Prepare Your Pet Sitter to Administer Medication
Entrusting your beloved pet to a pet sitter requires a bit of planning, especially if your pet requires medication or supplementation. Proper preparation and communication with your pet sitter can make all the difference in ensuring your pet receives the care they need. At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, medication administration is included in our pet sitting service. We do not charge an additional fee to medicate pets but do ask that you set us up for success. For this reason, today, we're discussing the top 10 ways to prepare your pet sitter to administer medication.
1. Create a Detailed Medication Chart
The cornerstone of your preparation should be a comprehensive medication chart. This visual aid helps your pet sitter stay organized and ensures no doses are missed. Your chart should include:
- Medication names (both brand and generic)
- Dosage amounts
- Administration times
- Method of administration (oral, topical, injection, etc.)
- Duration of treatment
- Any special instructions (e.g., give with food, refrigerate)
We encourage you to use the printable template provided above. Click the image to download it. Please include supplements - chewable or otherwise - as you would medications if you want us to administer them.
2. Provide Clear Instructions on Administration
Beyond the basic chart, offer us step-by-step instructions on how to administer each medication to each pet. This is particularly important for medications that require special handling or techniques, such as eye drops, inhalers, or injections. If possible, demonstrate the process during your initial consultation.
3. Discuss Potential Side Effects
Some medications can cause significant side effects like lethargy, disorientation, stomach upset, and more. Inform us about any potential side effects of each medication we will be administering during your absence. This knowledge will help us monitor your pet's health and recognize if something is off. Include:
- Common side effects to expect
- Rare but serious side effects to watch for
- Signs that would necessitate contacting a veterinarian
4. Provide Emergency Contacts
We ask that you provide most current emergency contact information before each trip. You may access your client and pet profiles here. Please include the following information and updates:
- Current contact information and preferred method, especially if you are traveling internationally
- Your primary veterinarian's number
- An emergency veterinary clinic's number, ideally a trusted practice that is located within a short distance from your home
- A trusted local contact who can make veterinary and financial decisions in your absence
5. Document Your Pet's Medical History
Provide a brief medical history in your pet profile, including:
- Current health conditions
- Known allergies to foods, environmental allergens, and medications
- Recent surgeries or procedures
- Past injuries or illnesses that continue to affect your pet today
- Vaccination records, particularly rabies vaccine records
This information can be crucial in case of an emergency veterinary visit because your primary veterinarian's office may be closed depending on the timing of the emergency.
6. Organize and Label Medications Clearly
Set up a designated area for all pet medications. Our clients often use an area of the kitchen counter for this purpose. Ensure each medication is clearly labeled with the pet's name, medication name, and dosage. If multiple pets require medication, consider using a system to prevent mix-ups.
No matter how many pets need medicating, placing each pet's medication containers in a plastic shoe box or covered bin can help prevent mix-ups. Storing medication in bins can also keep pets from getting into them. especially chewable meds that may smell tempting even when in a jar.
7. Discuss Your Pet's Medication Routine & Potential Challenges
Before you leave, contact us to discuss complex medication routines. This approach allows us to ask questions and ensures our team is comfortable with the process.
It's important to discuss what to do if your pet refuses medication. We recommend discussing compounded medicines with your veterinarian before you leave if you are finding medication administration challenging. Compounded medications have many benefits and often make the medication easier/more appealing for the pet to take.
8. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Consider sending us a video of your medication administration process or technique. That way, we can determine if it's something our pet sitters would be comfortable recreating.
As a Fear Free Certified Professional, I train our team to use the least possible force to keep stress and trauma at bay. If your pet appears stressed by the technique, we, again, may recommend a chat with your veterinarian for a compounded medication that is easier to administer.
9. Provide Extra Supplies
Always leave more medication than necessary for the duration of your trip. This precaution accounts for potential spills, lost pills, or delayed returns. In addition to the medications themselves, provide additional tools like pill cutters, syringes, pill pockets, etc.
10. Plan for Refills
If your pet's medication might run out during your absence, arrange for refills in advance. We may be able to pick up medication if needed, but please note that our errand-running services incur an additional fee.
By taking these steps to prepare medication information for your pet sitter, you're ensuring that your pet receives consistent, proper care in your absence. This thorough approach not only gives you peace of mind but also empowers us to provide the best possible care for your furry family.
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting offers in-home dog walking and pet sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, Virginia. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more. We look forward to caring for your pets!
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