Preparation for Dog Boarding in Pewaukee, WI

Are you planning to board your dog in the near future? If so, you might want to read up on how to prepare for your dog’s stay.

In the article below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to prepare before your dog goes to a boarding facility. With the help of this information, you can set your dog up for success and make sure your furry friend has a great time on “vacation” while you’re away from home too. Read on to find out more! If you still have questions, call Pewaukee Veterinary Service at (262) 347-0787.

Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations.

Before you board your dog at any kennel, you’ll need to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. Some kennels require more than others, but all reputable boarding facilities should require your dog to at least have their Bordetella vaccination as well as their rabies shot.

Many kennels will also require vaccinations for canine parainfluenza, distemper, parvovirus, and sometimes even Lyme disease, depending on where you live. It’s important to contact your veterinarian ahead of time to make sure your dog has the necessary shots to stay there.

Practice leaving your dog alone.

Your dog will need to be okay being left alone, without you, before they can stay at a kennel. Dogs who have severe separation anxiety usually aren’t good candidates for staying in boarding facilities. Practice leaving your dog alone at home for a little while before your vacation or trip, and see how they do in response to this.

If your dog is struggling a lot with separation anxiety, you may want to consider an in-home pet sitter for them instead. This will allow them to stay in a familiar, comfortable environment while you’re not at home.

Consider a doggie daycare trial run.

If your dog has never stayed away from home before, and if they have not had experience with boarding facilities in the past, it may be a good idea to try a doggie daycare trial run. Many boarding facilities also host daytime doggie daycares, so you may even be able to test the waters at the same location as the kennel.

Ask for a detailed write-up of information about your dog’s behavior while they are staying at doggie daycare. This can help you figure out any potential areas of concern before it’s time to board them for a longer stay.

Provide plenty of food and treats for your dog.

The boarding facility will require you to provide your own food and treats for your pet. Your dog will need to be given the same type and amount of food they are used to eating at home. This isn’t a good time to try something new, as it will likely upset their stomach and may put them off of eating entirely in some instances.

Take more than enough food for your dog during their stay. This way, there will be no issues with the kennel when it comes to providing the right quantity of food for your furry friend.

Take some toys or blankets from home.

Plan to take some toys and blankets for your dog to have that smell like home. Make sure you don’t send your dog’s favorite toy or blanket, however, in case something happens to it or it gets lost at the kennel.

Ask the kennel ahead of time to be sure you’re allowed to provide your own toys for your dog. Many kennels do allow this but will monitor the dogs while playing with their items from home. This is important, as it prevents the risk of dogs accidentally swallowing foreign objects during play.

Don’t forget to bring your dog’s medication.

Finally, don’t forget your dog’s medication. If your dog is taking any medication or supplements, you’ll need to provide them as well as clear dosing instructions for the kennel. Some boarding facilities may not be able to give medications that are injected or given in any way other than orally, so check with the kennel ahead of time to find out.

Dropping your dog off at a boarding facility is always a little nerve-wracking, especially when it’s the first time you’ve ever done it. However, when you take time to prepare yourself and your dog both beforehand, you’ll be much more capable of creating a good experience for everyone involved.

Don’t forget to reach out to us if you have any concerns before your dog’s stay. We can provide you with plenty of specific information about our requirements and what else you can expect. Call us today at (262) 347-0787.