It can be difficult to find a place to board your dog, particularly if they are a senior. Today, our Mamaroneck vets explain how to find the right boarding facility for your senior dog.
Boarding for Senior Dogs
Have you been looking for a boarding facility for your senior dog? If so, you may have discovered it's challenging to find a boarding facility and staff that can provide the care they need.
Boarding for senior dogs is always difficult, since along with the regular concerns of leaving your pooch somewhere while you are away, you may worry that they'll have a medical incident during their time at the facility. Our team at Mamaroneck Veterinary Hospital wants you to be confident in trusting the facility you choose to care for your beloved dog. This is why we'd like to share some things to consider when looking for the right fit.
Check the Boarding Place's Rules & Policies
Before boarding your dog at any facility, you'll need to understand their regulations and policies (including what types of services they offer to clients who board their dogs with them). You should also ask about whether they can offer specialty food for your senior dog if you don't plan on providing them with food and tell them about any specific eating or drinking habits your dog has that you accommodate at home on a daily basis.
The issues involved in senior (geriatric) dog boarding differ from those you might encounter when boarding a healthy, middle-aged pooch. For example, your senior dog may not be able to exercise and run around quite as much as a younger dog would, but they may still require a daily walk and will definitely need some one-on-one attention from staff to stay calm and happy. Ask how the staff at the facility can care for your dog to ensure your pup will get the level of care they deserve.
Confirm your dog has the appropriate vaccinations required to stay at the facility so there are no surprises when you drop off your pooch. Asking about policies, procedures, and services offered at the facility can help you find the best home away from home for your dog.
Visit the Facility Ahead of Time
Kennels that house many animals can quickly become messy. Any high-quality kennel will still look and smell clean and well-kept, regardless of how many residents they might have with them at the time. To make sure the boarding facility you're considering is clean and organized, arrange a visit before leaving your dog there.
You may also want to find a facility with cameras that keep an eye on your dog at all times in case an incident were to happen, especially if you have a senior dog. This is ideal, just in case your elderly pet experiences an unforeseen event.
Trust Your Instincts
We live that trusting your instincts is a great first step when choosing a boarding facility for your dog. If you don't feel a facility is a good place for your dog, keep looking until you find one you're comfortable with. Even if a facility looks nice and is clean, if they have a policy you don't like, check around until you find one that you can trust implicitly.
Before & After Your Dog's Stay
Keep Your Emotions in Check
Dogs are good at reading the emotions of their owners. Your pooch will be able to tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it harder for them to relax and causing separation anxiety. To make the separation easier, keep things simple, short, and positive.
Always make sure you inform the boarding facility of any issues or health concerns your senior dog has, as well as their eating, drinking, behavior, and exercise habits. This will ensure that your pet is receiving the care they need to live a typical day while away from home, which should help put them at ease.
Behavioral Changes After Boarding
You should realize that during the first few days after your dog returns home, they may not behave like their normal self. Your pup might be clingy, lethargic, or even have diarrhea. They may even eat or drink more than usual. However, this is a normal reaction caused by your dog's excitement about coming home. But, if things don't settle down after a few days, contact your vet.
Boarding for Elderly Dogs at Mamaroneck Veterinary Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs in Mamaroneck. Our medical boarding services are also ideal for dogs with health complications and senior dogs that may require extra, specialized care, like a qualified professional to administer medications on a specific schedule. Dog boarding for older dogs shouldn't be left to anyone. Our team is experienced in caring for senior pets, and we will make sure your pet always gets the care they need and deserve.
We are proud to be able to provide your animal companion with a comfortable, welcoming, and warm home away from home while you're away. Some of the services we offer include medical boarding, private kennels, a separate boarding section for cats, and an outdoor play area for dogs.
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.