Finding the right place to leave your senior dog while you're away can be difficult. Today, our Kennesaw vets explain what to look for in a boarding facility.
Selecting a Boarding Facility for Your Senior Dog
You should know and consider the following before selecting a boarding facility for your senior dog.
Check the Rules & Policies
Before boarding your dog at any facility, make sure to ask the staff there about their regulations, rules, and policies (including what kinds of services they offer to dogs boarding with them). During this conversation, information you may ask about can include the kind of food they feed dogs who aren't sent with their specialty food for their stay, what kinds of toys (if any) you can send with your dog from home, and what their emergency procedures are.
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.
Check Vaccination Requirements
While each dog boarding kennel will have its criteria for the minimum level of dog vaccinations that must be up to date, they will share some general non-negotiables, such as rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella. Make sure you ask a prospective boarding facility about what vaccinations they require so you can update your pup's immunizations and produce proof of your dog's vaccinations before their stay.
Many common dog illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. Because of this, fulfilling a boarding facility's immunization requirements helps keep your pup and the other dogs there safe.
Visit the Facility Ahead of Time
Kennels that serve as a stay-cation for many pets can get messy quickly. But any high-quality kennel should still smell clean and be well-kept.
To ensure a prospective boarding facility is up to snuff, visit the kennel and ensure it's kept organized and clean before your dog's stay. Finding a facility with cameras that constantly monitor your dog is also beneficial. This is ideal just in case your elderly pet endures any unforeseen incident.
Trust Your Instincts
We believe trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a kennel for your dog. If you don't feel comfortable with a place, look for another. If they have a policy you don't like, look around at different kennels until you find one you can trust completely.
Before & After Your Dog's Stay
Below, we'll discuss some things things to expect before your dog's stay and after your dog leaves.
Keep Your Emotions in Check
Dogs are experts at reading the emotions of their parents. Your pup can tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making relaxing harder once you leave. Keep things simple, short, and positive to make the separation easier.
Always inform the boarding facility of your dog's issues, eating and drinking behavior, and exercise habits. This will ensure your pet receives the care it needs to live a typical day while away from home.
Behavioral Changes After Boarding
It's important to understand that your dog may behave differently during the first few days after they come home from the kennel. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal response to your dog's excitement about coming home. But if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Boarding Your Older Dog at North Cobb Animal Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs in Kennesaw.
We are proud to be able to provide your animal companion with a comfortable, welcoming, and warm home away from home while you need to be out of town. Some of our services include medical boarding, private kennels, a separate boarding section for cats, and an outdoor play area.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. Please make an appointment with your vet to accurately diagnose your pet's condition or boarding needs.