10 Ways to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding in Buffalo Grove, IL

Understanding the Importance of Dog Boarding Preparation

Imagine leaving for a trip, and the last image you have of your loyal companion is their wide-eyed, frightened look as they watch you leave. Heartbreaking, isn’t it? This is precisely why it’s essential to adequately prepare your dog for boarding. With adequate preparation, your dog can view the boarding facility as a fun, exciting place rather than a scary unknown environment.

Comprehensive Vaccination: The First Step Towards Boarding

Safety should always be your first concern when boarding your dog. To protect all animals in the facility, your dog must have up-to-date vaccinations. This is not only for your dog’s safety but also for the safety of the other dogs. It’s the same concept as humans getting vaccinated against contagious diseases before entering a communal area. Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Bordetella, DHPP, Rabies, and Canine Influenza. These are all diseases that can easily spread in a boarding facility environment.

Conditioning Your Dog for Social Interaction

Boarding facilities are full of new faces and, of course, new furry friends. To ensure your dog has a pleasant stay, start conditioning your dog to socialize with others. This could mean taking them to the dog park more often, enrolling them in obedience classes, or even hiring a dog walker who walks multiple dogs at once. With time, your dog will get used to interacting with others and view it as a fun and normal part of life.

The Role of Dietary Consistency

Just like humans, dogs can get an upset stomach when their diet suddenly changes. To maintain dietary consistency, provide the boarding facility with enough of your dog’s regular food to last the duration of their stay. Include clear feeding instructions to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.

Importance of Comfort Items in Boarding

Being in a new environment can be overwhelming for your dog. Having familiar items around can help them feel more secure and comfortable. A favorite blanket, a well-loved toy, or even an item of your clothing can provide comfort to your dog in your absence.

Pre-boarding Health Checks at Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital

Before boarding your dog, it’s highly recommended to have them undergo a health check-up. This helps ensure they are in perfect health and can handle the stress of being in a new environment. 

At Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive health checks to make sure your dog is ready for their boarding experience. Don’t hesitate to reach us at (847) 394-1128 or visit our website at https://buffalogroveanimalhospital.com/ to schedule an appointment.

Gradual Familiarization: The Secret to Easy Boarding

Getting your dog used to the boarding facility doesn’t have to be an overnight task. It can be done gradually and in a way that’s fun for your dog. Start by scheduling a tour of the facility. Most boarding places will be happy to let you and your dog explore the environment. You can also schedule a few day-care visits before your long trip. This allows your dog to gradually get accustomed to the facility, the staff, and the other dogs.

Ensuring Regular Exercise Before Boarding

Just like humans, dogs handle stress better when they get regular exercise. Before boarding, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. This will help them burn off any nervous energy and ensure they are in a relaxed state before you leave. Most boarding facilities provide exercise opportunities, but it’s a good idea to tire out your dog before boarding as well.

Medications and Special Needs

If your dog takes medication or has any special needs, it’s crucial that the boarding facility is aware. This includes behavioral quirks that could affect how staff interacts with your dog. The more information the facility has, the better they can care for your dog.

Setting Clear Instructions with Your Boarding Facility

Communication is key when it comes to leaving your dog in someone else’s care. Make sure the boarding facility has a comprehensive list of any feeding schedules, medical needs, and behavior quirks your dog may have. It’s also a good idea to provide your contact information, as well as the contact information for your vet, in case of emergencies.

At Buffalo Grove Animal Hospital, we understand the anxiety that comes with leaving your dog at a boarding facility. That’s why we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for your pet in your absence. With these ten steps, you can rest easy knowing your dog is well-prepared for their stay at the boarding facility. Contact us at (847) 394-1128 or visit our website https://buffalogroveanimalhospital.com/ to learn more about how we can assist you and your pet.