#MiddleburyCT #Fleas #DogSitter #PetSitter
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I am a brand-new pet sitter with four clients. I’m able to take one pet at a time into my home to care for them when their owners are traveling for long stretches, and I do home visits for the others. Well, the toy poodle I have in my care for the next three weeks brought an unpleasant surprise: fleas! Normally I would ask the client to clear up the flea problem before pet-sitting services can continue, but I’m already caring for the dog, so I’m stuck. What should I do? – Jane H. in Wellesley, Massachusetts
DEAR JANE: Immediately contact the client to inform them. Then ask for their permission to treat the dog. If they only want you to use a specific treatment, follow their instructions. Save your receipts for any flea treatments purchased.
A flea infestation can spread to the other pets you care for, so follow these steps to reduce infestation:
- Isolate the dog from most areas of your home until he has completed treatment, and you are brushing away only dead fleas.
- Mop and vacuum your entire home daily, especially the corners. (Hint: Put a brand-new flea collar inside the vacuum cleaner bag to kill the fleas that are sucked in.)
- Wash or steam clean area rugs and drapes, and the dog’s bedding.
- Wash clothes that you have worn around the dog. (Hint: Set the clothes dryer to a medium or high heat setting, which will kill most eggs and fleas.)
This is a good time to review and update your pet-sitting contract. Add a clause requiring pets to be free of fleas, ticks and communicable diseases, as well as a clause that says owners must reimburse you for expenses incurred if their pet causes an infestation.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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