Posted on March 11, 2024

Finding the perfect boarding facility for a senior dog involves understanding their unique needs and ensuring they receive the best care possible while you're away. This guide offers comprehensive insights into making your elderly companion's stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Understanding the Needs of Senior Dogs

Physical Limitations

Many senior dogs have arthritis or other health issues that limit their mobility. It's essential to choose a boarding facility that can accommodate these limitations with easy-to-navigate spaces and comfortable resting areas.

Dietary Requirements

As dogs age, their dietary needs change. The right boarding facility will work with you to ensure your senior dog's diet is followed meticulously, including any special feeding routines or supplements.

Sensory Decline

Older dogs may experience diminished sight and hearing. Facilities that are sensitive to these changes can help minimize stress for your senior dog by providing a calm, safe environment.

Choosing the Right Boarding Facility

Staff Experience and Training

Look for a facility with experience caring for senior dogs. Staff should be knowledgeable about the signs of discomfort or illness in older pets and trained in administering medication if needed.

Facility Tour

Before deciding, tour the facility to check for cleanliness, temperature control, and the availability of comfortable resting areas suited to older dogs.

Health Care Plan

Discuss how the facility handles health emergencies and ensure they have a vet on call or a plan for medical emergencies, especially important for senior dogs with existing health conditions.

Preparing Your Senior Dog for Boarding

Visit the Vet

A vet check-up before boarding is crucial to update vaccinations and assess your senior dog's health. This step ensures your dog is fit for boarding and identifies any care instructions the boarding facility needs to follow.

Familiar Items

Bringing along familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy can help comfort your senior dog and make the boarding facility feel more like home.

Medication and Special Instructions

Provide clear instructions and sufficient medication for your dog's entire stay. Label everything clearly and go over the instructions with the boarding staff to ensure your dog's health needs are met.

What to Expect During Your Dog's Stay

Daily Routine

A good boarding facility will try to match your dog's home routine as closely as possible, including feeding times, walks, and bedtime, to help minimize stress.

Activities and Exercise

Even senior dogs need gentle exercise. Find out what kind of activities the facility offers for older dogs and how they tailor these to accommodate individual needs.

Updates and Communication

Ask how the facility communicates with pet owners and how often you can expect updates about your senior dog's well-being during their stay.

Bringing Your Dog Home

Transition Back Home

Returning home can be as stressful as arriving at the boarding facility. Expect a period of readjustment and offer extra comfort and attention as your dog settles back in.

Monitoring Health

After boarding, keep a close eye on your senior dog's health and behavior, looking for any signs of stress or illness and addressing them promptly.

Conclusion

Boarding a senior dog requires extra care and consideration, but finding the right facility ensures your beloved pet is in safe hands while you're away. By preparing thoroughly and choosing a facility experienced in caring for older dogs, you can enjoy peace of mind during your travels.

In choosing the perfect boarding experience for your senior dog, understanding their unique needs and ensuring they receive the utmost care and attention during your absence is paramount at Camp K Nine Dog Training Academy. Our guide aims to arm you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best decision for your elderly companion, ensuring they enjoy a comfortable, stress-free stay. If you have further questions, require more detailed information, or are ready to schedule a contactless appointment for your senior dog, please don't hesitate to reach out. Give us a call at (848) 225-8882 . We're here to provide your senior pet with the loving, attentive care they deserve, ensuring peace of mind for you and a warm, welcoming environment for them.