You may find it stressful to leave your dog for any amount of time, especially so if your canine companion is older. Today, our Cleveland vets discuss what you should share with boarding staff and how you can help your senior dog have a comfortable, relaxing stay at a pet boarding facility.
Boarding for Senior Dogs
When you need to trust a boarding facility in Cleveland with your dog's health and well-being, you'll have several options to pick from. While selecting a place to board a healthy, young dog is likely to be a pretty straightforward process, you might have a few more factors 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 Mt. Yonah Animal Hospital's dog boarding services have many benefits to suit the requirements of almost any dog, including onsite veterinarians who will help support your dog's health and comfort during their stay.
The Importance of Sharing Your Senior Dog's Special Needs
Book a veterinary checkup before your dog's scheduled stay at a boarding facility to ensure that you know and understand everything you might need to share with the staff before you drop your pooch off for their visit. It may also be a good idea to provide boarding staff with a list of medications or any other important information.
A few examples of common issues that would be important to share include:
- Incontinence – If your dog has incontinence issues, you should provide additional items or bedding that can help staff manage accidents.
- Mobility –- Let staff know about any issues that may impact your dog's ability to move around. They will use this knowledge and take it slowly when it's time for exercise.
- Eating or Drinking – Even if it's as simple as eating smaller portions of food, tell the boarding staff about any issues your dog has with eating or drinking.
- Temperature Preferences – Your senior dog may grow cold more easily than they did when they were young. The boarding facility should allow you to provide your dog's blanket or sweater to help keep them comfortable.
Benefits of Cameras at Dog Boarding Facilities
While boarding facilities are not legally required to have cameras, they can be an added benefit that can help put your mind at ease. It's even better if the cameras offer live-streaming, allowing pet owners to check in on how everything is coming along at any time. This can help you relax knowing that your old pooch is doing fine and that you have visual proof of this.
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 Cleveland
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 Mt. Yonah 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.