You are ready for your vacation but your dog is probably not looking forward to being left at a kennel or other Pet Boarding Services in Alexandria VA and elsewhere. Dogs live in the present and will be stressed by any changes in his or her routine. Make the stay less stressful for your dog by following these helpful tips from there.
Pack Familiar Toys, Food Bowls and Blankets
Keep some things the same for your dog while he or she stays in a new place. Bring the dog’s favorite toys and blankets. If you can sleep on the blanket beforehand, then the blanket will be infused with your scent. Smelling your scent when you are not there will comfort your dog. Talk to the dog boarding facility to see if you can bring the dog’s food bowls, too. Some facilities will prefer to use their own.
Pack Usual Food
Talk with your boarding kennel about bringing your dog’s usual food so he does not have to suffer from a sudden change in diet, which could cause gastrointestinal problems. Pack at least three day’s extra food just in case an emergency arises during your trip and you cannot pick up your dog at the scheduled time. If your dog needs nutritional supplements or medications added to her food, the staff should be able to do this, provided you follow the facilities’ medication policies and write detailed instructions about what to put in your dog’s food and when.
Visit with Staff Before Boarding Date
Let your dog get familiar with the staff or the boarding facilities before you drop him or her off before your trip. This is especially important if the dog’s vet clinic is the Pet Boarding Services in Alexandria VA you chose for your dog’s stay. Going to the vets, getting to walk about and fussed over by the staff and then going right home without getting examined or getting a shot lets your dog know that good things can happen at the vet’s office. Call before you bring your dog to be sure that the staff will have time to greet your dog and that you will not get in the way during peak busy times. You can also visit them on Facebook for more information.
