So you have booked you holiday, and you have checked out the different alternatives to have your dog cared for. These could be having him looked after in his own home by a Pet Sitter, or friends, family or neighbours. Or having him cared for out of his own home either in a Boarding Kennel or someone's home that does In Home Dog Boarding
And you have decided that a Boarding Kennel or the In Home Dog Boarding is the best option.
Here are some simple things you can do to help your canine friend enjoy his stay and also help you leave with peace of mind.
1) Consider having a trial 24 hour stay before your holiday. This will ease your dog into the different pace and also give you some reassurance that all will be well with the longer stay. Bear in mind that some dogs go off their food for the first day, so don’t be overly concerned if he doesn’t eat too much. I usually find that even with really nervous dogs, by the 2nd or 3rd day they have settled down to their normal eating pattern. If they are a little fussy I might put something really yummy with their food, like tripe. Most dogs can’t resist.
2) If your dog usually sleeps in the bed with you, it would be helpful if they can get used to sleeping by themselves. If he cries all night by himself there is a chance that will happen when he is away from home too.
3) Don’t change their food just before you go away. This can often lead to tummy upsets, and your dog will have enough to deal with, without another change. Runny poos also are not pleasant to try and pick up or clean up.
4) If your dog is the long haired type, get them clipped before you go. This will save time and money if your Kennel charges extra for maintenance. If you don’t want to stretch to the full on clip, at least shorten the hair around their bottom and face. This will make it much easier to keep them clean.
5) Deflea and worm them before they go. This is a considerate thing to do to ensure the comfort and hygiene not only your dog but other dogs staying.
6) Vaccinate your dog well before the time they are coming in, if you choose to use vaccinations.
7) If you are taking your own food, label it with your dog’s name and the amounts to feed and when. Then there can be no mistakes made.
8) Take a rug from home, so they have something comforting to help them feel more secure. Label that too. If they are in communal areas, then don’t take the best rug from home, or any heirlooms that great grandma knitted. There is a chance it may be chewed. On that note bean bags make a huge mess if they are chewed up and stuffed beds, not only are a prime candidate for chewing, but are also hard to clean. Cane baskets fall into the same category. If the dog has its own separate sleeping area then these may be allowed. Ask your dogs care giver what they prefer.
9) If you dog is on medication, firstly remember to bring it and also make sure it is labeled and the instructions are on the packet, including time of day the medication is given. Instructions such as “Give as previously directed” Or even “Give one tablet daily” aren’t that specific.
10) If you drop your dog off in the morning, then they have the day to get used to everything in the new environment and also a chance to get used to the area they are sleeping in overnight. If your dog is staying in someone’s home there is nothing worse than a night getting up to and comforting an upset dog.
11) Vitamins such as Vitamin C help to increase your dog’s immune system, so are a good idea to give, starting a week or so before the stay. B vitamins help with stress. Giving Rescue Remedy can help with stress, shock and terror, if your dog is particularly nervous. It can be given either directly into your dog’s mouth or added to his water. Start 3 or so days before the scheduled stay.