3 Ways To Make Boarding Easier On Your Dog

One of the hardest parts about having a dog is leaving him or her behind at a boarding kennel when you leave on vacation, mostly because you may be concerned about your dog feeling lonely or abandoned. However, there are a few steps that you can take to make your dog very comfortable at the boarding facility, such as the three listed below. 

Utilize Dog Daycare

One of the biggest sources of stress and discomfort for a dog left at a boarding facility is being in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. In order to avoid this, you can take advantage of the daycare services that many boarding facilities offer. By utilizing this service a few times before you leave your dog for an extended stay at the kennel, you can make your dog more comfortable because he or she will have become familiar with the staff and the surroundings. 

Provide Extra Food And Medicine

A dog boarding kennel will always be open to the idea of you bringing your dog's food with you to the kennel because they know that many dogs have very sensitive stomachs that will react badly if their food is switched. In addition, the kennel service will also be willing to have their staff give your dog any medication that you provide. However, the boarding service is unlikely to purchase more special food or medication for your dog if those items run out while you are on a trip, so it is important to provide a bit extra to cover a few days beyond your intended pickup date in case an emergency comes up and you cannot make it back on time. 

Pack Familiar Items

Finally, you will want to pack a familiar item or two when you are leaving your dog at a boarding facility. The scent and presence of a favorite toy will allow your dog to feel more at home while also providing him or her with a source of entertainment while he or she is relaxing in the kennel. In addition, consider bringing a piece of clothing that you have worn recently for your dog to sleep with as your scent can exert a calming influence over your pet and help him or her be less lonely.

However, you will want to show some restraint when bringing toys and other items by only bringing one or two items to the kennel. This is helpful for the kennel staff as they will not have to worry about tracking down and packing a lot of extra items when you come to pick up your dog. 

Contact a dog boarding service today in order to discuss what you can do to make the boarding process as easy as possible for your dog. By utilizing dog daycare, providing extra food or medication, and packing familiar items, you can minimize any impact to your dog's stress levels and health while boarding him or her.


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