Talking About Pet Grooming

Posted on: 25 October 2018

If you need time away or have to travel for work, sometimes you aren't able to take your pet with you. You can leave your dog at a boarding facility to make sure all their needs are met. However, if your dog has never been to a boarding facility, you might wonder how well they will do without the familiarity of home base. Here are some things you can do to help prepare your pup to board for the first time. 

1. Board your pup for a day before your actual trip. 

Start by planning a "practice" boarding day for your dog. This way, you can see how they will react before you are away. If your dog has trouble, you can work on problems together before you're away. Use the same boarding facility you plan on using for your trip away so that your dog can get used to the place.

2. Bring items from home. 

If your pup has a specific bed blanket or chew toy that seems to bring them happiness or comfort, bring it along. These items can smell of home, especially for a young dog that might still have some separation anxiety when they are away from you. You might even go so far as to bring your dog's own food and water bowls to make the transition smoother. 

3. Keep as many things the same as you can. 

If your dog eats a certain type of food, pack up enough to last for the entire boarding time. Write down feeding times so that your dog doesn't get their normal schedule disrupted. 

4. Don't be too emotional. 

Dogs depend on their masters to provide instruction, grounding, and a guide for emotion. If you are overly emotional about leaving your dog behind, they could feel nervous or anxious because you are not emotionally grounded. Dogs don't need your hugs or tears; these might make you feel better about leaving, but they won't help your dog. Instead, they might confuse your pet. 

5. Make sure your dog is up to date on shots. 

While reputable boarding services are clean and well-managed, you never know what illnesses other dogs might have. Young dogs are more susceptible to diseases, especially if they have not finished the full recommended vaccination course. Before taking your pet to boarding, take them to the vet to make sure that everything is completely current. 

For more information, contact a boarding facility, like the Animal Care Center of Forest Park.