Planning adventures with your furry companion sounds like a blast, but sometimes, you may need to leave them behind. So, what approach do you adopt if your dog has special needs? Let’s face it, the thought of leaving them in the care of a sitter may be somewhat off-putting.
Fortunately, a boarding facility may come in handy. MLK9 has over ten years of experience boarding and training pups. Many people love our dog boarding facility as we cater to the needs of all dogs, including pups with special needs. With that in mind, getting a suitable place boils down to finding people who understand your dog and how to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
As such, you’ll have to do your homework to identify a suitable boarding facility. Meanwhile, here are some pointers to make boarding a breeze if your four-legged friend has unique needs.
1. Choose a Facility That Understands your Pup’s Condition
This is essential as it ensures the staff can provide your furry friend with the necessary care and attention. If possible, get a recommendation from your veterinarian. They will likely have previously worked with a reputable boarding facility and can vouch for their services.
Consider touring your dog in advance if you’re planning to take it to a new boarding facility. This way, you can get a feel for the environment and determine if it’s a good fit for your pup. Some of the elements to pay close attention to include the following;
- The staff’s level of expertise and experience in handling special needs dogs.
- If the facility is clean, spacious, and has enough room for your pup to move around.
- The staff’s attentiveness to detail.
- The safety and security measures are in place.
2. Keep The Staff in the Know
Inform the staff of your dog’s condition and what they need. For instance, you’ll need to provide the boarding facility with a list of your dog’s medication and dosage. That way, they can administer the medication as prescribed and on time.
And while packing your pup’s medicine, it won’t hurt to include their favorite treats, toy, or blanket, as these items will help make them feel more comfortable in their new environment.
Similarly, if your dog has dietary restrictions, provide the boarding facility with their food. This is essential as the staff can ensure your pup gets the proper nutrition. It can also avert a situation where your pup goes on a hunger strike due to the change in food.
And if they have a particular condition, fill the staff in on the same to ensure they take the necessary precautions. For instance, if your fur baby is diabetic, the team will be extra careful regarding regulating their food and water intake. The key here is to ensure they are well informed about your pup’s condition, which helps them provide your dog the care they deserve.
While at it, provide your veterinarian’s contact information in case the staff needs to reach them during your absence. Don’t forget to leave your details as well in case of an emergency.
The same goes for behavioral issues; let the staff know about particular quirks or sensitivities at check-in so they can adopt the right approach to manage them. Well-trained and competent staff can handle such issues without much fuss.
3. Get A Check-Up Before Boarding
This is vital as it helps identify potential health issues you may need to address before boarding. Case in point, if your dog has arthritis, the vet may recommend pain medication to help manage the condition while boarding.
A check-up also allows you to stock up on your pup’s medication in case they run out while you’re away. And if your dog is due for vaccinations, it’s best to get them before boarding. That way, you can be sure they’re up-to-date on their shots and won’t be at risk of contracting diseases while boarding.
In the case of diabetes, a check-up helps identify if the condition is under control and whether they need a change in medication. Similarly, if your pup is on long-term medication, a pre-boarding check-up ensures they are still responding well to treatment and aren’t experiencing side effects that could worsen at the boarding facility.
4. Prepare Your Pup for Their Stay
The unknown can be scary, which explains the need to prepare your dog for their boarding stay. A few days to the big day, start packing your pup’s things and let them see you do it. This way, they won’t be caught off guard on boarding day.
Also, consider scheduling a familiarization tour of the facility with your pup. This works best for dogs that get anxious in new environments. While at it, introduce your pup to the staff so they can start building a rapport.
And when it’s time, don’t make a big deal out of it. Simply drop them off and say goodbye. This may be hard, but it’s best not to drag out your farewell, as it’ll only make the separation harder.
Ready to say goodbye to your pup for a few days? Use the tips above to make boarding a success for your special needs dog.
