Archives

As the rainy weather continues to move in and we approach peak hurricane season, you may find it more and more difficult to get your four-legged friend to take a walk when there’s weather.  Let’s face it, when the weather is nice and the sun is shining, walking your dog may just be one of the best parts of both your day and theirs.  But, when the weather takes a turn and those sunny days turn into gloomy, rainy days, neither one of you are likely going to want to go outside.  You may even consider skipping your walk altogether.

Pet parents know that this really isn’t a viable option, though.  Dogs need their exercise and fresh air, so don’t let a little weather, or fear of weather, stop you both from enjoying your regular outing.  When things get gloomy and Fido starts to show a bit of resistance to going out, simply consider these tips, and neither one of you will have to give up a single day of fresh air:

 Keep Your Routine

Consistency and routine are essential to your dog’s health and well-being.  When weather moves in, be it extreme heat, rain or snow, it’s ok to shorten the length of your walk, but whatever you do, do not skip it altogether.  Your dog needs to stick to a daily walking schedule, not only for their health, but to help avoid accidents indoors and behavioral problems.

Plan Your Route for Weather

Though it is important to try to walk your dog at the same time every day, you can change up your route a bit, especially if the weather is less than desirable.  Consider routes with lots of trees on days that are really hot or rainy.  The canopies will act as an umbrella and shield you from the elements so that you and your four-legged pal can get on with your normal routine.

Dress for the Weather   

Just as you choose your wardrobe carefully and according to the weather, so should your dog.  Prepare for the weather, and outfit them with the right gear so that they’ll stay protected from wet conditions.  Doggy raincoats and boots will do the trick, not to mention make them the most fashionable pup on the block!  Also be sure to carry an extra towel for drying off after your walk.  All of these things will help keep your pup as dry as possible while protecting them from getting dry, cracked paws and fluctuating body temperatures.

Hire a Dog Walker

When all else fails, hire a professional.  If you’re simply unable to tolerate changing weather conditions, have someone help you and your dog out so that they don’t miss a beat in their routine.  Dog walkers are always prepared and willing to take your pup for a walk no matter the weather conditions.  It is their job and area of expertise.

Be Considerate of Your Dog’s Hesitations

While consistency is important, always take your dog’s feelings into consideration when faced with bad weather conditions.  Encourage them to go out, but don’t ever force them.  They do in fact know their limitations.  If they don’t want to go out, it’s ok to take them home and play indoors as an alternative form of exercise.  Remember, you can always try again later, once the weather has passed.

Featured Photo Credit: Couleur via Pixabay, cc

Now that you and your canine companion have spent all summer bonding, it’s time to brush up on some basic obedience.  Training your beloved pet is a way to create stronger bonds and relationships for both of you.  With even the most basic learned skills, your dog will be able to live a more happy, harmonious and complete life as a member of your family.

Though it is a good idea to start training pets at an early age, it is never too late.  Dogs can actually be trained at any point in time and will learn and adapt to new behaviors.  So whether you want to teach your pup to stop chewing your favorite pair of shoes, teach your older pooch to stop jumping up on people, or just work on basic obedience commands, like ‘sit’ and ‘stay,’ here are some basic tips that will help make your training more successful.

