If you need to go out of town but you're concerned about your pet's medical needs being taken care of, don't worry! Our Orlando vets discuss everything you need to know about medical boarding for pets.
What Is Medical Boarding For Pets?
Medical pet boarding is similar to normal pet boarding with an added perk. Your pet will be supervised by our expert veterinarians and nurses, who will administer medications and watch over them closely. Any required medications will be administered to your pet on the same schedule they are used to at home.
When Does My Pet Need Medical Boarding?
Medical pet boarding is highly recommended for pets with pre-existing conditions, extremely young pets, and senior pets.
Medical boarding is for pets that may need extra care or have existing medical conditions. A pet sitter or standard boarding facility may not be trained in the proper way to administer medications, especially if it involves needles. This is a major advantage of medical boarding; the staff is trained professionals that can understand your pet's medical history and give medication and adjust doses if there are issues. They also know what symptoms to watch for based on your pet's medical condition/history.
What You Need to Know About Pet Boarding
Here are some things you should know and take into consideration before choosing a boarding facility (kennel) for your dog:
Understand the boarding facility's rules and policies.
Before boarding your dog or cat at a new facility, inquire about their policies, procedures, and services. For instance, what kind of food do they feed, what items can you bring from home (toys, blankets, etc.), what their emergency procedures are, and if they can administer medication?
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your pet.
Ensure that your pet's vaccinations are up to date.
Although each boarding facility has its own criteria for maintenance, all reputable boarding facilities have one thing in common, your pet's vaccinations must be up to date. They will require proof that your cat or dog has received all of the required immunizations because many common illnesses and diseases can spread quickly in kennel settings. This helps keep your pet and the others at the facility safe. Ask the kennel in advance which immunizations they require your companion to have.
Check out the facility well ahead of time.
Kennels that house a large number of pets can quickly become unkempt. While it is impossible to keep a boarding facility completely sterile, a high-quality boarding facility will look and smell clean. So, before booking your pet's stay, make sure the kennel is kept organized and clean.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your pet.
Our pets are experts at reading our emotions. Your pet can tell if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. This will be reflected in their mood and behavior, making it more difficult for them to relax once you leave. Keep things simple, short, and positive to ease the transition.
Your pet may exhibit different behaviors when they first come home.
It's critical to understand that your dog may act strangely in the first few days after returning from the kennel. Your pet may be clingy, lethargic, or suffering from diarrhea. They may even consume more food or drink than usual. This, however, is a normal reaction to your pet's excitement at returning home. However, if things do not improve after a few days, contact your veterinarian.
Trust your gut when looking for the best place to board your pet.
We believe that trusting your instincts is a good place to start when looking for a kennel for your pet. If you don't feel at ease in one location, try another. If you don't agree with their policy, look around at other kennels until you find one you completely trust.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition or boarding needs, please make an appointment with your vet.