Dogs and other pets can (and should) be well-taken care off when you are on holiday, on a business trip, or at work. Professional dog sitting services provide your dogs with full attention to keep them occupied, active and happy rather than being alone for several hours or days. Always vet these service though, just like you would a baby-sitter for your human family members, and make sure they know the life-saving skills of Pet First Aid & CPCR.
When dogs are left alone, they tend to be inactive and restless. Some get depressed while others can become destructive and act out with bad habits. Research has shown that dogs perform better when they have a companion. Should you then lock them up in a kennel when you are away on a holiday? Absolutely NOT!
What Is Included in Dog Sitting Services?
Primarily, the goal of hiring a dog sitter is to care for your pet while you cannot. Services should include:
- Feeding: The dog sitter will provide your pet with food, water, and any medications or supplements that your pet is on. Don’t change things up while you are away and your best pal is already stressed by your absence.. If your dog is fed special food then you should make sure you provide the sitter with plenty for your time away and give clear instructions as to how much, when, treats allowed, etc.
- Walks & Exercise: Have your sitter stick to your normal routine as much as possible. Walking, tossing the ball and at the usual times of day to upset your dog’s schedule as little as possible.
- Playtime: This includes engaging the dog in activities that are fun and creative. Here, your sitter may add in some new enrichment to help pass the time for your pooch.
- Clean-up: Not necessarily a bath, but picking up poop, bedding washed and making sure your pooch stays clean, has his teeth brushed and anything else needed for proper hygiene while you are away.
Importance Of Dog Sitting Services
Hiring a professional pet sitter who is experienced with handling dogs and caring for them can be a gift to your pooch while you are away. Instead of a friend or neighbor who isn’t a professional and may not know how to properly care for your dog or what to do in the event of an emergency, why not use a dog sitting service?
- Quality and Undivided attention is a must for your Dog: Dog sitters provide your dog with undivided attention to keep them active and busy. This will reduce the risk of loneliness and inactiveness.
- Reduced Risk of Health Problem: When dogs are active and are allowed to exercise daily, good health conditions are encouraged. Regular exercise lowers the risk of health issues like arthritis, obesity, and other related diseases.
- Peace of mind: Dog sitting services allow you to lessen your worry about the safety of your dog while on holiday. So employing the service of a dog sitter can provide peace of mind, just make sure the sitter has met and spent time with your dog prior to your leaving. Let your dog get to know him or her so that they feel comfortable around their sitter.
- Guaranteed Safety: Part of the services rendered by a dog sitter or a dog sitting company is to ensure the safety of the dog. Life does happen, so if your dog gets sick or injured while you are away, you will want to provide clear instructions as to who is your veterinarian, where the clinic is located, how to pay the bill and anything else regarding potential treatments your dog might need.
Conclusion
For the well-being of your dog and your own peace of mind, vet and hire a professional dog sitter who will come to your home, or keep your dog at a dog care center while you are away on holiday. Group settings may provide socialization for your pooch, but they are not for every dog. Know your dog, visit the facility with him and see how he responds before you book his stay. If you live in the UK, consider Holidog for terrific dog care.