• Make your sessions short – Whether working with an old dog or a young pup, try to keep your training sessions short as dogs tend to have very short attention spans.  Aim for 10 – 15 minute sessions.  This is plenty of time to work on mastering one skill at a time, or you can switch things up and balance a few different skills at once.  Repetition is key.  Once your pup has learned to recognize and carry out a command, reinforce the behavior by doing several repetitions throughout the day to keep them on their toes.
• Exude positivity – As a pet owner, you may have already figured out that your pet will take on whatever mood you are in.  When training, have fun with it and your dog will have fun, too.  You want your presence to remain strong, positive and patient.  You also want your dog to feel compassion, kindness, and above all, safe.  Always go for positive reinforcement, and if you ever feel yourself getting angry or frustrated, it’s time to stop and try again later.
• Make your commands clear and consistent – Dogs don’t speak our language.  When you give a command, make it short, clear and concise.  If you’re teaching your dog the command, ‘sit,’ be sure that it is always that simple.  In other words, don’t expect results when you switch things up and say, ‘Tucker, daddy wants you to go sit down.’  This is simply burying the command and making things unnecessarily difficult to understand.
• Use positive reinforcement – When your dog carries out a behavior that you like, reward him or her, even if the behavior is done entirely on their own without your verbal command.  If they walk into a room and sit when they see you, reward them by showing affection, give praise or treats, take them out for a walk or play a game of fetch.  Let them know that they are being good and that you like the behavior.
• Start with a good name – If you’re starting from the very beginning, in your training, with a new puppy, it is very important to choose their name wisely.  Pick a name that, of course, you love, but one that can be easily understood by your pup.  Short names that end with a strong consonant are excellent choices as they will be clearly understood.  Names with two syllables are also great choices.  These names help dogs to differentiate their name from most commands that are single-syllabled words like, ‘sit’ and ‘stay.’  It’s also wise to avoid names that sound similar to those in your family.  You don’t want to confuse little Tucker.

Featured photo credit: aravind91 via Pixabay, cc

Some of the best and most loved movies of all time feature pets and animals.  Whether real, animated or animatronic, all of these little (and big) guys and gals really know how to steal the show!

Chances are pretty good that if you’ve cried, cheered or felt intensely invested in the well being of the starring character on screen, there may just be a courageous animal pulling at your heartstrings.  Or perhaps you’ve covered your eyes, gripped the arm rests or felt like creepy crawlers were all over you at the sight of an animatronic shark or CGI spider.  Good or bad, cute or scary, animals have dominated the silver screen for decades.

Many of the most heart-wrenching scenes involve animals of every kind, from cats and dogs to horses, pigs, birds, monkeys, whales, fish and even llamas.  We love them when they star as main characters, and we love them more when their sweet faces simply make a quick cameo.  So, as it’s summertime and prime movie season, we thought we’d do a roundup of some of our favorite animal-themed movies.  Here are the top 20 movies that made our list.  Maybe one will inspire your next family (pets included, of course) movie night!

1. Babe
2. The Lion King
3. Finding Nemo
4. Ice Age
5. Homeward Bound
6. Bambi
7. Jaws
8. Jurassic Park
9. Ratatouille
10. Charlotte’s Web
11. Jumanji
12. Air Bud
13. Black Beauty
14. Seabiscuit
15. March of the Penguins
16. Beethoven
17. Dr. Dolittle
18. Happy Feet
19. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
20. Lassie
21. Marley & Me
22. Free Willy
23. Balto
24. Fly Away Home
25. Andre

Featured photo: Kaz via Pixabay, cc

As pet owners, we know that buying pet treats can get expensive. Add the fact that many pets have certain sensitivities or allergies to ingredients, and you could be looking at spending a small fortune on treats alone! But, you don’t have to break the bank to please your pup. By making the switch to creating homemade dog treats, you’ll not only be saving money, you’ll have the ease of mind knowing exactly what ingredients and nutrients are going into your pet’s body.

The idea of making homemade treats may seem a bit daunting, at first, but you’ll find that the process is actually much easier than it sounds. You might even have fun! All you need are a few basic ingredients and a few simple recipes. Then, once you’ve mastered those, you can modify to accommodate any sensitivity.

