Vacation is a good time to escape your busy schedule and unwind. This could also be a perfect opportunity for your dog to get time away from their routine. Boarding your furry friend ensures that they receive the care they deserve when you are out of town.
But since you also need to prepare yourself for vacation, you need to prepare your dog for boarding as well. Here are a few things you can do to get started:
Vaccinate Them Early
Before boarding your dog, all reputable boarding facilities will require your dog’s vaccinations to be up to date. Kennel cough, rabies, and distemper are the most commonly required vaccinations.
Call the boarding facility ahead of time to find out if there are any additional vaccinations required. Vaccinations usually take a few days to kick in. This gives you ample time to get your pup to the vet and have a working vaccination on the boarding day.
Dog Boarding Test Run
If your canine friend is prone to separation anxiety or particularly nervous, planning a trial boarding stay might be a good idea. For instance, you can start with a trial stay of about 24 hours at first. This helps your dog gradually adjust to a new routine and environment. This might help your dog adjust much better when it is time for longer stays.
Crate Training
Your canine friend is likely to spend a lot of time in a kennel when in the facility. Most facilities allow them to roam freely during the day, but they remain in their kennels at night. For this reason, practice crate training to help them adjust to the new environment.
To teach them to hold their bladder, you can leave them alone for a few extra hours for a week before the boarding day. This also makes them less dependent on you as they learn how to spend time by themselves.
Shop Around
Dog boarding facilities have different policies and activities for your dog, so make sure to shop around for the best. Do not settle for the first facility you get since some will barely let your dog out of the kennel. Since you know your dog best, opt for one that goes well with its personality.
Teach Them To Socialize
Boarding facilities have dogs from all walks of life. Before boarding your pup, ensure they are well socialized. Getting along with other residents is essential during their stay in the facility. Taking them to a dog park is perfect for this exercise. An antisocial dog can experience anxiety in boarding facilities or even become dangerous.
Pack Some Food
Although most facilities have in-house food that is nutritionally balanced, a sudden diet change can lead to diarrhea. Prepare your dog their usual diet, though you can introduce a bit of what it can expect at the facility. Pack your furry friend’s usual diet when you take them to the facility, including treats if you have some.
Keep The Goodbye Short
A lengthy farewell during the drop-off will arouse your dog’s suspicions that something is amiss. A pat on the head as if you are going to work is enough.
For more on dog boarding preparations, call Country Veterinary Clinic at (530) 491-4500 to reach our office in Live Oak, California.
