Caring Beyond Kibble: How to Handle Medication and Special Diets in Dog Sitting

Leaving your dog in someone else’s care can be nerve-wracking—especially when medications or special diets are part of their daily routine. It’s not just about walks and cuddles. You want to be sure your pup is getting exactly what they need, just the way you do it at home.

Whether you’re a pet parent searching for a trustworthy dog sitting in Traverse City or someone offering in-home dog boarding, understanding how to handle these details makes all the difference.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Dogs don’t always show it when something’s wrong. A missed pill or the wrong treat might not seem like a big deal, but for some pups, it can quickly lead to discomfort—or worse, a trip to the vet. That’s why good dog sitters take things like feeding and medication seriously.

If you’re offering pet sitting services, especially in a cozy setup like home boarding for dogs, this kind of thoughtful care is what turns first-time clients into lifelong ones.

Start with a Good Chat (or a Detailed Intake Form)

Before the stay begins, take the time to learn everything you can about the dog’s health and diet. A quick note on a sticky pad won’t cut it—this is about getting clear, written info that you can refer back to.

Here’s what you’ll want to know:

Medications:

• What is the medication called?
• How often and how much?
• How is it given? (With food, hidden in peanut butter, by syringe?)
• Are there side effects to watch for?
• What should you do if they spit it out?

Diet:

• What brand and type of food do they eat?
• How much and when?
• Do they have allergies or food sensitivities?
• Any off-limit treats or human food?
• Any quirks? (Do they guard food? Eat super slow?)

This isn’t overkill—it’s about making sure the dog feels safe, and the owner feels confident that their pet is in good hands.

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Routine Is Everything

Dogs are creatures of habit. When their world changes (new place, new person), keeping other parts of their day consistent helps them feel more relaxed.

Here’s how to make that happen:

• Stick to their usual feeding and med schedule. Set reminders on your phone if needed.
• Use their bowls and food containers. Familiar smells can be comforting.
• Avoid switching things up. Now’s not the time to introduce a new food or supplement.

Whether you’re providing in home dog sitting or running a small in home pet boarding setup, staying consistent builds trust—with both the dog and the owner.

Giving Meds Without the Drama

Not every dog takes medicine easily. Some will gobble it up if it’s wrapped in a treat. Others? They’ll find the pill, spit it out, and look at you like, “Nice try.”

Here are some real-life tips:

• Use pill pockets or hide the pill in a bit of cheese or soft food (as long as it fits with their diet).
• For liquid meds, use a dropper and go slow—side of the mouth, not straight down the throat.
• If they need injections (like insulin), make sure the owner walks you through the process. Never guess.

And remember—if something doesn’t go as planned, be honest with the owner. They’ll appreciate your transparency a lot more than a missed dose.

When It Comes to Food, Details Matter

Special diets are more common than ever. Some dogs need grain-free food. Others have allergies to things like chicken or beef. Some are on vet-prescribed meals for kidney or digestive issues.

As a pet sitter, your job is to:

• Follow their feeding instructions to the letter.
• Avoid giving shared treats or table scraps.
• Separate food and water bowls if you’re watching multiple pets.

Even a well-meaning snack can cause a reaction. So always double-check before offering anything new.

Keep Track of Everything

It might sound a little over-the-top, but keeping a simple log of what the dog eats, when they take meds, and how they’re doing each day is a game changer.

This can be as easy as a note on your phone or a notebook by their food. Share updates with the owner if they’d like. Most pet parents love hearing:

• “Bella took her allergy pill right on time today!”
• “Riley ate all his dinner and was super playful after his walk.”

These small updates go a long way in building trust.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Even with the best planning, dogs are dogs. Maybe they vomit after eating. Maybe they refuse their meds one day. Here’s how to handle it:

• Stay calm. Panicking won’t help you—or the dog.
• Call the owner. Keep their contact info and their vet’s number handy.
• Make notes. Document what happened, when, and how the dog reacted.

Most of the time, it’s a minor hiccup. But it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.

Read More About Worried About Leaving Your Dog? These Tips Can Help

Creating a Safe, Stress-Free Space

A calm dog is a healthy dog. Whether you’re offering in home pet sitting or taking dogs into your home, here are some small things that make a big difference:

• Keep their feeding area quiet and distraction-free.
• Don’t force meds—use positive reinforcement when possible.
• Give them space if they seem overwhelmed.
• Stick to their normal walk or potty routine.

Even simple things like playing their favorite music or giving them their blanket from home can help ease anxiety.

Because They’re Family—Not Just Pets

Handling medications and special diets might seem intimidating at first, but it’s really just about caring for the dog the way their family would. With a little planning, good communication, and a whole lot of love, you can offer dog sitting that goes far beyond basic.

And when you do it well, pet parents won’t just be grateful—they’ll come back again and again.

Looking for a Reliable Pet Sitting in Traverse City?

At TC Tails, we understand how much your dog means to you. That’s why we provide more than just a place to stay—we offer personalized care, especially for pets who need medication or a special diet.

Whether it’s in home pet sitting, home boarding for dogs, or daily dog watching services, our team is here to make your pet feel safe, loved, and cared for—just like they would at home.

Ready to book your pet’s stay? Contact TC Tails today. We treat your pets like family.

FAQs

What if my dog refuses their medication during their stay?

We’ll try approved methods like pill pockets or food. If your dog refuses, we’ll contact you right away and follow your instructions.

Can TC Tails care for dogs with complex diets or allergies?

Absolutely. Just give us clear instructions and we’ll make sure your dog gets exactly what they need—nothing more, nothing less.

Do you provide updates during pet sitting or boarding?

Yes! We’re happy to send daily texts, photos, or notes so you know how your pet is doing.

Is there an extra charge for giving medications?

Nope. Administering medication is part of our personalized care—just let us know the routine and we’ll take it from there.

What if there’s a medical emergency?

We keep emergency contacts and your vet’s number on file. In rare cases, we’ll act quickly and communicate with you every step of the way.