Articles, Resources, FAQ
Do I Need My Dog Visited More Than Once Daily?
The best answer I have for the question was posted in a recent blog. Text follows: I got an email a while back from a gentleman who was upset that a pet sitter he interviewed refused to visit his pets (a dog and 2 cats) only once per day. The pet sitter turned the job down rather than care for the pets in a manner she felt was not adequate.
All of Joe’s pets live indoors and he only wanted someone come to his home once a day, to let the dog out and make sure all of the pets had food and water. He was going to be gone for seven days. The man, I’ll call him Joe, didn’t want the expense of more than one visit per day, and felt there was no need for it. He was certain the pet sitter was scamming him and was simply trying to get as much money out of him as she could.
I explained to Joe that while one visit per day for cats is usually sufficient, most professional pet sitters will require at least two visits per day for healthy dogs. Far from being a scam though, pet sitters who require a minimum number of visits per day have the dogs’ best interest at heart. They want to be sure the dog gets outside often enough to relieve himself, and gets the social interaction he needs.
Making a dog wait 24 hours to relieve himself can cause a great deal of discomfort, and in fact, may cause medical problems. A healthy dog should be allowed outside to relieve himself at least every 12 hours, and more frequently if possible. Many pet sitters will require at least three visits per day if the dog has health problems or is elderly. And in response to people who say “my dog has held it for 24 hours before” I say, “That doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.”
In addition to the dog needing to relieve himself, there is the social factor to consider. Since dogs are social animals, keeping them isolated for a long time without human contact can be very stressful. Things are unsettling enough for a pet when his people go away for an extended period of time. Having a pet sitter visit for a short thirty-minute visit every 24 hours does little to help relieve this stress. More frequent visits break the time up a bit for the dog and can serve as a way to keep him on a schedule as close to normal as possible.
A pet sitter’s job isn’t just to tend to the physical needs of a pet – food, water, and relief – but to also cater to that pet’s need for physical contact and attention. Asking a pet sitter to visit only once per day is depriving your dog of those physical needs as well as that much needed interaction.
After explaining the rationale behind multiple visits per day, most pet owners, like Joe, are more than happy to have a pet sitter visit their dogs more than once a day. Quite often all that is needed is a little bit of education, and once they understand the reasons, they are apt to make better decisions for the health and welfare of their pets. (Courtesy: PetSit USA)
Southern Illinois Pet Sitters' notes on above article:
I generally will require 3 visits per day if the dog does not have access to a doggie door for one simple reason. I cannot, and I sure you cannot, limit eliminations to once every 12 hours.
How Do I Puppy Proof My House?
Here are some things you need to look for to help ensure a safe environment for your pet.
Electrical Cords
No matter how uninterested your puppy may seem in them now, be sure to get them out of view and access of your puppy. They can easily strike a sudden interest in them when you are not looking-which could be very tragic. Make sure your outlets are not accessible at all-place something (furniture, etc.) in front of them so the puppy cannot get near them. Also make sure that the cords are not accessible. Either tape them up so the puppy cannot get to them, or totally block it off so the pup won't have access.
Phone Cords
Phone cords can be just as hazardous as electrical cords. Make sure they are out of reach (and sight) of your puppy.
Shoes
No matter how uninterested your puppy seems in shoes or socks ... keep them out of access. Sudden interest can arise and you will regret it. Not only will they demolish your favorite shoes, but if they swallow any pieces they could get an intestinal blockage and die. Take no chances here-it HAS happened to many puppies.
Tissue
This is another big fascination with puppies (and young dogs). They love to yank out the Kleenex one by one and shred them until there is no more-and the tiny pieces of paper will be from one end of your house to another. The massive amounts of paper can also cause a blockage as well. You should also keep magazines, TV Guides, etc., out of reach ... they're all good shredding material for a curious young pup.
Plants
Some household plants are harmless, but young puppies will love to dig in them if they have the chance-keep the plants up! Some plants are toxic, however. A list of toxic plants may be found here.
Cigarettes
If you smoke, empty the ashtray often and keep them out of reach. Also be sure to keep your pack of cigarettes up high so the pup cannot get to them. Ingesting these items can be fatal.
Christmas Trees
Oh the fun a puppy can have at Christmas time! Make sure all ornaments and lights are far out of reach to the puppy, and I don't suggest keeping presents under the tree while your pup is young. I don't suggest making any "popcorn decorations" for the Christmas tree no matter how old your dog is-it's still popcorn, and the dog will do anything to get to it. Popcorn isn't bad for the dog, but the thread that is used to make the decorations could be harmful.
Garbage
Garbage cans are like a bucket of toys to a young puppy. Be sure to keep the lids closed tightly and bathroom doors closed at all times since most bathroom trash cans do not have lids.
Vacuuming
I suggest that you vacuum often-just to make sure that there aren't any tiny objects that your puppy can (and will) find that he could eat.
Toys
Dogs need a lot of toys, but if those toys become torn or damaged in any way, please throw them away as soon as you notice it. It's best to inspect the toys on a regular basis and make sure there isn't any severe damage. Fabric toys that are ripped should be disposed of-the stuffing inside can cause an intestinal blockage if ingested.
Counter Tops
If you have a large breed puppy, you should also consider the fact that there will come a time when he will be able to get his front paws up on the counters and nibble on anything you have on them. Keep everything very far back and out of reach of your dog if he has ever shown signs of curiosity toward your countertops or kitchen table.
Dog Training
Cesar Millan - The Dog Whisperer
Additional Pet Care Articles, Pet Photos, Videos
Petplace.com: "We are Crazy About Pets"
