Part of pet sitting is to keep a close eye on the pet’s behaviour and make sure the pet is doing well.
If you notice something unusual about the pet during the booking, even if it’s not an emergency, make sure you:
- Assess the situation and monitor the pet’s health. Write down any symptoms:
- Change in appetite?
- Is the pet drinking more or less than usual?
- Change in behaviour - more tired or hyperactive than usual?
- Is the pet able to poo and pee normally?
- Are there any external signs of something wrong (eye/nose/ear discharge, etc)?
- Contact the owner and inform them of the situation
- In most cases, the owner will be able to advise you further.
- If you need to go to the veterinarian - remember to send a message to Pawshake within 48h, so we know what’s going on and can offer further advice.
Some examples include:
- Lack of appetite - it’s normal for a pet to not want to eat much on the first day of a stay because they are in a different environment, but it’s important to alert the owners if this behaviour continues.
- Change in drinking behaviour - it’s normal for a pet to drink more on a sunny hot day, but combined with other symptoms it might be a sign of the pet being ill.
- Subdued behaviour - if a normally active and social pet is suddenly quiet and reserved, this could be a cause for concern.
- Diarrhoea or vomiting - Observe the pet closely and ensure it has access to plenty of water and if the condition continues or worsens, speak to the owners about bringing the pet to the vet.
- Lumps or physical changes - check the pet every day while you are patting them. Are there any new/unusual lumps? Are they limping or in pain when you touch them? Are the eyes, ears and nose clear from discharge?
It’s important that you gather as much information about the pet during the meet and greet so that you are as informed and prepared as you can be during the booking.