Here are a few quick, simple recipes to get you started:

Frozen Pupsicles

These are perfect for hot summer days like we’re seeing, now. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a blender, blend until smooth, pour into ice cube trays and let them freeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• ¼ cup peanut butter, unsalted with no sugar added
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground flax seed (optional)
• Splash of unsweetened almond milk

Mint Buckwheat Dog Biscuits

These treats are great for helping treat bad doggy breath.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cup buckwheat flour
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 1 tablespoon pure honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1-3 tablespoons water

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Stir flour, parsley and mint together in large bowl
• Whisk olive oil and honey in small bowl
• Pour the oil and honey mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and stir until combined
• Knead dough with hands. Add a teaspoon of water at a time until dough comes together.
• Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shape
• Place biscuits on a nonstick baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes

Chicken Wild Rice Muffins

These healthy treats are so delicious, the only real cleanup you’ll have after making them is your pup’s drool over the mouth-watering smell!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup mashed wild rice
• 3 tablespoons rice flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 egg

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350
• Combine al ingredients and stir until well mixed
• Spoon mixture into muffin pan. Pack each muffin tight and fill until just below the top
• Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown

(Recipe by Lola the Pitty)

See, these treat recipes just don’t get any easier! Have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to try new ingredients and combinations. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian before starting any new health or dietary regimen with your pet. Enjoy!

Featured photo credit:  ghengis317 via Pixabay, cc

Dog agility competitions are one of the fastest growing sports in this country.  These obstacle courses are designed to demonstrate a dog’s athletic ability, stamina and relationship with their handler or owner.  But, it doesn’t all have to be about competition.

These courses are also a great way to keep your dog in shape, promote bonding between pet and owner, and work on obedience training.  The best part – you can do it all right in your own backyard for a fraction of the price!  Here’s how you do it:

Agility 101:  Obstacles 

Equipment used in agility courses will depend on your dog’s size and breed.  If you are looking to build yours specifically to get your dog trained and ready for competition, refer to the AKC agility information for equipment size regulations and recommendations.

A basic agility course is made up of:

• Jumps (standard pole jumps and tire jumps)
• Tunnels
• Weave poles
• Teeter board
• Pause table

Making Your Own Agility Course 

The Standard Jump – Jumps make up the core of any obstacle course ranging in difficulty and configuration.  They are constructed from PVC pipes witch are easy to get ahold of at your local home improvement store.  A standard regulation jump when ordered will cost you around $150, but a DIY PVC jump will only cost you about $17.

You need:

• 4, 18 inch length PVC pipes
• 2, 2 3/4 inch length PVC pipes
• 3, 4 inch length PVC pipes
• 4 PVC T’s
• 4 PVC end caps

The Tire Jump – A regulation ordered tire jump will cost around $150, but there’s really no need to spend that much on an apparatus that is actually incredibly simple to make and will only cost you about $45.

You need:

• 4, 18 inch length of 1 inch PVC pipe
• 2, 36 inch length of 1 inch PVC pipe
• 4, 1 1/2 inch PVC elbows
• 2 PVC T’s
• 1 flex drain pipe (measured and cut to fit your dog’s girth), 8 feet length
• 1 drain coupler
• 1, 12 inch length link chain
• 3 rolls duct tape (1 roll red, 1 white, 1 blue)

Weave Poles – These are designed to test your dog’s agility and ability to navigate complex order.  A standard run of poles can cost up to $200.  The same PVC pipes, however, will only cost you around $65 for the whole run.

You need:

• 8, 36 inch length PVC pipes
• 4, 18 inch length PCV pipes
• 2, 1/4 inch PVC pipes
• 10 PVC T’s

The Tunnel – Building the tunnel can be a bit tricky.  You can compromise by buying a children’s play tunnel for under $25, and all you have to do is anchor it to the ground with four small landscape, fabric pins.  This same tunnel, when ordered according to regulation, would set you back around $200!

The Teeter Board – The teeter board is essentially a see saw.  While you can easily build this yourself, you may actually be better off buying this one.  It will cost around $60.  If you choose to DIY this part of the course, you may be looking at spending closer to $85.

