Going Out Of Town? 4 Ways To Help Your Dog Have A Happy Kennel Stay
It can be difficult to travel with pets. If you're planning a vacation, and you can't take your dogs with you, it's time to consider pet boarding. It might be safe to leave your dog alone overnight but if you'll be away for an extended period of time, you want to make sure they have someone to look after them. Planning for pet boarding is a lot like planning for your own vacation. You need to make sure your dog will have everything it needs for an enjoyable stay. Here are four steps you should take to get your dog ready for boarding.
Schedule a Check-up
The last thing you want is for your pet to get sick while you're away. Before you leave, schedule a check-up with the veterinarian. Be sure to check on your dog's vaccinations. If your dog is going to be kept around other dogs, it's particularly important that your dog is vaccinated against canine adenovirus, which can cause infectious canine tracheobronchitis – or kennel cough.
Try a Test Run
If your dog has never stayed in a boarding facility before, you should schedule a test-run before your actual date of departure. A test-run will allow you to see how your pet will react to its new surroundings. It will also give your dog the opportunity to meet – and become familiar with – the people who will be caring for it while you're gone.
Bring a Comfort Item
Pets can be a lot like children, especially when it comes to their favorite items. If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket, be sure to bring that along to the kennel. Having a familiar item may take some of the stress out of the stay. Be sure to mark the item with your name so that it's easily identifiable to kennel staff.
Stick to Routine
When the date of departure finally arrives, be sure to stick to your normal routine. Don't be tempted to give your pet an extra meal or drink of water before you leave. Your pet may be stressed when you drop it off at the boarding facility. That extra meal or drink of water could turn into an upset stomach.
It's time to head out for a vacation. You want your dog to be well-cared for while you're gone. The information provided above will help ensure that you're pet stays happy and healthy at a facility like The Pets Place Animal Hospital while you're away.
