Leaving Your Pet with the Pet Sitter

We all love our pets. However, sometimes we need a break-even from them:) Whether it is a pet sitter or a boarding kennel you can avoid unnecessary heartache if you leave very clear emergency instructions for them.

Make a list of emergency numbers that can be left by the phone, placed in a chart, and a pocket sized reference card. This way the facility or sitter can grab and make necessary calls from the road or clinic. Information such as your preferred veterinary clinic, nearest 24 hour emergency clinic, your/alternate cell phones, and hotel numbers.

So now the sitter can call you, but what if you are lazing away in the ocean taking a surf lessen? Or in the woods on a hike with no cell phone signal? The next best thing is your wishes in writing. Now this does not mean plan for every possible emergency that could happen. This means a general overview of your wishes. Put a budget in your letter. Perhaps you are willing to authorize a budget of $400; put it in writing. No one ever wants to have to end their pets life, but consider adding a clause such as if bill will exceed X, all attempts to reach me have failed, and my pet is suffering please euthanize. Example:

I will be staying at X. I will be reachable at X, Y, Z. I authorize any medical services deemed necessary to be performed in an emergency situation. I want all measures used to extend my pet's life. Please take my pet to X clinic if they are open. Please take my pet to X emergency clinic if not.

or

I authorize up to $500 to be spent on medical services necessary in an emergency situation. I wish only the bare basics be performed to stabilize my pet. My pet is Do Not Resuscitate. If the bill will exceed this amount and my pet is suffering, please euthanize.

Don't forget to sign the paper. It can be considered a legal document. In case no attempts to find you work and you would authorize a high amount, consider leaving your credit card number temporarily on file with them. This type of financial payment arrangement frees up the clinic to perform necessary services in the security of knowing they will be compensated, and you the peace of mind to know your pet will receive care.

Little details like this can really give you peace of mind. Knowing that your wishes will be honored can take a large burden off of you when you can't be there.

chris

What IS Coming Out of My Dog?

As we go into the holiday season we begin to cook yummy foods, invite friends over for parties, and-it has to be said- share our bounty with man's best friend.  As we all know, what goes in must come out, often in BAAAAD ways.

Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a pet, can make them miserable, can indicate serious illness, and can lead to death.  The trick is taking quick action to try to minimize a worsening of the condition.  (This must be balanced with common sense and knowing when to go to the vet)

At the first sign of vomiting withhold ANYTHING by mouth for 24 hours.  This gives the tummy a chance to rest and heal.  Hopefully this will clear the condition up and Rover will feel great in no time.  However, if your pet is lethargic, not acting right otherwise, or your gut says to be scared, call your vet or a 24 hour clinic.  If after the fast the pet continues to vomit or at any time deteriorate call your vet.

At the first sign of diarrhea or loose stool ( and your pet is otherwise acting fine) withhold food for 24 hours, but offer water.  When reintroducing food switch to boiled ground turkey/rice offered in small, frequent amounts.  This is bland and easy to digest.  You can also add in 1tsp-1tbsp of unflavored Metamucil to help absorb excess water in the colon.  If this does not resolve quickly, the pet begins to deteriorate, begins to vomit, or has blood in the stool call your vet or 24 hour clinic immediately.  

Always consult your vet at the first sign of illness.  This will keep your costs down and improve the odds of a speedy recovery.  These tips are only to be used to get you through the period of time until you can reach your vet.  Please use your best judgement when to seek emergency medical attention.

chris