5 Tips for Leaving Your Anxious Pet With a Sitter
Summer is coming. This is a time of year when many pet owners go on vacation and leave their pet with a sitter. When this happens, some pets can suffer from problems like anxiety. If you're a pet owner who will be going away for a while this summer, prepare your pet before you go.
The following tips will help you get your pet ready so your pet will feel comfortable staying at home. Here's what you need to know to keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe while you're away.
1. Introduce Your Pet and Sitter
Some pets start to feel anxious if they're left in the company of strangers. Introducing your pet and the sitter before you leave on your trip will help ensure that your pet and the sitter both feel comfortable when you're gone.
Allow your pet and the sitter to spend a little time acclimating to one another. If your pet needs extra time, allow the sitter to take your pet on a walk while you stay at home.
2. Keep Routines the Same
Many pets thrive on routines. Keeping your pet's routines the same will give your pet a feeling of stability that will help them stay relaxed until you're back. To ensure your pet's routines are the same, leave specific instructions for the pet sitter.
As you're writing your instructions, consider the following questions: What does your pet eat? When? How much? Do you give your pet snacks? What does your pet like to play with? Does your pet have a nighttime routine? A morning routine?
Answer these questions and more about what your pet does when you're at home. Send the instructions to the sitter in advance so the sitter will have time to read them and ask follow-up questions before you leave.
3. Give the Sitter Instructions to Deal With Anxiety
Your pet's sitter will need to know how your pet reacts to anxiety, what symptoms to look for, and how to alleviate the problem. Leave the sitter a list of procedures to help your pet feel better when managing anxiety. Some pets do best when they're taken for a walk, others need to be petted or play games.
4. Visit the Vet Before You Go
Your pet may find it even more difficult to deal with anxiety if they're not feeling their best. Take your pet to the vet before leaving on your trip. Get a wellness checkup and a vaccination booster if one is due.
Tell the veterinarian about your upcoming trip, and ask the vet if they have any tips and tricks for keeping your pet calm while you're gone. Since the vet is familiar with your pet, the vet may have insights specific to your pet about keeping your pet happy while you're gone.
5. Talk to the Vet about Anti-Anxiety Medication
Some pets suffer from such great anxiety that the best way to keep them calm is to provide them with anti-anxiety medication. If you believe that your pet may be a good candidate for this kind of medicine, talk to their vet. Your pet's vet can write a prescription if need be.
If you do get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, leave the sitter with very specific instructions regarding when and how to administer the medicine.
Contact Us to Make an Appointment
Anxiety can leave your pet feeling miserable when you're away. The best thing you can do is prepare the pet sitter and work with your pet's vet to ensure your pet is safe. For more information about how to manage pet anxiety while your pet is with a sitter, contact Baywood Animal Hospital . We'll be happy to answer your questions and give you advice.
