If you’ve never looked after a dog before it can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to remember it’s a great responsibility that can have its challenges. Make sure you’re prepared for your dog-sitting adventure by following these helpful tips.

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1. Ask important questions

Every dog parent knows their dog like no one else does, so it’s important you get all the information about their dog’s happiness and health before they leave them in your hands. Here are some questions you should ask the dog’s owner:

  • How much exercise does the dog need?
  • What, when and how much does the dog eat?
  • Does the dog have any health issues you need to be aware of?
  • Is the dog due for parasite prevention while their owner is away? If yes, ask when they are due? Which products do the owners prefer to use? How much should you give and how do you administer it?
  • Does the dog have any allergies?
  • How friendly is the dog with people and other animals?
  • Do they have any grooming tips that would be useful to know?
  • Are they an inside or outside dog?
  • What’s their normal toilet routine?
  • Does the dog have a favourite play or walk routine?

 

2. Have the dog’s familiar things on hand

If you’re not looking after the dog in the dog’s own home, then it’s important to make him or her feel comfortable. This applies to the food they normally eat as well as other objects that are a part of the dog’s everyday life. Get the owner to bring things that are familiar to the dog, like toys, treats and bedding.

3. Boundaries

If you’re looking after the dog in your own home, make sure you know which areas of your house you’ll allow the dog to enter and establish off-limits areas from the beginning. Using gates that block hallways or staircases is an easy way to prevent a dog from exploring areas you’d prefer it didn’t go into.

4. Emergency details

Always have a way that you can contact the dog’s owner in case of an emergency. Also get the details of the dog’s usual vet. If something happens, even if it’s only something small, it will be a lot easier to take them to a vet that knows the animal’s history rather than trying to explain everything to a new vet. The dog will probably also feel more comfortable visiting its regular vet. Additionally, make sure to note the closest emergency vet, just in case something happens when their regular vet is closed.

5. Do you like dogs?

This seems like a simple one, but maybe you feel pressured into looking after a dog as a favour. It’s important to make sure that you enjoy spending time with dogs or your caring experience may turn out to be uncomfortable for both of you. Dogs can be a human’s best companion, but they also need a lot of love and attention!

Looking after a cat as well?

If you’re set to care for a friend’s or a family member’s cat but have never looked after one before, here are some tips for you!