Five tips for keeping your pet happy while you’re away on vacation
Leave instructions for how much medicine they need to take.
Going on vacation is the best, but leaving your pets behind can be worrying. It’s hard to relax and have a good time when you’re away from home and worried that your dog or cat is missing you, not eating properly, and – worst of all – thinking that they might have run away to try to find you.
Below are five tips to keep your pet secure while you’re away on vacation.
1. Make sure your dog or cat has updated pet ID tags. If, heaven forbid, your animal decides to make a break for it, you want to make sure they’re wearing your current phone number so that you can be reached in an emergency.
2. Detailed care instructions. Whether you board your pet or have someone come over to take care of them, you want to leave clear, detailed information so that there’s no confusion or guessing involved. Leave a note specifying exactly how much food your pet gets for every meal, including how many treats it’s okay to feed them. If they’re on some kind of medicine, leave instructions for how much they need to take.
3. Important personal details. Point out your pet’s lovable quirks so that your pet sitter knows what to expect, and how to keep your pet safe. Does your dog scrap with the dog across the street? How are they socialised with other animals? Do they show aggression when they’re on the leash? Do they have a problem with big or small dogs? Do they try to run after the postman, or instinctively bolt after cats and other animals outside? These are all important behaviours you’ll want to point out to your sitter.
4. Leave small comforts. Put an old T-shirt in your dog’s bed or crate so that he’ll be comforted by your scent. If your dog is going to be alone for stretches of the day, leave a treat-dispensing toy, a Kong with peanut butter, or a pet-safe bone to keep them occupied. Make sure your sitter knows to refill the treats, too. You can ask your sitter to leave the radio on, or play some soft, soothing music during the day if your pet is used to noises of an active household.
5. Keep the goodbye short and sweet. Don’t make a production of your departure or you’ll leave your animal feeling anxious. Try to treat it like any other time you’re leaving the house, or dropping your pet off at the groomer’s or vet for a check up. It’s easier said then done, but if you can leave your animal in as relaxed a state as possible, it will serve you both well. In the end, it will probably be harder on you then your animal to say goodbye, but make it swift, and keep moving. You’ll have a sweet reunion to look forward to, and can show your excitement then.
Source: www.dogtagart.com
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