Heading Out Of Town? How To Prep Your Pooch For Board And Care

If you're going on an overnight trip, it's usually safe to leave your dog home alone, providing you leave plenty of fresh food and water out for it. However, if you're going to be gone longer than that, it's a good idea to either leave your dog with a family friend or check them into a boarding facility. Boarding facilities have everything your dog will need while you're away and will ensure that they're well-taken care of. If you've never used a boarding facility before, your dog may not be used to the surroundings. Here are four important steps you should follow if this will be your pets first time in a boarding facility.

1. Pack Some Special Treats

When it comes to leaving your dog at a boarding facility for the first time, the most important thing you can do is take steps to make them feel comfortable. One way to do that is to bring treats from home. Packing some of your dogs' favorite snacks will go a long way towards alleviating some of the uneasiness it might feel while you're away, especially when it's in unfamiliar surroundings.

2. Make Sure Your Dog is Chipped

You never know when your dog is going to break free and make a run for it. The last thing you want is for your dog to become lost while you're out of town. If you're going to be leaving your dog in the care of others while you're away, it's a good idea to have it microchipped before you leave. The microchip will ensure that animal control will be able to identify you should your dog escape from the boarding facility.

3. Consider Anxiety Medication

If your dog doesn't do well in new surroundings or suffers from anxiety when it's away from you for too long, it's important that you talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication. Extended separation from you can wreak havoc on your dogs' emotional well-being, especially if it suffers from separation anxiety. A mild anti-anxiety medication will help keep your dog calm while you're away.

4. Designate an Emergency Contact

You never know when your dog is going to get sick while you're away. To make sure there's someone nearby to provide assistance, it's crucial that you designate an emergency contact person. In the event of an emergency, this person will be able to be there for your pet when you can't be.

To learn more, contact an animal boarding facility like Marquette Animal Hospital.