Leaving your dog at a pet boarding facility can be a very anxiety-inducing experience for you and your furry friend.
The good news is that there are things you can do to help ease your dog’s anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
In this blog post, we’ll go over ten steps you can take before you drop your furry friend off at the pet boarding facility.
What Kind of Boarding Is Best for an Anxious Dog?
Any pet owner knows that leaving a furry friend behind can be tough. But for those with anxious dogs, entrusting their pet to a stranger can be downright scary. The good news is that various boarding options are available, and with a little research, it’s possible to find the perfect fit for even the most anxious pups.
Dog boarding kennels may not be the best option for dogs who do better in smaller groups. However, many pet sitters are happy to provide one-on-one care in their homes. This intimate setting can help an anxious dog feel more comfortable and relaxed. Some pet sitters even offer doggy daycare, a great way for an anxious dog to socialise and ease into the boarding experience.
Of course, every dog is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for boarding. The best way to find the right boarding situation for an anxious dog is to talk to other pet owners and get recommendations. Once you’ve found a few possibilities, schedule a meet-and-greet with each one to see how your dog reacts. With a little patience and effort, you’re sure to find the perfect place to board your beloved pet.
Choosing a Boarding Facility For Your Anxious Dog
When boarding an anxious dog, choosing a facility that offers individualised care and attention is important. The staff should be experienced in handling anxious dogs, and you should always tour the facility before booking to ensure it’s a good fit for your dog.
The facility should also offer lots of physical and mental stimulation, which can help reduce anxiety. Be sure to talk to the staff about your dog’s routine and preferences and provide as much information as possible about their anxiety triggers. Taking these precautions can help ensure your dog has a positive boarding experience.
Tips For Helping Your Anxious Dog With Pet Boarding
Maybe your dog is scared of loud noises, or maybe he gets separation anxiety when you leave him home alone. Whatever the reason, if your dog is anxious, pet boarding can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease your dog’s anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for both of you. Following these simple tips can help your anxious dog adjust to pet boarding and have a peaceful vacation.
Get Your Dog Used to Be Away From You Gradually
If you’re going on holiday and leaving your pooch behind, it’s important to get them used to be away from you gradually. Start by leaving them alone for short periods while you’re still in the house. Go into another room, close the door, or go outside for a few minutes. Then, gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone. It will help them cope better when you’re away for longer periods.
Make Sure They Have Plenty of Exercises Before You Go
As any pet owner knows, leaving a beloved animal in the care of others can be a stressful experience. To ensure that your pet has a happy and stress-free stay, it is important to make sure they have plenty of exercises before you go.
A tired dog is a happy dog; if your pup has plenty of energy, they are more likely to be antsy and stressed when cooped up in a kennel all day. Take your dog for a long walk or run before you leave so it can burn off some energy. Your pet will thank you for it, and you’ll rest easy knowing that your furry friend is happy and rested.
Leave a Scent of Yourself With Them
Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and it can be very comforting to have something that smells like their favourite human nearby. Bring along a piece of clothing you’ve worn recently, like a T-shirt or sweatshirt, and leave it in their kennel.
It will help your pet feel more at ease in your absence and give them a familiar scent to snuggle up with.
Keep Your Pet Entertained While You’re Out
Boarding your pet can be a great way to provide them with a vacation of their own while you’re away, but it’s important to make sure that they’re well-cared for and won’t get bored.
Taking a few precautions ensures that your pet has an enjoyable and stress-free stay while you’re away. Boredom can contribute to anxiety, so give your dog something to keep them occupied while you’re away. A Kong toy filled with their favourite treats is a great option, or you could ask the staff at the pet boarding facility if they offer enrichment activities like puzzle toys or walks/runs with staff members.
Say Goodbye Calmly and Confidently
Saying goodbye to our pets can be hard, especially when you know you’ll be apart for a long time. However, staying calm and confident is important when we leave them behind.
Dogs can sense our emotions; if we act upset about leaving, it will only make them more anxious. Instead, we should say goodbye calmly and reassure them that everything will be okay.
We can also help reduce their anxiety by arranging for pet care services, such as pet boarding, dog walking or at home with a pet sitter. That way, we can rest assured knowing that our furry family members are being taken care of while we’re away.
Don’t Sneak Out Without Saying Anything
Dogs are highly social creatures and rely on their humans for companionship and security. Think again if you’re considering sneaking out without saying goodbye to your dog. While it might seem like an easy way to avoid upsetting them, it will only make things worse in the long run.
When you disappear without any warning or explanation, it can be confusing and distressing for them. It is especially true for puppies, who haven’t had a chance to learn that our comings and goings are a normal part of life.
Instead of sneakily trying to avoid your dog’s feelings, take a moment to say goodbye before you leave. It doesn’t have to be a long goodbye but letting them know that you’re going and that you’ll be back soon will help to ease their anxiety and keep them from feeling abandoned.
Be Sure to Give the Staff All the Information They Need
When boarding your dog, it is important to provide the staff with as much information as possible about your pet’s anxiety and any medications they are taking for it.
Dogs may suffer from anxiety when confined at a boarding facility, so the more personnel understand your dog’s unique requirements, the better they’ll be able to look after them.
If your dog is taking medication for anxiety, bring enough for their stay. Make sure to let the staff know when and how much to administer.
Providing the staff with this information will help ensure that your dog has a comfortable and relaxing stay at the boarding facility.
Arrange for Multiple Meet-And-Greet Sessions Before Their Stay
When planning for your dog to stay at a boarding facility, it’s important to consider its temperament and personality.
If your dog is shy or anxious around strangers, arranging for them to have a few meet-and-greet sessions with the staff before their stay can be very beneficial. It will help your dog get used to being around other people and animals and become familiar with the staff so they’ll feel more comfortable and at ease regarding their actual stay.
Keeping your dog’s best interests in mind will help you choose the right boarding facility and ensure that they have a positive experience.
Choose a Pet Boarding Facility That Offers Private Rooms
When boarding your dog, you want to ensure it will be as comfortable as possible. One way to do this is by choosing a facility that offers private rooms rather than group settings.
Anxious or stressed dogs often do better when they’re not around other animals, and a private room will allow them to relax and feel more at home.
In addition, private rooms typically offer more space for your dog to move around, which can be beneficial if they need to get some extra exercise. Choosing a pet boarding facility that offers private rooms is the best way to ensure your dog has a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Have Realistic Expectations About How Your Dog Will Do During Their Stay
When you leave your dog or puppy at a boarding service, it’s important to have realistic expectations about how they will do. Just like humans, a dog (and even a cat) can get anxious in new environments and may not enjoy every minute of their stay.
However, there are things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable. Before you drop them off, take them for a tour of the facility so they can see where they will be staying. Make sure to introduce them to the staff and let them sniff around. It’s also a good idea to bring along their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel more at home. With a little preparation, you can help your dog have a positive experience while you’re away.
Final Thoughts
Leaving our dogs behind when we vacation can be tough, especially if they suffer from anxiety. But by taking some simple steps before we go, like the ones mentioned above, we can help ease their tension and ensure they have everything they need to feel comfortable during their stay.
About Matraville Veterinary Practice Pet Boarding Services
Our Pet Boarding Facilities
We offer general boarding and kennelling services involving feeding (food and water), exercising, socialisation and supervision.
Our Dog Kennels
We provide generous-sized runs that can house dogs individually or be shared between dogs from the same family. We have an outdoor exercise area, and our staff ensure that our dog boarders spend as much time as possible out of their kennels.
We also offer small dog and cat boarding services and grooming services. You can find all the details on our website here.