Tips For Boarding Your Puppy For The First Time
Posted on: 30 August 2019
When you need to be gone for several days, whether for business or pleasure, leaving a young dog at home alone isn't an option. While an older dog may be able to stay alone with regular visits from a dog walker, a puppy needs more supervision. They are also more prone to anxiety when alone. Dog boarding is likely the best solution. If this is the first time you have boarded your puppy, the following tips can help.
#1: Make sure important vaccinations have been administered
Very young pups generally shouldn't be boarded because they may not yet have the immune system for it. At a bare minimum, your puppy needs to be have up-to-date rabies and distemper shots, and they must have had their kennel cough vaccination (bordetella vaccine). Before boarding, talk with both your vet and the boarding facility to make sure there are no other vaccinations recommended at this time. An in-home care option may be a better choice if your dog is too young to have had the essential vaccinations yet.
#2: Verify hours of care
Boarding facilities differ. In some, there is a staff member on site at all times, while others may put the dogs to bed in their quarters at night and leave them alone until morning. A puppy, particularly one that is being left alone for the first time, should be in a facility that has staff on duty at all times. This way, someone can respond to the pup if they feel anxious in the night. It also guarantees that someone is available to arrange medical care in case something goes wrong.
#3: Provide comfort items
Puppy-hood is when separation anxiety is common, but you don't want it to be a lifelong issue. Make sure to choose a facility that allows you to leave some comfort items with your pup. Being able to use their favorite food bowl, bed down in their own bed or on their own blanket, and play with their favorite toy can help set their mind at easy. Some owners sleep with a small blanket for a few days to imbue it with their (the owner's) scent. Being able to smell you can help set your pup's mind at ease if they are otherwise nervous that you are leaving them.
Contact a boarding facility like Whispering Pines Pet Resort. They will be able to better help you and your pup prepare for the stay.
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