Healthy Pets & People with Dr. Patrick: Petsitting Preparedness
by Dr. Patrick Mahaney
(Cardiff and his meds are prepared for petsitting)
I love to take my dog, Cardiff, with me as many places as possible, yet all parents must inevitably leave their pet with a pet sitter at some point. I care for my dog, Cardiff, as though he is my child. He cannot feed, walk, entertain, groom, and medicate himself, therefore I play the role of parent and perform these responsibilities for him. Many gay and lesbian pet owners treat their pets like their children, so it is very important that we take precautions to ensure that the level of care is maintained when we are unavailable to directly provide pet care ourselves.
In preparation time away from our pets we must prepare those who will oversee our pet’s care. Feeding, bathroom habits, socialization, medications, medical history, contact information and potential unforseen circumstances must be considered when finding the right person or service to take care of a pet. This article will be focused on the canine side of pet care.
Feeding- Keep your dog’s regular feeding routine, as changes in food, timing of feedings, or quantity of food provided can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomit or diarrhea. As some dogs eating habits may change when their owner is away, encourage the sitter to limit treats so that your dog will want to eat their regular food when it is offered.
Bathroom habits- Do your best to keep your dog’s regular schedule of urination and defecation, as disruption of these patterns can lead to inappropriate urination and defecation (such as inside your house). Inform the sitter as to signals your dog may give that will indicate their need to urinate or defecate. For example, if Cardiff needs to be taken out in the middle of the night, he will get off of the bed and pace on the floor.
Socialization- Show the caretaker how to appropriately play with your dog’s favorite toys, which will enhance the play experience and bond between your dog and the sitter. Give notification of the dog parks where your dog may play and the best times to go. Have the pet sitter take your pet on regular walks and exercise sessions, as an active and socially stimulated pet tends to be more calmly behaved when left alone in the confines of a new or familiar residence.
Medications- If your pet requires medications to keep them healthy, please separate the medications into daily or appropriately time marked compartments to ensure your pet gets the right medication on a specific schedule. Pharmacies sell pill separators that allow for organization of medications and supplements.
Medical History- Provide a concise record of any illnesses previously or currently affecting your dog. This will facilitate your dog sitter’s ability to clearly convey information to a medical professional during your absence. Keep an available copy of your dog’s medical history in case of emergency. Along with the medical history, provide the regular and emergency veterinary contact information.
Contact Information- Provide your dog caretaker with your personal information, including home, work, and vacation residence phone numbers, addresses, and email contacts. Designate a friend, family member, or coworker as an emergency contact. Give the pet sitter every possible means of contacting someone authorized to make potentially life saving decisions in case of emergency.
Taking precautionary steps to adequately prepare your dog sitter to oversee your dog’s care will help to ensure that your dog has a fun and safe time in your absence.
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About Dr. Patrick Mahaney of TLC West Hollywood: Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD graduated from University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. In 2000, Dr. Mahaney completed an Internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., and has since practiced in a variety of hospitals, doing both general and emergency practice.
Dr. Mahaney moved to Los Angeles to join the TLC Pet Medical Center team in early 2006. His practice philosophy is to improve the quality of life for both pets and their owner’s by establishing client relationships with open lines of communication and providing optimum care within his capabilities.
Dr. Mahaney completed the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society basic course in 2006 and is now a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA). He is especially interested in chronic pain management and uses a variety of modalities, including acupuncture, to improve the comfort level of his patients. Dr. Mahaney strongly believes that many canine and feline diseases can be better managed by incorporating both Western and Eastern treatments. In 2008, Dr. Mahaney incorporated his own small business, California Pet Acupuncture & Wellness (CPAW). CPAW offers in-home acupuncture and musculoskeletal therapy, pet appropriate environment consultation, veterinary supervised exercise sessions, and euthanasia.
Dr. Mahaney will be taking the Canine Rehabilitation Institute physical therapy course in 2009. He is currently in the initial stages of creating a veterinary physical therapy and wellness facility.
Having lived in Philadelphia, DC, and Seattle, Dr. Mahaney feels as though Los Angeles’ mix of city, nature, and culture make it the ideal place to establish both personal and professional roots. Dr. Mahaney resides in West Hollywood with his Welsh Terrier, Cardiff. He and Cardiff enjoy canyon hiking, urban trekking, running on the beach. Dr. Mahaney also enjoys working out, playing tennis, doing yoga, going to museums, cosmetically improving his home, propagating plants, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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