You need:

• 8, 1 inch 90-degree PVC elbows
• 6, PVC T’s
• 4, 2 1/4 inch PVC pipes
• 5, 5 1/2 inch PVC pipes
• 9, 12 inch PVC pipes
• 1, 10 inch PVC pipe
• 1, 2 inch x 10 inch board
• 2, 6 inch pipe straps
• Assorted screws (buy a screw kit)
• Astroturf or grass carpet for cover, 4 ft x 8 ft rug

The Pause Table – Pause tables are meant to provide a place for your dog to take a break and regroup during competitions, but they are scored on their ability to stay calmly on their table.  Tables vary according to your dog’s size, so ordering one can set you back anywhere between $80 – $180.  When building one yourself, it may be a good idea to visit your local utility provider or warehouse supply store.  They may be able to proved the base of your pause table, cable spools.  These are sturdy and won’t rip easily.  With this recycled spool, your pause table should only cost about $25.

In addition to your cable spools, you’ll need:

• Particle board cut to cover the top of your spool at 24 inches x 48 inches
• Astroturf or grass carpet to cover the board at 4 ft x 8 ft
• Tacks or carpet glue to fasten the carpet

Instructions for Assembly and Course Regulations 

Now that you have all of your DIY materials, simply go to the American Kennel Club website for all of the information you’ll need to plan and construct each course element according to your dog’s measurements.  The website, caninecrib.com, is also a great source for easy DIY assembly instructions.

Remember to check with your veterinarian before you begin training on your agility course.

Featured photo credit: skeeze via Pixabay, cc

As most summer gardens are now in full bloom, so too is catnip, that all-too tempting plant cats just can’t get enough of. If you’ve ever had a pet cat, you’ve probably given them catnip, at one point or another, and watched them roll around and play in it in pure bliss.

Cats absolutely love catnip! They go crazy for it, rubbing their faces against it and drooling. The funny thing is, all cats react differently. Some get really hyper and run around in circles while others get really calm, quiet and, maybe, even aggressive if you try to take their precious herb away. However your pet reacts, you can expect them to have a quick burst in energy, for anywhere from 5 – 15 minutes, then mellow out for a good while.

So, what exactly is catnip? Well, catnip is a plant in the mint family. It contains volatile oils, acids, tannins and sterols, but the key element that cats love is nepetalactone. Once a cat has its scent, the oils enter their nasal tissue binding to protein receptors. These receptors are what stimulate your pet’s sensory neurons in the brain that make them react in the same way that they would to the scent of feline pheromones. Thus, your cat goes wild!

Here’s what you might not have known about this alluring plant:

• Not all cats will respond to catnip. Only about 50% of cats will actually respond to catnip. Their attraction to the plant is an acquired taste that some simply won’t develop. Interestingly enough, house cats aren’t the only animals in the feline family that respond to catnip. Big cats like lions, tigers and panthers are also attracted to the plant.
• Cats have different reactions when the smell catnip vs. when they eat it. The strongest reactions come from just smelling the plant. The smell alone creates euphoric feelings and hyperactivity. However, when cats ingest catnip, it often has the opposite effect, creating a more calming experience.
• Catnip can be used to train cats. Most cats have an intense response to the plant. You can use this to your advantage when training your cat. For example, you might spray or sprinkle some on your pet’s bed or scratching post to make them more appealing rather than your furniture.
• Humans can ingest catnip, too. Though we don’t experience the same high as our pets do, you might be surprised to know that catnip is actually used in a lot of herbal medicines. It’s used to make calming teas, like chamomile, and as a means to relieve cramps, indigestion, insomnia, anxiety and even migraines.

Photo Credit: pikabum via Pixabay cc

Every pet owner knows that a healthy pet needs fresh, clean drinking water, every single day. Many are also aware of the strange, often picky, drinking habits that cats and dogs may have. But, as the summer temperatures continue to rise, it’s important to understand the vitality of proper, healthy hydration and the threat of dehydration.

It goes without saying – water is absolutely essential to all life. Animals, like people, need water to help keep their organs hydrated and to help flush out toxins. When it comes to pets, cats especially need to maintain adequate amounts of water, as they are more prone to kidney problems such as kidney stones and even kidney failure.

How Much Water Does Your Pet Need?

