Do you have an older dog that that requires extra care? Are you concerned about boarding him/her? That’s a legitimate worry for many dog owners, especially for those who travel on occasion and must leave their furry friends at a boarding kennel.
Professional dog kennels, like Rover Stay Over, have the knowledge, understanding and compassion necessary to give extra attention to geriatric dogs to ensure they are as comfortable away from home as they are when at home.
If you’re planning to travel this fall or winter, here are 5 tips for boarding your older dog that may give some peace of mind.
1. Do a full assessment of your dog’s health prior to boarding and let the kennel know of any special issues. Provide a written list of conditions and medications to the kennel so they can address everything while your dog is in their care.
2. If your dog has incontinent issues, which some older dogs do, provide extra bedding or washable bedding that easily fits into a washing machine.
3. Let the kennel know if your dog is showing signs of slower movement/sore joints. Kennel staff can prepare for the additional time it may take to exercise your dog. They can also keep these conditions in mind when planning play buddy time.
4. Inform kennel staff of any changes in eating and drinking behavior. Older dogs can require less food than younger dogs because their activity levels drop. Overfeeding older dogs can result in weight gain, which can add to any existing health issues.
5. Geriatric dogs may have a slower metabolism, which can make them more susceptible to colder temperatures. Provide a sweater or extra blankets in case the temperature of the kennel is colder than what your dog is used to, or for outdoor exercise sessions.
At Rover Stay Over, we take extra care to manage medications and special diets for older dogs. The pets we board at our dog boarding kennel near Lynden WA are just as important to us as they are to you.
If you’re planning a trip soon, contact us ahead of time so we can work out the details of caring for your geriatric dog. Just because your furry friend isn’t as spry as she used to be doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t be as comfortable as possible whether at home or staying with us.