Medical emergencies are always difficult, but when a pet is left at home, it reaches another level. When his brother-in-law ended up spending more than a month in a medical facility, we decided it was best to bring his 12-year-old husky mix, Cooper, home. As someone who often babysits friends' dogs when they travel, we thought we were prepared.
But we quickly learned that this wasn't going to be a weekend playdate. Fortunately, with the advice of experts who understand the potentially complex situation of caring for a loved one's pet, we've discovered steps to make your pet's stay as beneficial as possible for everyone. .
make them feel at home
“Animals that experience a change in situation experience an early stress response,” explains Natasha Osborne, CPDT-KA and CVT, Pathfinder Dog Training in Stevensville, Montana. “Most animals prefer isolation when under stress.”
Make sure food and water are out of reach of other pets.
Osborn recommends providing foster pets with their own room, or at least a place where the dog or cat can leave. “For the first 48 hours, we let the kids find their own space,” she says. This might mean setting up a covered crate if your pet is used to it, or creating a cozy area away from the hustle and bustle of your new home.
Also, make sure food and water are available out of reach of other pets so your dog or cat can eat and drink without stress.
When we brought Cooper home, we placed him in the tiled back hallway, trying not to overwhelm him with the attention of an energetic, young (and very large) dog and a 6-month-old kitten who knows no boundaries. I woke up. Another concern of his was the toilet issue. That's why we chose areas that are easy to clean. It turned out that the old man had a urinary tract infection, but thankfully the symptoms subsided after antibiotics.
read someone's mood
After this initial adjustment period, Osborn says it's a good time to gauge their level of attachment and gradually establish a routine. She says that when she gets to know a new dog or cat, she won't force the pet's attention, even if she pet it and walk away. It may take some time for your pet to see you as a new source of comfort.
Pay attention to your dog's calming signals.
Osborn also recommends paying attention to your dog's calming signals, especially if you're not around the dog. Calming signals include behaviors such as licking your lips as a sign of avoidance, turning your head as a sign of avoidance, and bending over as a gesture of welcome.
“The more you know about dog language, dog moods, and dog behavior, the better you can support your dog's needs,” she says.
Cats' body language is a little different. Therefore, it is equally important to be able to tell your cat how to feel in that situation. Some cats are fine with being picked up and held, while others may fight to get away.
blend into the family
Consistency is key during this time. “Dogs find comfort in routine, and cats even more so,” Osborn says. “But in two weeks, if we have the capacity to respond, we will be able to introduce new ones.”
This is also a very individual step for dogs and cats. Osborn says some pets are happy to go on adventures, but others are paralyzed from going outside. This also applies when meeting other pets. Follow your pet's lead when it comes to interacting with other furry family members.
Pets react differently when separated from home.
Pets react differently when away from home, so it's important to always have proper contact information for your pet, whether or not your pet is microchipped.
Another useful tool is some type of Bluetooth tracker. We already knew from Cooper's visit to us a few years ago that he was trying to push him over the fence at every opportunity, but age hasn't changed this behavior. If you run away, connecting your tracker to your phone app will make it easier to find you.
plan ahead
Dr. Pam Barker, DVM, strongly recommends creating an emergency plan for your pet in case a medical situation or accident occurs. A thorough plan includes how to feed your pet, a list of all medications, clearance at the veterinarian's office, and more. She says many veterinarians won't treat a pet without knowing the owner's wishes and, frankly, the cost limitations.
“Tell someone where to find your pet's emergency plan,” she says. “At least they don't stay flopped around.”
“Can someone please tell me where to find the pet emergency plan?”
As part of preparing friends and family for the needs of their pets, Barker strongly recommends pet owners purchase pet insurance to cover emergencies. She and her husband have a policy for their dogs. That's because when a pet sitter is watching over your dog, it gives your dog peace of mind in the event of a fatal illness or injury, and it's one less thing to worry about in the event of a medical emergency.
“If you're fostering,[pet insurance]can be helpful because people are more likely to take their pet to the vet if they know something is wrong,” she says. She also helps veterinarians provide the best care when the owner is away.
The reality of aging pets
“Older pet owners tend to keep older pets,” Barker explains. “And older pets can have their own problems.” She says many people adopt pets in their 50s or their 60s, and now she's in her 70s and points out that they are aging as they age.
If the owner has long-term health issues of their own, in addition to mobility issues that can make regular projects difficult, the pet may have a little extra trouble when staying with others. special precautions may be required.
“Grooming is very important to keep them comfortable and healthy,” she says. “Pets' skin and coats age just like ours. As your pet gets older, grooming becomes more important.”
“It is very important to maintain good appearance. [pets] So that you can stay comfortable and healthy. ”
Nail care is another key to your dog or cat's health, but trimming your dog's or cat's nails is usually the last thing they want to do. Dr. Barker points out that if your nails grow too long, your toes can become elongated and worsen your arthritis problems. This makes nail trimming much more than just an aesthetic issue.
She knows how to support joint pain and give extra patience to this sometimes stressful experience for older dogs, especially if the dog or cat is not used to visiting a specialist. We recommend finding a trimmer with experience in
Bathing and grooming can be difficult for foster pets, especially older ones. Focus on general brushing at first. You can give your pet a bath later, once your pet has gotten used to its new surroundings.
Dental health is another issue for older pets, especially if the owner is suffering from medical problems of their own. According to Barker, “It's not uncommon for them to have dental problems. Teeth (health) is number one, number two, and number three when it comes to keeping your heart and kidneys healthy. If you have problems with your gums, there are low-grade bacteria present.'' The infection spreads through the bloodstream. ”
Returning a pet to its owner is the ultimate goal, but problems can arise if dementia or chronic medical issues are the reason for leaving the pet in someone else's home in the first place .
Pets are more than just companions.
“It's a very individual situation and it depends on the health of the person and the circumstances. If there's a serious health condition around that person, you need a very candid conversation at the appropriate time,” Osborne said. he says.
This may mean that foster parents will need to maintain some level of involvement, including occasional visits and possibly petting. The situation largely depends on the level of care the owner can provide, and it is also important to balance the benefits of keeping the pet at home with the care the pet needs and deserves.
Pets are more than just companions. When a loved one becomes ill, it's comforting to know that your beloved pet is safe. By creating a safe and healthy environment for your beloved dog or cat, you can help them focus on healing and look forward to a happy reunion.
