Submit your questions for our Q&A with Karen Schuppert, Pet Sitter extraordinaire!

The Love of Pets
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Hey everyone!

Big thanks to everyone who joined our recent Q&A with Rob Kuty – we hope you enjoyed reading his awesome tips and insights!

We’re keeping the Season of Pet Happiness going with another Q&A from one of our four Happy Pet Experts.

Next up is Karen Schuppert: she’s a Combined member with TrustedHousesitters, a global house and pet sitter, and the proud fur mom of 17-year-old Aussie, Ellie!

When she’s not busy teaching about sustainability, healthy eating, and wellness, Karen’s off travelling and taking care of cute pets. Check out her amazing blog post for some great pet sitting tips!

With 50 sits under her belt as both a pet parent and sitter, Karen knows her stuff when it comes to pet sitting. So, if you’re curious about her best tips for finding a sitter, want advice on starting your own pet sitting adventure with THS, or have questions about pet nutrition, now’s your chance to ask!

Drop your questions for Karen in the replies to this post by Friday, 23rd August at 11:59 pm BST. We’ll update you with her answers on Friday, 30th August! This is an awesome opportunity for both pet parents and sitters to get their questions answered!

While we’d love for Karen to respond to every single question, it might not be possible if we get lots of them, as our lovely Instagram followers will also be getting in on the action!

Can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

Jenny

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Hi Karen,

With your pet sitting prowess and nutrition knowledge, have you ever had to approach a pet parent about their pet’s health?

Even if it was just abnormally runny poos or itchiness… At what point do you feel it’s appropriate (or not) to say something?

Thank you!

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Hi Karen. Our dog is nearly 18, and while she’s in mostly decent health (deaf, a little slow, but mostly pretty good), we know that’s pretty old. My husband and I retired recently and are itching to travel more. Is there an optimal amount of time to be away with a dog this age? We did something we’ve never done, and travelled for 2 months and our dog seemed kind of traumatized for a while. She came back, but we’re afraid to be gone too long - but we don’t know how long IS too long. Sorry THIS is so long! lol
Thanks!

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Hello Karen!

As a rule, I do not give dogs people food. There are exceptions if homeowners give their dogs certain vegetables, fruit, or homemade food. Food items such as chocolate, raisins, and grapes can be toxic for dogs. I read on a thread that a puppy had been given bones to eat.

Are bones harmful for puppies/dogs and are there any other foods that are harmful that dogs should steer clear of?

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Hello Karen!

What questions would you recommend that a sitter asks in a video-call (or other communication) to ensure a successful petsit?

Looking forward to your insights! :heart_eyes::dog::cat::rabbit:

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I’m new to THS. I am interested in going to some cities at certain times of the year. This seems like a good way to do it. Do you have any great suggestions on how to do this? Thank you, Karen.

Edited to remove personal information as per the Community Rules & the Terms of Service.

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Hi Karen
We are lucky enough to be fur parents to our 13yr old Jack Russell ‘Lucy’ & she makes laugh everyday with her antics, she has a great personality.
You have sat for many dogs & must have fun times with them all over your years of sitting. Do you have one particular sit that stands out in your mind, because of a dogs personality or knack of making you laugh?

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What do you like the host to do to prepare for your visit? What are some nice touches, such as dinner on first night, post it notes on drawers in kitchen, etc. Thanks.

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Thank you to everyone who has submitted a question so far, these are great! I’d love to see if we could get a few more in before the weekend! :heart: :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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I just thought I’d share the questions that we’ve received from our Instagram followers, in case it inspires anyone to come up with their own question for Karen :slight_smile:

  • I want to do this for first time. Is it difficult to find a family [sit] without previous experience?
  • Can I get references of the dog sitter before bookings?
  • How does one become qualified in pet nutrition? Is there now a degree offered?
  • My dogs not old but what can I start to do now nutrition wise to help them age gracefully
  • What should sitters know about taking care of a senior pet?
  • What are some healthy treats for pets?
  • Is homemade food worth it (for dogs)?? Do we have any proof that it will increase their longevity?
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This is a great question @sharondc!

Karen,

I’m sitting for a HO that appears to be health conscious and who also gives their dog organic dairy products (raw eggs and yogurt) as a treat. I’ve never cared for a pet that consumed so much dairy and now am noticing frequent and smelly gas from the dog. I did some research and many vets don’t recommend pets consume dairy products, especially raw eggs.

What are your thoughts?

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