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I'm a sitter in the PNW, and I'm on my third year of doing this professionally. I'm on my 3rd or 4th sit with this family, and my spunky girl pup started acting lethargic, and had runny poo, that turned into bloody poo for about 36 hours. Her parents aren't in the country, but we have been messaging.
I thought it would be best to take her to the vet, who's contact information was provided. I asked for and was given permission to take her to the vet (who was SO AWESOME) they were able to fit us in.
Vet said bloat, stomach torsion, and/ or blockage are unlikely at this point, but since I am not a vet, I did not know this. I knew my little girl was sick.
She got subcutaneous fluid, probiotics, antibiotics, and a boiled chicken and rice diet.
The thing for me is I am responsible for their critters well-being while they are gone. Bb girl could have had internal injuries that I was not able to see, and pooping blood seems like a big red flag.
I would be devastated if a critter passed on my watch. I am SO GRATEFUL that my pet parents gave me permission to take her in. 💓
She got the fluids, hasn't pooped again yet, and I am monitoring her closely. Mom and Dad get back tomorrow and can decide from there.
I am so glad to have pet parents 💓 who I've worked with enough that they can understand when I am sending an alarm/ distress call.
I walk through the woods with the dogs every morning. They are both rescues from the streets and so have learned to pick up floor snacks to survive. That's not easy to unlearn.
Honestly, I just needed to talk about this, and tell other sitters to trust your gut.
Heard! The squeaker was already destroyed and trashed before it was swallowed in this case!
Ah! Okay!
We walk through a wooded area every morning and sometimes, twice a day. Also, bunnies and other critters are rampant in these parts, and this time of year, it's also common for mushrooms 🍄 to pop up.
Besides that, and what people throw out on the streets as litter, my best guess is that she nosed into something, I thought she was doing it to sniff up a pee or poop spot, and she ate something bad before I figured out what she was doing. She and her brother both are rescue pups, and she learned to survive on the streets of Mexico before being hit by a car and then rescued.
The part where it can definitely be my fault is that I didn't catch that she was inhaling something versus sniffing to drop a load, and I will definitely be more diligent about that. I can always do better.
As a sitter or the trusted human, they are all "MINE" until mom and / or dad get home, and care is transferred back. I am in charge of them and love them like they are my family. My heart doesn't know the difference. They sleep with me, they love me, they give me their ❤️ and I give them mine.
I often think of my critters and will message parents to just say hello and tell them I'm thinking of their babies. Maybe that makes me a sucker or a fool and probably stupid, but it's what works for me.
Also, I don't think a muzzle sounds awful.
This is a great suggestion, and thank you for being helpful!
I'm gonna have a recap with mom and dad, and I will bring this up!
Editing to add that I think you are correct, I will report to Rover. I appreciate your suggestion and candor.
Thank you so kindly for such a helpful reply!
I think that the communication between her mom and I is key. I told her I was getting increasingly worried, I asked if I could call the vet, I asked if I could take her in. Simple yes or no was all I needed.
I also have alternate emergency contacts if I can't reach mom and dad. --- I'd suggest we all ask for this!
Her mom and dad are pretty smart folks, and responded quickly, so I didn't have to run up the chain and sound alarms.
I've had this family about 2 years now, and I think we work well together ❤️
Sometimes, puppies need to be protected from themselves. Muzzle training a dog is another tool in the toolbox, just as a leash is.
Again, I appreciate your input.
Editing to add that I think you are correct, I will report to Rover. I appreciate your suggestion and candor.
I have not informed Rover through an official channel. However, Rover is the channel I am talking on with puppy mom. Should I contact support and report the issue so that mom can get reimbursement? The bill was $204.00, and she paid me 20 bucks for the chicken and rice.
Bb girl has gotten back some of her spunk and does not seem to be in distress, even when I palpate her tummy. She is much more back to normal, as far as her attitude and energy level, compared to yesterday.
I think she is!
Mom and Dad get home tomorrow, and I am going to ask them if I can come by (no charge) early next week so I can check on her and check in with her parents.
She was so shy when we met, and Bb puppy has dug herself a spot in my heart ❤️. I need to know she is okay.
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Ah! That is a fake stuffy squirrel, and that was her brother ripping it to shreds! They don't eat the fluffy guts, and it was disposed of when it got to that level of destroyed.
Both of these pups, I can trust with shoving my hand in and sweeping their mouth out. That is not something I would say about all the critters in my care.