Leaving your dog for any amount of time can be stressful, especially so if your dog is older. Here, our Bedford vets talk about what you should share with the boarding staff and how you can help your senior dog have a relaxing and comfortable stay at a pet boarding facility.
Boarding for Senior Dogs
When you need to choose a boarding facility in Bedford, there will be several options. While choosing one for a young and healthy dog is likely to be pretty straightforward, you may have a bit more to consider if your dog is well into their golden years.
Many senior dogs have special needs that not every boarding facility is prepared to manage. The good news is that dog boarding at a veterinary hospital like ours at Fine Animal Hospital has many benefits like on-site veterinarians to help ensure your dog's health and comfort during their stay.
The Importance of Sharing Your Senior Dog's Special Considerations
You should schedule a vet checkup leading up to your dog's stay at a boarding facility. This will ensure that you know everything that you may need to share with the staff during your senior dog's stay. It may also be a good idea to provide them with a list of medications or any other important information.
Some common issues that you should share include:
- If your dog has incontinent issues, you should provide additional bedding or items that can help the staff manage accidents.
- Inform them of any issues that may affect your senior dog's ability to get around. This will let them know to take it slowly when it's time for exercise.
- Let the boarding staff know of any issues that your dog has with eating or drinking, even something as simple as eating smaller portions.
- Your senior dog may get cold more easily than they did when they were young. The boarding facility should allow you to provide your dog's sweater or blanket to help keep them comfortable.
Benefits of Cameras at Dog & Cat Boarding Facilities
While cameras are not a requirement for boarding facilities, they can be an additional benefit for putting your mind at ease. It is even better if these cameras offer live-streaming allowing pet owners to check in on how everything is going at any time. This can help you relax knowing that your old pup is doing fine and you have visual proof of it.
How to Help Your Senior Dog Relax
- Be sure to pick a reputable boarding facility.
- You should reach out to the kennel for more information if it will be your dog's first visit.
- Ask about a trial stay to see how your dog responds.
- See if your dog can bring a personal item that reminds them of home.
- Ask if you can bring in your dog's normal food to avoid stomach upset.
- Make sure that your senior dog is up to date with vaccines.
- Speak with your vet about pheromones or other anxiety support supplements.
- Ask the boarding facility about their tactics to help dogs relax.
Reliable Pet Boarding in Bedford
Our dog boarding services are designed to keep your old pup entertained, happy and healthy during their stay. Each morning, the dogs are let outside to get some fresh air before breakfast. During this time, their kennels are cleaned, disinfected and stocked with fresh linens.
Depending on their physical ability and capacity, the dogs who stay with us are walked on a regular schedule. Your dog will be supervised throughout their stay with us – both during playtime or walks and while they rest. Dinner is served in the evening.
The vets and staff at Fine Animal Hospital are serious animal lovers, and the entire team enjoys giving animals who stay with us all the attention and care they deserve.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.