Are you about to go on vacation or a work trip? Are you worried about your furry companion?
If so, you should strive to make the vacation period enjoyable for your canine.
Boarding facilities provide high-end care for pets while owners are out of town.
There are numerous doggy daycare and boarding centers, such as Good Dog Ranch & Spa, offering custom, stress-free care for canines.
The following tips will help you make this experience easier for your lovely pup.
Get the necessary vaccinations
A helpful tip for preparing your dog for boarding is to vaccinate it early.
The majority of reputable facilities require pets to be up-to-date on their vaccinations prior to staying the night.
Some of the vaccines include Bordetella, rabies, canine influenza, distemper, etc.
It’s paramount to contact the facility at least a week before taking your beloved dog there so as to figure out which vaccines they require.
After gaining an insight into the required vaccines, you should take your canine companion to the vet.
Nevertheless, you aren’t supposed to wait until the last moment, as vaccinations usually take a couple of days to provide the expected effects.
Planning the vaccination early on is essential for every owner intending to board his/her pet.
Pay attention to crate training
Another tip to follow when planning to board your canine is to practice crate training.
Your companion is highly likely to spend a fair amount of time in a kennel once boarded.
Therefore, practicing crate training will assist your pet in adjusting more easily to the confinement.
Several weeks prior to your trip, you should leave your pup alone in the house for several hours every day.
Moreover, the time your beloved pet spends in your absence is supposed to teach it to hold its bladder and be comfortable on its own.
Although most facilities allow canines to wander around freely throughout the day, they’ll probably require your dog to stay in its kennel during the night.
Hence, do your best to teach your companion to rest in its crate. Check out some handy tips for training a small dog.
Shop around
The following tip to consider when planning to board your dog is to shop around until you come across the best boarding facility.
It’s of the utmost importance not to settle for the first facility that appears in your search.
Not all doghouses offer the same conditions and policies.
In some boarding facilities, canines are allowed to roam freely in the play area, whereas in others, they spend the most time in their kennels.
Most importantly, the doghouse is expected to provide the necessary conditions for keeping canines both physically and mentally stimulated.
The playrooms should be safe and spacious enough for pets to have fun while exploring the area.
Cooling and heating need to be offered as well for dogs to avoid feeling uncomfortable, particularly when the weather is overly hot.
Furthermore, the boarding facility should be equipped with comfortable beds for canines to be provided with excellent sleep after an exhausting day of play.
Calming music and essential oils are usually used to soothe pets while napping or sleeping.
It’s also vital for the care attendants to be professionally trained and experienced in taking care of canines.
Take your dog to the vet
Apart from getting your canine up-to-date with the necessary vaccines, you should also take it to the veterinarian.
A vet visit is required for the veterinarian to de-flea and de-worm your canine, as you should be considerate to the other pups staying there.
Fleas and bugs thrive in kennels, which is why your beloved companion should have its flea and tick prevention updated.
Heartworm prevention is highly recommended as well, particularly if your pup will spend plenty of time outdoors.
Schedule a boarding trial
Canine owners whose pups are susceptible to separation anxiety should plan a trial stay.
Make sure to request a 24-hour trial stay to see how your companion will adapt to the new environment.
Perhaps, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
Final thoughts
Make sure the facility provides high-end care for your pup to feel comfortable!