What would you do?
 

I am currently pet sitting a 6 yr. old maltese and after having him for just one night, I noticed he has several issues. He seems to have collapsed trachea from the way he breathes and him being overweight makes it even worst! She told me she free feeds and that I can adjust him onto my schedule since I don't free feed my babies. I also told her that I brush my babies' teeth every night so she can bring his toothbrush and I can brush his teeth too. Well, I noticed that the front row of his teeth is moving so he definitely needs extractions. His teeth are in poor condition with bad odor.

So, my problem is...how should I tell his owner when she returns? I really don't want her to be mad at me for telling her he has this and that issue. I also really don't want to be rude or offend her in any way. However, I really want him to get the care he needs. What would you guys suggest?? Also, I'm especially stuck on the overweight part. I am starting to feed him on a fixed schedule and walk him more so he should start to lose a little weight (he will be with me for a month and a half). If you were the owner, would you be mad if your dog lost weight?? I just really want to try and help him. I also don't know how to tell her he's overweight, I don't want to upset her. Btw, his knees are also not so good so I think losing weight would be good for him too. He's so chubby that you can barely feel his bones...:eek:

Thanks for reading and I look forward to some suggestions! :)

I would just tell her what you have observed & tell her the dangers of not doing dentals on our babies organs. Also tell her that the weight can contribute to many other health issues and the CT as well and can cut the dogs life literally in half. Just tell her that you are concerned because you know she loves her dog & would not want to loose him because she was not aware of these problems.

a month and a half is a long time.. by the time she comes back he will be looking much better and maybe then she will decide to change her bad habits torwards him...

I would bring these things to her attention. I don't think you will offend her. I would be happy that someone cared about my dog so much to tell me helpful things. You are putting the dog's well being first.

I think you have to tell her. But it is how you tell her that will influence how she reacts.

I wish you luck.. hopefully the little guy will look so good when she gets back she will be sold on your advice!!

You should tell her what you've noticed in her pup and the dangers of not treating them. A lot of people don't recognize an overweight pet, so she may think she's got a healthy pup not knowing that he's dangerously overweight. I think as long as you're nice about it she shouldn't get offended. If someone told me that my dog appeared unhealthy (as long as they weren't being jerks about it) I'd thank them...and then proceed to beat myself up over it for the next few months until my dog was healthy again. (but that's just my personality)

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!

I had asked my friend whether she would be mad if it was her dog and when she returns from her trip to see that her dog lost weight. She told me she would...that's why I wasn't sure if I should do anything about it...She told me to ask her first for her permission, but I'm afraid to offend her. She also feeds Iams treats...which I'm not a fan of...I will try my best to educate her when she returns and hopefully I won't offend her in any ways. I know she loves him because when we first met, I had told her about using a puppia harness and she immediately bought one! The only thing is...it's a large and is WAY big on him. Does that harm the dog in any way? She bought a bigger size because she didn't want it to rub on his skin and cause hair loss like previous harnesses. What do ya'll think?

I think the harm with a too large harness is it gives the pup room to wiggle out of it, which could result in running away and possible injury. Sounds like the harnesses she was using were either a horrible material or too small or a combination of both. Good luck with your friend, if she doesn't believe you about the weight you could show her the health chart that are posted on pretty much every vets wall that I've been to lately.

She's not a friend of mine, if she was, then it would make this all much easier. I just asked my friend about what she thinks if she was in the owner's position. He won't be able to get out of the harness so I guess it's fine then.

How would you feel if someone asked you if you would be mad if your child lost weight while they were with you? Probably more than a little offended, even if you knew it was true and needed. I'm sure she hears it from her vet, too. The same thing with the teeth. You can point out what you see, but bottom line is it's her decision whether or not she gets things done.

I would just concentrate on making him as healthy as possible while you have him...if he gets a bit more exercise and loses a bit of weight, so be it. You can point out when she returns how much more active he's been and how much better his knees seem to feel.

As far as the treats go, I would take them and not feed them, but when she returns tell her that he really seemed to enjoy blueberries, carrots, green beans or what ever the treat of choice is in your house.

For the harness, if it's within your budget I would go buy one that fits properly. When she returns, you can explain the safety issues of a poor fitting one.

I'm just curious, if she's not a friend of yours, how are you pet sitting for a month and a half? So she hired you then? If you are a pet professional, I would think your advise would be closely followed. But then again, we all know how many times good advice falls on deaf ears.

This is what worries me. I don't want to offend her at all, but just want the dog to be in better shape...As for treats, I'm hesitant to feed him anything except what she gives me because he has allergies. Okay, I guess it doesn't hurt to just point it out to her. After all, I pointed the harness thing out to her and she got it the next day. Thanks!

I'm pet sitting for her because her regular pet sitter is out of town and I've met her once before I pet sit her maltese. I'm not a professional pet sitter, but just pet sit when I can (I'm a student). I do really want to tell her because I don't think she knows...I do wonder if her vet tells her this. I just want her baby to live a long happy life. He's already wheezing from what I think is collapse trachea. He also runs/walks very slow...I though it was because he was old when I first saw him. After I felt him, I realize he's super overweight. By this time, she has already left for her vacation.

