Wednesday, February 22, 2017

How to Prepare for Dog Boarding

Boarding your dog for the first time can be a bit stressful for both you and your pet. Choosing the right boarding facility and making sure that it is a fun and safe environment is a difficult decision to make, and it’s hard to know exactly how your pet will react once he or she gets there. However, there are a few easy steps that can be taken beforehand to make the transition to the pet resort of your choice an easy one for you and your pooch!

  • Try Daycare First: If you aren't sure how your dog will react to boarding, taking them to daycare first is a great trial run. It gives them time to acclimate to the facility, the staff and the other dogs. Plus, it helps them understand that you'll be back to pick them up after their stay.
  • Call Your Vet: Any reputable boarding facility is going to have vaccination requirements, so make sure you know which ones are you required. Call your vet to confirm that your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, and, if necessary, to request that they send a copy of that information directly to the boarding facility. 
  • Schedule a Meet & Greet: Schedule a one-on-one appointment at the boarding facility first - this will help both you and your pet be at east, while also giving the staff a chance to understand the unique needs of your pet.
  • Leave Calmly: This one is simple but can be tricky for many pet owners! When dropping your pet off for boarding, don’t make a big deal about saying goodbye to them. Animals are intuitive and can sense heightened emotions, so if you’re upset, they are more likely to become fearful or confused. Tell your dog a quick goodbye and leave calmly. This is also important to keep in mind when picking your dog up from boarding!

Once you’re prepared, dog boarding can be a great experience for both you and your pet! If you are in need of a reliable dog boarding facility in the Fort Myers FL area, visit our website today!

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Why Is My Dog Stressed Out?

Many pet owners may at some point deal with their pets becoming stressed out or showing signs of anxiety in certain situations - or even all of the time! It may come out of nowhere, or it might be a problem that you have been dealing with since bringing your pet home. For some, a stressed pet can lead to a stressed owner, especially if you’re unable to uncover the source.

For the best understanding of what could be causing your pet’s anxiety, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian and also an animal behaviorist.

Here are a few of the most common pet stressors:

  • Separation Anxiety: Many pets do not enjoy being left alone in the home and being away from their family. If you find that your pet is stressed when you return home after being out of the house for a while, or that your pet is displaying destructive behavior while you’re away, this could be the reason.
  • Thunder: Loud noises can be extremely bothersome to many animals, especially since they have very sensitive hearing. There are a lot of solutions that can help to relieve some of the nervousness that pets experience during storms - ask your veterinarian for advice on the best course of action for you.
  • Children in the Home: Though your dog may love your children, it’s possible that they also cause them a high level of stress. Children can be loud and move in ways that are threatening to dogs. They also can tend to play too rough, and they won’t necessarily be able to recognize the signs that they’re making their dog unhappy. Make sure that your pet is getting some time away from your young children, and that you explain to your kids the best way to be respectful of your dog’s personal space and health.
If you’re concerned that your dog may be experiencing stress or anxiety, make an appointment to speak with your veterinarian today.