Whether you’re working long hours or taking care of your little ones, there are times it can be difficult to give your canine companion all the attention you know they deserve. Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day, and there are weeks where you just can’t manage to do it all.
One major stress reliever that you should consider is to ask your dog walker to take on a few extra responsibilities. Of course, any extra duties you request may require a higher pay rate so make sure to ask your dog walker upfront. Then work together to come up with a checklist that will make your daily life easier.
Here are eight extra pet care tasks that your dog walker may be able to take on:
1. Take your dog to the vet
Dogs needs to visit the vet on a regular basis to ensure that they are as healthy as can be. But instead of taking time off or scrambling to get a sitter, ask your dog walker if they’re willing to take your pet to any upcoming appointments. Provide a list of questions for the vet and ask them to report back to you with all the details. Don’t forget to let your dog walker know if you’re concerned that your pet is suffering from dog mites, arthritis or another health problem.
2. Help your dog lose weight
Dogs, like people, need plenty of exercise! If you’re concerned about your pet’s weight, you can ask your dog walker to stop at your favourite dog park on the way home for some active play. Your furry friend will love the opportunity to run around in an open space! You might also want to consider asking your dog walker to pick up the pace a bit to really get your dog moving.
3. Keep track of dog food and other supplies you need
When your dog walker drops your pet back off at home, you can also ask them to make sure that you have enough dog food, toys and other essentials on hand. Ask your dog walker to pick up more supplies when they notice you’re running low.
4. Keep an eye on your pet’s health
Since your dog walker sees your pet on a daily basis, they will be able to tell right away if something is off. If you’re concerned about your pet, you might want to ask your dog walker to jot down any unusual behaviour they notice in a journal. This will make it easier for you to keep track of changes to your dog’s health over time.
5. Train your dog
It’s important that your dog’s brain gets some exercise, too! If you want your pet to learn some new tricks, you should feel free to ask your dog walker to work on a few basic commands during their outings with your pet.
6. Clean your pet’s bowls, toys and accessories
All of your pet’s stuff, from its water bowl to its favourite chew toy, should be cleaned on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of bacteria. If you keep these items in one central location, you can ask your dog walker to quickly wipe everything down after they get back from their daily walk.
7. Give your dog a bath
If your dog has a bit too much fun splashing around in the mud during its walk, you can ask your dog walker to give it a quick bath upon their return home. That way, you don’t have to worry about pesky stains!
8. Pet sitting
Some dog walkers may take on pet-sitting gigs too. Overnight pet sitting requires a little more preparation, but if you (and your dog) already have a great working relationship with your dog walker, they might be a perfect match for your next weekend away.