But why?
I find this really difficult to understand.
As long as you are stuck there, you might try getting wee-wee pads and simply putting them down in the places where the dog is peeing and pooping. The pads have some kind of âattracticantâ that actually seems to work.
Our last dog had cushingâs and really lost control. I inintially put pads down in five places she was going. After a day I reduced it to 3 places, than 2, then 1 which she managed. to always go to. We were all releived. Granted, she was a smart girl and really wanted to please us, but I think at the very least the pads will make things easier, and while it would be great if the homeowners at least paid for them, you could buy some first to see if it will work.
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Iâm so sorry for your situation. It sounds very difficult. As a homeowner, I would say you are doing a very noble thing to help two elderly people on their last trip. Altho it is not what you bargained for, I would not jump to the conclusion that they did it on purpose. I donât know how much time you have left on the sit, but if you can stick it out I think you would be doing a very kind thing. You might call the vet and try to determine if the animal may soon expire before you contact the owners. It might lessen your anxiety too to have someone to speak with who knows the animal. Best of luck.
I do under your concerns. The owners must have realized the dog was at the end of itâs life. I would be wondering if they just couldnât handle this decision and have left it for you. I am lucky that one of the 3 dogs I start sitting next week was put to sleep knowing that it was the end and it would be better for me the pet sitter not having to deal with this.
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Its called kindness
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Was there any mention of medical issues in the listing or welcome guide? Did they let you know of any medications or special needs for the pet? If not, then you by all means have the option to end the sit via THS support. If they did not let you know and it is causing that severe of side effects, they are in violation of 5.2.1 be responsible for vaccinating your own pet(s) and notify your Sitter should your pet(s) have any illnesses or ailments;
Please see what happened to us below. We tried to stick it out and it ended up being a massive headache. Should have left as soon as we found out the medical ailments.
Hey there,
I just wrote a reply and realised it was on the wrong thread, sorry! Just ignore me 
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Having 19 sits, 17 5*, one 4*, one 3* I learned to react to these low ratings in my comments what happened very honestly. Further HO always did understand people are different and not everyone is nice and some people are strange.
My honest recommendations: be resilient but never go over your personal limits or standard. Itâs a personal favour weâre doing, not really a job.
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I am a HO with an old dog (nearly 18). In my Welcome Guide is the number of a good friend who knows my dog well, and has, in effect, health care power of attorney. I specifically state that if a difficult decision has to be made and we canât be reached for some reason, she can help. I think it would be awful to have to make that kind of decision as a sitter. I know, that if it became necessary, my friend would be with my dog in the end. I think having that backup has been comforting to the sitters - and it definitely is to us!
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With elderly pets, we always prepare ourselves for the possibility of them dying on our watch and discuss this with the owners during the lead up to the sit and assuring them that we can cope should that happen and getting their assurance that they could cope also.
We have dealt with one tragic sudden death of a gorgeous dog and much loved family pet but managed it with as much compassion and involvement of the family as possible for which they were very grateful.
We also look after other elderly pets and have the same understanding with those owners.
My advice would be to contact the owners and get them to realise that this is a distinct possibility and ask them how they would like you to manage the situation should it arise.
Very best of luck, itâs never an ideal situation to find yourself in but management and prior planning is key to getting through it in the best way possible.
Is there a possibility that the dog may have an infection? Maybe discuss with the ho , a vet visit, to rule that out??
Have you tried doggy diapers?
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How very sad and difficult to have to go through this. I am writing this as a suggestion for HOs, and something Sitters might want to request prior to accepting a sit. Along with the information for my vet, I write a note that says I authorize my pet sitter to seek any necessary emergency medical care from the vet. In the case of extreme illness or injury, I authorize my vet to take whatever steps necessary to ensure my dogâs safety and comfort, including euthanasia if he deems my dog is suffering.
I sure hope that this never, ever becomes necessary, but accidents happen, and I also now have a (small) dog over 10 years of age.
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I like to give you just some caring advice: There are dog nappies for every size. I know they are not cheap but they will give your a break in cleaning up after the dog. Also you could ask the owners about some refund. About having to put a dog downâŚI am a HO with an elderly dog too. Iâd tell my HS that if something happens to my dog she should be going to our vet and get it done. Itâs always a devastating experience through which I had to go through more than I even wanted but if itâs the best for the dog I wouldnât be able to prolong itâs suffering. Every person/s with elderly pets should know that. I am wishing you all the best with that difficulty situation.
@Petstuff how is the sit going are you near the end of it now ?
I imagine the HOâs arenât having much of a good time knowing their dog is so ill. I expect they only reason they went was because if they didnât go now they may not have the chance to go again.
You say the house was cluttered and uncomfortable this maybe a reflection on their frailty.