A sitter caring for a Boston Terrier needs information shaped by this breed's flat face, compact body, and lively personality. The essentials are breathing and temperature limits, careful feeding for a dog prone to weight gain and gas, and the everyday handling details — harness walks, eye checks, and play that stops before the dog is panting hard. Written clearly, these notes let a sitter enjoy this clownish little dog without learning its limits the hard way.
Heat and Breathing Rules Come First
Tell the sitter plainly that a Boston Terrier cannot cool itself efficiently and must never be exercised in the heat of the day. Walks belong in the cooler morning and evening, kept short in warm weather, and the dog should have shade and water whenever it is outside. Describe what normal Boston breathing sounds like — snuffles and snores are typical — and what is not: loud, labored breathing at rest, frantic panting that does not ease after stopping, or gums that look pale or bluish mean cool the dog gently and call a vet straight away. Add that car rides need air conditioning and the dog is never left in a parked car, even briefly.
Feeding a Dog That Gains Weight and Swallows Air
Write the measured amount for each meal and the feeding times for your Boston Terrier, and ask the sitter to resist topping up — this breed's charm offensive around food is relentless and extra portions stack on a small frame quickly. Note if you use a slow-feeder bowl to reduce gulped air, since Bostons are famously gassy and a rushed meal makes it worse. List approved treats and the foods that trigger your dog's stomach upset, and mention that new rich foods are off the menu during the stay. Fresh water should always be down, especially after play.
Handling, Eyes, and Play Limits
Explain that your Boston Terrier walks on a harness, not a collar, to keep pressure off the airway, and show the sitter how the harness fits. Ask for a daily glance at the eyes — this breed's prominent eyes pick up scratches and irritation easily — and describe what a comfortable eye looks like versus one that is red, watery, or held half shut, which earns a vet call. Cover play honestly: Bostons play hard in bursts, so games pause when breathing gets noisy, and swimming is supervised closely or skipped because these compact dogs are poor swimmers. Note the dog's jumping habits and any stairs or furniture rules.
Routine, Company, and Sleeping Arrangements
Boston Terriers are people-oriented dogs that can fret when left alone too long, so tell the sitter how long your dog is normally left, what radio or routine settles it, and where it sleeps — many Bostons expect to be under a blanket, and a sitter who knows that avoids a midnight negotiation. Note house-training signals, since a Boston that asks at a particular door needs the sitter watching for that exact cue. Add quirks that matter: thunderstorm nerves, a favorite toy that must be findable, or a medication-free comfort routine you use at bedtime.
Vet Details and Who to Call
Close the notes with your vet's name and number, the emergency clinic address, and the order in which to call you, a backup person, and the vet. State who can authorize treatment if you are unreachable, and leave payment arrangements clear so the sitter never hesitates over an eye injury or a breathing scare. KinsLe's Care Pass hands your Boston Terrier's sitter temporary access to these heat limits, feeding amounts, and contacts together, so the breed-specific details stay visible for the entire stay.