Your pet should be drinking water every day. The amount of water that they need to intake depends on their weight, level of activity and diet. As long as fresh, clean water is provided, daily, dogs are usually pretty good at self-regulating their hydration. However, with these hot, summer temperatures, they should be drinking more than usual to stay fully hydrated.

Cats are a bit pickier with their water. Most rely on their food for their water intake. Now, if they were in the wild, this wouldn’t be a problem, as raw meat contains up to 70% water. However, when cats rely on dry food, which only contains about 10% water, then you need to make sure that they are properly supplementing.

Signs of Dehydration Include:

• Dry Mouth
• Lethargy
• Sunken Eyes or Bags Under Eyes
• Loss of Appetite
• Depression

Any sudden change in behavior is cause for concern and should be addressed by your veterinarian. If your pet’s drinking behavior changes suddenly, they start drinking too much water, or stop drinking water it could be a sign of a more serious illness.

If You Believe Your Pet is Suffering from Dehydration:

• Give them fresh, clean water and check to make sure that they have it every single day.
• Monitor your pet’s drinking habits, especially in the heat!
• Do the skin test – gently grab a fold of their skin (on the back of their neck or between their shoulder blades). If the skin quickly goes back into place, then your pet should be alright, but if the skin goes back slowly, then they could be suffering from dehydration.
• Ask your veterinarian.

How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated

If your pet seems uninterested in drinking water or drinks very little water (especially after running around in the sun), here are a few things that you can try to get them to drink:

• Change the water ensuring that it is fresh every day.
• Change their water bowl. Sometimes, the type of bowl, be it metal, plastic, ceramic, etc., can alter their interest.
• Change the location of their water bowl, but be sure that it is kept out of direct sunlight.
• Try a pet water fountain so that they have a constant stream of clean, fresh, running water. This will also keep the water cool and may taste better since it’s filtered water.
• Add wet food to your pet’s diet, or try adding water to their dry food. Wet foods can be up to 80% water.

Featured Photo Credit: Snufkin via Pixabay cc

Dogs are funny little creatures. They’re our pets, our companions, our best friends, and we love them. But, sometimes, just when we think we have them figured out, they surprise us. Sometimes, they choose to sit on our sofas. Sometimes, they play strange games. Sometimes, they howl and stare at blank walls.

The question is, are they doing these things on purpose, or are they just poking fun at us? The truth is, no matter how many times our dogs wag their tails or how many hours, days, or years we’ve spent with them, we probably don’t know them as well as we’d like to think. Yes, many behaviors can be easily interpreted as friendly and loving gestures, but what about those that indicate a need for help or a potential health problem?

Perhaps, they’re putting you to the test. So, just how well do we really know our dogs? Here are a few things that you may not know about your canine companion:

1. Dogs have dreams. You may have already guessed this if you’ve caught your dog moving or barking in his or her sleep. Actually, dogs sleep much the same way that humans do.  We share the same SWS (slow wave sleep) and REM (rapid eye movement) behaviors while sleeping.  And, just like with humans, dogs need go through those cycles in order to wake up properly rested.  So, next time you catch your little buddy trying to run in his or her sleep, give them the chance to catch that rabbit of their dreams.
2. Dogs can see in the dark. Dogs are able to move around freely in the dark because they have night vision. This is a perk for both your canine friend and your family, as this will help them stand guard at night in the event of an intruder.
3. Dogs don’t sweat like people do. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat all over their bodies. Surprisingly, they only sweat on the pads of their feet. When they’re sweating, their paws may feel warmer to the touch.
4. Dog’s have an incredible sense of smell. Dogs are known for their keen sense of smell. In fact, they can smell 100 thousand times more accurately than humans. That’s why they work so well with organizations like the FBI and peace order departments in helping them search for items and people. Some are even known to be able to smell cancer in patients!
5. A dog’s nose gets wet when they absorb scent. Mucous is their secret weapon. When a dog sniffs, they secrete mucous on their noses that help them recognize a certain smell. That’s why they lick their noses, so they can then sample that scent and commit it to memory.
6. When your dog starts chasing their tail, it may be time to go to the vet. Sometimes dogs chase their tails just to be silly, but other times, it’s an indication that something may be wrong.     It may be as simple as an itch from a flea bite, or it can indicate a more sinister problem. Either way, it is a good idea to have your dog checked by a veterinarian if this behavior continues.
7. Dogs may be able to predict the weather. That’s right, if your dog starts acting kind of funny, it may mean weather is moving in. Though there’s no actual, scientific proof of this, dog’s just seem to be much more in tune with nature than we are. So, if their behavior changes, grab a rain coat!