I have a thought. I am assuming since you are caring for her pup for 1 1/2 months that she gave you the number to her vet. Call up the vet and tell them you are pet sitting and noticed so and so conditions with the dog and ask if the vet has discussed the issues with her before. Also while she is gone put him on a diet, and don't give the bad treats. Most likely she will come home to happier, healthier dog and she'll ask you what you did, and hopefully she'll stick with it. Bc you did the hard work and not her, maybe it will be easier for her to keep him at a healthy weight from now on.

hmm I do have his vet's number!! I will try that! I'm scared that they tell her though? I have been refraining from feeding the Iams treats to him, but I feel so bad every time I give my babies treats and not him. I have only given him 1-3 per day [she says she gives 8-9 per day:eek:] I can't give him anything because he has allergies and I don't know what he's allergic to (she doesn't really know too) so she told me to not give him anything outside of what she gives me unless it's chicken or turkey, but we don't give our dogs human food. I tried apple, but he didn't eat it...

He has been walking a LOT with us...he walks SOooOoo SLOW! lol Exercise is exercise! Me and him are going to be weight loss buddies lolz

Uni didn't like apple at first either. I think it's the skin. Try a sweeter apple like a Fuji. Or try green beans, watermelon, blueberries, baby carrots, bean sprouts. Since he's overweight and you have him on a diet I'm surprised he's not taking anything you give him. When I was fostering Katie, I thought she needed to lose a few, and she would eat any fruit or veggie I would give her. She would even eat plain old lettuce. I say call the vet. I doubt they will tell her.

Keep walking him, you're doing a good job. Maybe take out your pack first, then come back for him and go slower. Baby steps. What is his name btw?

His name is Moshi. He's one cutie. It breaks my heart to hear him wheezing. I actually didn't put him on a diet because I don't want the owner to get mad at me. I just started to feed him like my yorkies. She free feed him 1.5 cups of kibble and gives 8-9 Iams biscuit per day. I think that's too much for him. I only give him 1-2 biscuit and feed him around the amount mine eat. He's been fine so far. She has advised me to give him pepcid when his stomach growls, which I have never heard of. She also gives him human food because he would always stare at you when you eat...He's definitely a foodie. He also tries to eat Carmel and Emma's food several times. lol We give cut and peeled sweet apples. He didn't like it. I had to throw it away. His bottom row teeth is loose too...*sigh* I will call the vet tomorrow to see what they say. ;)

Thanks for your suggestion!!

Kaji is a porkie too. Try different things that are low fat and are mostly water, like lettuce if Moshi is still hungry. Kaji loves the lettuce whites. He's so picky if there is anything green on his lettuce. I think it's the crunch he enjoys.

Just a suggestion, but run it by the vet before you alter his diet or give him treats hes not use to. You mention his teeth being bad, maybe that's a reason why he didn't enjoy the apple? He can't chew due to his bad teeth?

I thought that too, but he eats hard kibble and doggie biscuits fine...unfortunately, there's not much I can do as he's not my dog. I guess my only help would be to inform the owner when she returns. I was afraid to even do that in the beginning because I don't want to offend her. I'm not putting Moshi on a diet, but if he lose weight staying with me, it's actually good for him. It will only be because I'm feeding him the right amount and getting him enough exercise. His wheezing is constant so I would think that she had that checked out and the vet should have record of that. I will call and see what the vet says then. If not, I will tell her when she returns. I sure hope my babies won't be in his condition when they're 6! :( I would be soo sad!

I expect the pet professionals I employ to keep an eye on my dogs condition- this includes their sitter, their groomer, and their vet. Their sitter has called me with health issues that come up when I am away and has commented on behavioral issues she noticed while I am gone. However, I guess that is part of my personality- I prefer that people tell me the truth about things- I would hate for her to tell me my babies were perfect little angels the entire time, when I know that is simply not the case.

I think you should transition to scheduled feedings and give the amount you think is appropriate for the dogs weight and then increase his exercise. Hopefully he will lose weight. When she returns you can tell her you just transitioned him to your dogs feeding schedule as you already discussed and that you took him on walks with you because you felt bad leaving him at home. You can see you see those few small changes helped him to lose a little weight- maybe she will continue the changes, maybe not- but at least you did the best you could in the time you had him.

I would never walk up to a stranger and tell them their dog is overweight- but I think when someone employs you to care for their dog that is a different situation.

I hope she's like you because I'm doing exactly what you've just mentioned. Hopefully it will help him lose weight. He runs/walk VERY SLOW. If he loses weight and increases his speed maybe she'll see that losing weight is a good thing for him! Thanks!

First of all, you are to be commended for caring so much about this dear little Maltese's suspected health problems. I hope I don't sound harsh, if I do, please forgive, but here's my take.


1) If you are being paid to keep the dog, then you ARE a paid professional pet sitter. This may not be your primary source of income, but being paid takes you from the realm of being a friend taking care of little fido, to a pro.

