Boarding A Senior Dog

Do you take your canine companion to a kennel when you go out of town? As much as Fido would love to, he just can’t go everywhere with you. A good doggy hotel is a pawesome choice for these occasions. You won’t have to let people into your home, nor will your pooch be left alone for long stretches of time. Of course, as your furry friend grows older, his care needs will change a bit. That will also in turn affect his boarding needs. A local Fort Myers, FL vet offers some advice on boarding an older pup in this article.

Bring Updated Information

Most people tend to find a kennel they like and stick with it. This makes sense. It’s also easier for Fido, as he’ll be accustomed to his home away from home. You most likely would have had to fill out some forms and provide some information on your furry friend upon his first visit. After that, you may have only needed to provide occasional updates, such as noting when your pup has gotten vaccine boosters. However, as your pet reaches his golden years, he may develop medical conditions the kennel doesn’t know of. Provide any new information clearly, both verbally and in writing. That includes things like dietary restrictions, medication schedules, and any exercise restrictions or requirements.

Be Clear On Emergency Protocols

The chances of Fido getting sick or injured will increase as he ages. Older dogs are more fragile, and are more inclined to things like slip-and-fall injuries and/or illnesses that come on suddenly. Give the kennel as much information as possible about how to reach you, including an itinerary, secondary numbers, and times when you’ll be unavailable, such as during that long flight to Italy. We also recommend providing backup contacts. These should be close friends or family: people you trust enough to authorize to make decisions for Fido in case you can’t be reached. Make sure you’re clear on what standard protocols are in case of an emergency. In some cases, you may be asked to decide what course of action is approved.

Board With Your Vet

Boarding with your vet is always a great option, but is particularly helpful with senior pets. They’ll already be familiar with Fido and any medical conditions he has. Even if you have a great kennel, it’s definitely worth considering.

Do you need to schedule boarding? Contact us, your Fort Myers, FL pet clinic, today. We are always happy to help!