Make sure the thermostat is set at a comfortable temperature for your pet. Leave instructions on how to adjust the temperature range for your thermostat in case of a power-outage.

Pet Proof Your Home

Pets can be more inquisitive and bored when they are left alone and get into mischief. Put toilet lids down, close cupboards and closets, store medications, perfumes, loose small objects and household cleansers away and out of your pet's reach.

Alarms, Off-limit Areas, Home Access

Are there areas where your pet is not allowed? Make sure you close off the rooms and let the sitter know that those areas are to be kept off limits. Close and lock doors, including garage, and patio doors and windows before you leave. Use timers to control indoor lights so your pet's day/night schedule is similar to when you are at home. Check to make sure gates and fences are closed and locked.

Visitor List

If you live in an apartment or gated community, advise and authorize security that your pet sitter will be visiting and, if appropriate, let you neighbors know too. Also, if you plan to have friends, family or someone else also checking on your house and pets in your absence, let the sitter know. Clearly explain what the pet sitter is responsible for and what the other visitors will be doing to avoid confusion. Also let the sitter know about gardeners, pool or house maintenance providers who might also be on the premises in your absence.

In Case of Emergency

Your pet sitter should have the information about where to take your pet in case of a health emergency. You should also notify your veterinarian in writing that a sitter will be watching your pet and authorize the veterinarian to provide medical care during your absence if necessary. If there is a natural disaster and your sitter needs to remove your pet from your premises, have a pet emergency kit available and a pet carrier too. You should also communicate with your sitter how you would like to get updates about your pet, via text, email or phone.

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

Preparation is the key to make sure your pet sitter has all of the information they need to properly care for your pet while you are away. If they don't have to search around for your pet supplies and instructions, they will have more time to spend giving love and attention to your pet.

Written by Kathleen Huffman, General Manager of Fetch! Pet Care Palm Desert

Visit Christi for more informaton: https://www.naturalpetwellnessco.com/

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