Sometimes you need to entrust the care of your pet to someone else. It can be for half-day, or it could be for a week while you’re gone on vacation. It can be tough for both you and your pet to get separated for an extended amount of time, and your pet might feel separation anxiety. You can do a few things to prepare your pet for boarding to put them at ease.
Tips for Managing Pet Boarding Anxiety
You’re planning a big vacation, but you’re worried about your pet’s safety. Any pet owner’s guilt when leaving their pet behind is understandable, but when your pet suffers from separation anxiety, it may cause a whole new set of issues to deal with. This can be especially challenging around the holiday seasons when there is so much going on with your schedule that it might be hard to make plans for pet boarding. You can do specific actions to help your pet feel much less anxious prior to your vacation. If you’re looking for a veterinary hospital in Lincoln Park that deals with pet boarding anxiety, you can schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the best way to handle the issue.
Choose the appropriate facility.
Not all pet boarding facilities deliver the same level of service. Choose a veterinary facility where the pet will get engaging and attentive treatment. The better your dog or cat is taken care of, the more convenient their stay will be. Boarding facilities are also favorable because they have internal medicine for dogs and cats. Aside from that, veterinarians are also available in the event of unexpected health problems.
Get to know the boarding facility.
Plan a visit to the boarding facility as many times as possible before going on vacation. Ask about taking your dog or cat for a walk around the facility and provide them with opportunities to meet the staff. In addition, your pet will be more familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells of these environments and less likely to experience separation anxiety. You can read more information about frequently asked questions about pet boarding anxiety here.
Don’t change their food.
One more aspect of your pet’s routine that they might bring with them to the boarding facility is their food. Introducing them to a new sort of food can give them discomfort or stomach issues, so bring your pet’s own food and specific instructions for the facility on how much to provide and at what time of day.
Introduce crate to your pet.
Keeping your pet in a crate while you are away has two beneficial effects on your return. For starters, a pet constrained to a carrier or box will not be able to damage your property. Secondly, when appropriately introduced, a crate will act as a secure, pleasant haven where the pet can relax and unwind. Most pets find that restricting their movement helps to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Even pets that look well adjusted to a boarding facility can experience separation anxiety when separated from their owners. It’s normal for your pet to whine before you leave, yet in other situations, separation can lead to behavioral problems and can create a great deal of stress for both you and your pet. The great news is that separation anxiety is manageable. With a plan and some consistent effort, you can take measures to lessen your pet’s anxiety about being alone and make life easier for everyone.