2) It is not your responsibility to cause the dog to lose weight unless you and the owner have agreed upon a diet/exercise plan. In fact if it was me and I picked up my dog from a sitter and it was noticably thinner, I would be really pissed (unless, like I said, we had discussed a diet/exercise plan). I would assume that you had not taken proper care of my little chubby darling. If you were baby sitting a friend's child for six weeks would you arbitrarily put the kid on a diet without the parent's knowledge or permission?

3) It is your fiduciary duty to inform the owner of any suspected health problems the dog may have.

4) If you suspect that the little one has serious life threatening conditions, then a trip to his vet would be prudent.

5) The owner should have provided you with a care sheet including a feeding schedule, any meds, etc. that should be folled as closely as possible.

This is exactly what I worry. Well, I didn't realize he was chubby until she left. If I had known sooner, you bet I would tell her.

She gave me a list of emergency contact and vet info. He doesn't have life threatening condition. She told me that I can free feed or feed him on fixed schedule like mine. He also has no medication, just pepcid for when his stomach growls and him not eating.

Thanks for your input! You covered my exact concerns (#2). This is why I haven't put him on a diet, but to feed him like how I would feed mine, which I have permission for. I also don't give him as many of the IAMS treats like she said I can. I will for sure tell her when she returns of the problems I see he has and it will be up to her as to what she want to do. Thanks =)

First of all, I am so glad that I didn't offend you. I was concerned. Thank you for taking what I typed the way I meant :D

So, if she said you could do a fixed feeding schedule, then I'd go for it. Document how much and when you were feeding him and I commend you for cutting down on the treats. Just be sure that little chubby-wubby doesn't lose too much weight -- hummm if you exercise the little booger enough he'll replace body fat with muscle and although he will appear thinner the scale won't lie.

Is it possible to contact her by phone or email and mention that you have been using the same feeding and treat schedule on Moshi and walking him with yours and wanted her to know that he may be a little thinner when she returns and wanted to let her know. See how she responds. I think I would be upset if a pet sitter contacted my vet in a non emergency situation without contacting me first. I have 2 that are a little overweight and personally would not be offended if I was Moshi's owner but one never can tell. JMO

Did the owner leave you with signed consent that you could get medical care for this dog? Or can you get ahold of her 24/7? If no, a vet is pretty much obligated to refuse treatment unless it's in extremely critical condition.

If pup is wheezing, nobody can say if there is or isn't a life threatening disease present. There could be. Also, a dog that wheezes should only be exercised with veterinary consent. If my dog was wheezing and I left them with a sitter, I'd be very upset if the dog was exercised.

I really don't know how I'd feel if my dog lost weight. My first thought would be that he/she was neglected. I'd except if the dog was healthy and sitter said it went on lots of walks. If I said my dog gets 1.5 cups of food per day and I returned to find out less was given, I'd be pretty mad. I'd be mad if a different food was given too (this happened with Ellie - she bloated up and it was disgusting).

I would not present a list of things that are wrong with the dog. I'd go with, your pup is wheezing a lot. Do you know what could be wrong, etc.

I will try to email her and see what she says.


She left the vet's info in case of emergency. She also left her parents' number so I can call in case of emergency and they will cover the cost. No, of course I wouldn't bring him unless it's a critical emergency, like life and death. Well, the sound he makes sounds like he has collapse trachea (sounds like snoring). As for exercise, she told me she walks him 3X a day and so I don't think she would be mad with the exercise we give him. I told her I'd treat him like our dogs, which is what I am doing. Well, as for the food, she told me what she feeds and told me to schedule feed him if I want so it's up to me.

It's my first time pet sitting him because he has a regular sitter who was out of town. I didn't really know his weight situation until she left. I felt a bump on him right when she left and I called her, which she told me he's had for awhile and it's fine.

I would think that if you feed him the recommended amount of food per day and exercise him he will lose weight. If the owner questions you can truthfully say that you did feed as the two of you agreed and that you did cut out some of his treats because you were concerned about his breathing. I would contact her if I could but if you cannot I don't see way an owner would be upset to see a happier and healthier dog upon return. Explaining your concern for his breathing is necessary in order for her to help her little dog which I am sure she must care a great deal about. The manner in which you approach her is really important. You seem to be concerned about her feelings so I assume you can speak to her in a heartfelt way that she can perceive your concern for her fur baby and that is what is really is important.

Isn't 1 1/2 c of kibble way too much for a maltese? Doesn't Jackson get like 1/2 c a day and he's 13 lbs?

Poor little chunk (sorry I called him a chunk but I don't know his name and he sounds chubby!). I'm happy you're taking steps to try to make him better. Sadly, like what catp noonie said, good information does fall on deaf ears with regards to you brining it up to the owners attention.

I would tell her, especially if you contacted the vet and they agreed. She'll probably get her knickers in a twist, but oh well. Sometimes the truth hurts and maybe it'll be enough for her to get her act together.

Well, I didn't contact the vet yet. I thought it's best to email her first. I am waiting for her response. I didn't mention about his weight though. I just mentioned about his loose teeth and snoring/wheezing. I also told her about how much I am feeding him.

Here's a picture of him today when we went to the park :) He says thank you for your concern! :D