As every pet owner knows there is a good time and location to have a dog, and sometimes it is not as easy. Occasionally students at college take pets with them. In this article we offer some top tips on how to care for your dog while a student in college.

How to care for your dog while a student in college

As a college student, owning a dog can be a great way to stay connected to home and have a loyal companion as you navigate the stresses of higher education. But with a busy schedule, how can you be sure you’re providing the best care for your pup? In this article, learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy while you focus on your studies. Keep reading!

Feed them high-quality dog food

As a college student, you want to ensure that your dog is receiving the best possible care, and one way to do that is by feeding them high-quality dog food. Choosing high-quality dog food, such as Badlands Ranch super food for dogs, can provide your dog with the essential nutrients they need to maintain its health and well-being.

Consider the nutrients in dog food to help care for your dog

This type of food is made with high-quality ingredients, including real meat, vegetables, and fruits, and is free from fillers and artificial preservatives. By feeding your dog high-quality dog food, you can help ensure that they have a strong immune system, healthy skin and coat, and a healthy digestive system.

In addition to the health benefits, feeding your dog high-quality dog food can also help prevent future health problems and save you money on veterinary bills. Poor nutrition can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and dental problems, which can be costly to treat.

Pursue an online degree

For college students who are dog owners, pursuing an online degree can be a great option to help balance their academic responsibilities with their pet care duties. Online degrees, such as a Public Health BS, offer the flexibility and convenience to complete coursework on your own schedule, allowing you to attend to your dog’s needs without sacrificing your education.

With an online degree, you can complete coursework from home or any location with internet access, giving you the freedom to attend to your dog’s needs throughout the day.

The benefits of a degree in public health

Moreover, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health can be a great choice for dog owners who are passionate about improving the health and well-being of both humans and animals. This degree can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address public health issues related to animal health, such as zoonotic diseases and animal welfare.

You can also explore career paths that involve working with animals, such as animal welfare advocacy or veterinary public health.

Look for a dog-friendly apartment

Getting a dog-friendly apartment is an important factor to consider when considering the care for your dog in college. Many off-campus housing options may not allow pets or may have strict rules and regulations about pet ownership. By finding a dog-friendly apartment, you can ensure that your furry friend is happy and healthy and that you have the necessary space and amenities to care for them.

Dog-friendly living spaces

Dog-friendly apartments will help you to care for your dog. They may have practical designated pet areas, access to outdoor spaces for exercise and playtime, and pet-friendly policies that allow for responsible pet ownership.

Having a dog-friendly apartment can also help improve your overall quality of life as a college student. Owning a dog can provide companionship, stress relief, and a sense of responsibility and purpose. By having a dog-friendly apartment, you can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without worrying about violating any rules or regulations.

Provide plenty of toys and mental stimulation to care for your dog

Buy toys to help care for your dog

Providing plenty of toys and mental stimulation is essential when caring for a dog in college, and they are fundamental to help care for your dog. Dogs are active and intelligent animals that need mental and physical exercise to stay healthy and happy. Without adequate mental stimulation, dogs can become bored and restless, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.

Toys that are designed to challenge and engage a dog’s mind can help provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive toys, and treat-dispensing toys are great options that can keep dogs occupied and mentally stimulated for hours.

Dog owners need to find a dog sitter

Where to find a dog sitter for pet minding at home?

While you may be tempted to searching online for ‘dog sitters that come to my home’, ‘petsitters’ ‘dog boarding’, ‘find a dog sitter near me’ and so on, think again.

Today there are new online networks of pet lovers, who will exchange their time and experience in pet care to look after your dog for free accommodation and a good online review. Yes indeed, there are. HousesitMatch.com is a great place to start for pet owners, learning about house and pet sitting.

Online house and petsitting communities

A house and petsit community where you know members are ID checked for security, and you can view the sitter profiles is a good place to start reviewing dog sitter or pet sitter profiles. Communities like Housesitmatch.com offer a safe environment to meet like minded members who are primarily pet lovers and experienced in pet and home care.

Check their pet sitter reviews to find a reliable dog sitter

As a dog owner you might be very busy and you may travel a great deal for work and holidays.  You can always find a dog sitter for this job. Before booking a dog sitter, ask potential candidates about their experience and any Doggy references from former employers or customers.

With an online network like Housesitmatch you know they are checked, and their reviews are visible. It is a great way to find dog sitting services.

If you have a particular need, ask about it, and if the candidate can provide this service, check what kind of experience they have with the specific task.

Dog minding for multiple pets is costly

Another reason to consider this way to find a dog sitter is if you have multiple pets to care for. Apart from taking your dog away from your home while you are away, consider the cost of dog boarding, kennels especially if you have multiple pets. It can be very expensive, and made more so if you travel away from home several times a year.

Find a dog sitter for free by joining a house and petsitting platform. But how do you find a reliable dog sitter? Join a network like Housesitmatch. Check the online reviews for your house and petsitting network – check Trustpilot or Google reviews. It’s worth spending the time to do that to see what real users have said.

Join as a home and petowner to find a dog sitter

Joining HouseSit Match as a petowner is a straightforward process and will help you to care for your dog:

1. Register as a homeowner pet owner on HouseSit Match.
2. Complete the ID check for added credibility and trustworthiness.
3. Build your profile to showcase your pets, and home.
4. Offer your dog sits by posting a housesit advert and listing and connect with pet sitters.
5. Embark on an exciting journey as a member of this community meeting and working with dog sitters and house sitters.

Final thoughts on how to care for your dog

Overall, finding ways to care for your dog whatever your stage in life is essential for maintaining your pet’s health and well-being. It requires a commitment of time and energy to ensure that your pup is getting the proper nutrition, exercise, and companionship they need to thrive. With the right care, your dog will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come.

Further reading about pet care

At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about housesitters, housesitting and pet sitting. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitters and dog minding helpful in how to care for your dog.

8 Pets to have as a student at college

The Affordable Alternative to Dog Kennels

Top dogsitting tips for beginners

What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities

What is House Sitting?