Leaving Town For The Holidays? 4 Tips For Leaving Your Dog With A Boarding Facility

If you're going to be traveling for the holidays and you can't take your dog with you, you should take steps to ensure a safe and stress-free boarding experience. Boarding your dog is a perfect way to make sure that they're not left alone during the holidays. Boarding also eliminates the need to hire a pet sitter. However, you do need to make sure that all precautionary measures are taken, especially if this will be your dog's first time being away from home for an extended period of time. Take a look at the list provided below. These tips will help you avoid problems when you board your dog for your holiday travels. 

Don't Change Their Diet

If your dog has a specific diet, whether for medical reasons or for personal preference, don't make changes during boarding. Changing your dog's diet while you're away may lead to stomach problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or indigestion. It can also cause your dog to stop eating, especially if it doesn't like the food being provided. To avoid distress, provide the usual food for your dog. 

Provide Medical Records

If you're going to be gone for more than a few days, be sure to provide medical records for your dog. You never know when a medical issue is going to arise while you're away. Without those records, your dog may not get the care they need for their medical crisis. It's particularly important for you to provide those records if your dog has a pre-existing medical condition. If your dog is currently taking any prescription medications, be sure to bring those along. You don't want your dog to miss doses while you're away. 

Include Some Extras

If you'll be boarding your dog in a full-service kennel, be sure to include some of the extras. Some facilities that provide boarding for family pets include services such as spa treatments. Providing your pet with some of those extras will help them pass the time more enjoyably. Spa treatments can also help alleviate some of the stress your dog may experience while separated from you. 

Invest in a Microchip

If your dog has never been away from you, the new surroundings may increase their anxiety. If this happens, and your dog runs away from the facility, you want to make sure that they can be found. The best way to do that is to have your dog microchipped before you leave on vacation. That way, your pet can be easily identified once it's located.

For more information, contact a local dog boarding facility. 

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