You and your beloved senior dog may both feel stressed when you have to leave them at a boarding facility. Making sure your older dog is ready for their stay and comfortable can really improve their experience. This blog will share five essential tips to help you prepare your senior dog for dog boarding.
1. Consult Your Vet
Older dogs may have health issues that need extra care. You can ask your vet if your dog is healthy enough to go to boarding and if there are any special care needs. They may also give you a list of medicines your dog needs or advice on how to treat any health problems it already has. Giving your dog a checkup at the vet will give you peace of mind that he or she is healthy enough to be away from home.
2. Update Their Identification
Before you board your dog, make sure that its ID is still valid. As part of this, make sure that their collar has a tag with up-to-date contact information on it.
If your dog has a microchip, make sure the information on the chip is correct and that it has been registered. This will make it easy for the boarding facility and emergency services to find your dog if it gets lost.
3. Create a Comfortable Environment
It is important to make the boarding area as comfortable as possible for older dogs because they may be more easily scared in new places. Bring things that make them feel at home, like their bed, toys, or a blanket that smells like home.
With these things, your dog will feel less anxious and more at ease in a strange place. Let the staff know if your dog has any special needs or wants so they can make sure they are comfortable.
4. Maintain Their Routine
As much as possible, try to keep your older dog’s schedule the same while they are staying at the kennel. If your dog needs to eat at a certain time, take medicine, or enjoys certain activities, let the boarding staff know.
Your dog will feel more at ease and less stressed if it has a regular schedule. By being consistent, you can also make sure that your dog stays healthy and happy while you are away.
5. Prepare for Special Needs
It is important to let the boarding facility know if your dog has special needs because he or she is getting older. This might include taking medicine, having to watch what you eat, or having trouble moving around.
Make sure to provide clear instructions on how to manage these needs. Some older dogs may need extra care or supervision, and it’s important that the boarding staff is prepared to handle any situation.
Make the Boarding Experience Easier for Old Dogs
By following these tips, you can ensure your senior dog has a comfortable and stress-free boarding experience. With the right care, you can enjoy peace of mind while your dog enjoys their stay.