Always remember that regular checkups with your veterinarian will help keep you and your pet ahead of any dramatic behavioral changes. But, sometimes, they’re just going to be their silly, loving selves.

Featured Photo Credit: Julia Janeta via Unsplash cc

Today, we celebrate and remember all of those brave men and women who have given their lives while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, and for many, a nice day to celebrate life, in the sun.

Many are heading outdoors, today, with friends, family and pets to party, barbeque and soak up some summer rays. But, it is important to remember while you are lathering on the sunscreen and firing up the grill that your pet needs to stay safe, too. So, in attempt to prevent any Memorial Day mishaps, here are some tips to help protect your furry little pals while everyone celebrates:

1. Keep pets indoors if you’re planning to have fireworks. Fireworks and dogs don’t mix. Unfortunately, your dogs aren’t going to associate the loud noises, flashes or smells of explosives as a celebration. Rather, it’s going to cause panic and anxiety. If they’re left outdoors, all of this may incite them to break their restraints and run away in attempt to find safety.  Moreover, don’t ever light fireworks around pets.
2. Keep alcohol away from your pets.  This one is pretty obvious, but alcohol is very dangerous to dogs. Even the smallest amount can result in extreme intoxication, and in worst-case scenarios, result in coma and respiratory failure.
3. Use pet-friendly insect repellant and sunscreen.  If you need to spray bug-spray, be sure that it is pet-friendly. Remember, what isn’t toxic to humans may be toxic to animals. If you use the wrong kind of repellant or sunscreen on your pet, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, dehydration and lethargy, so check the label.
4. Make sure that your pet is properly tagged for identification.  In all of the excitement, if your dog were to get loose, proper and easy identification of your pet can make all the difference in getting them home safe and sound. Consider microchipping your pet or, at least, getting ID tags with his or her name on them with your phone number. You may also want to keep a picture of your dog on hand in case you need to put up signs.
5. Don’t feed your pet from the table.  As many will be grilling out and picnicking, it can be tempting to slip your little buddy a treat from the table, but you should remember that even on special occasions, it’s a bad idea to feed your pet human food, as it can be hazardous to their health.
6. Keep pets away from matches and lighter fluid. If you’re firing up the grill in the backyard for a barbeque make certain that your pup doesn’t get ahold of any harmful substances. The chemicals found in these objects, if ingested, can cause difficulty breathing, damage to blood cells and even kidney disease.

When it comes down to it, with all of the potential excitement of the day, it may be in your pet’s best interest to sit the party out. Find a safe and secure spot in your home for your pet to relax while you go out and enjoy the festivities of the day. Trust us, your pet will be thankful for the break.

Featured Photo Credit: Sawyer Pangborn via Compfight cc

If you’re planning a summer getaway that doesn’t include your pet, you’re probably considering sending them on their own little “staycation” while you’re away. Boarding your cat or dog can be a daunting thought for some pet owners. Of course, you want your four-legged family members to be happy and healthy while you’re away, but finding the right person, persons or organization to watch over them can be a process.

Fortunately, there are lots of different options available, and all come with both advantages and disadvantages. Two of the most popular and widely considered care options are pet-sitters (by family and friends) and professional, pet boarding facilities. The great advantage of leaving your pet under the care of a boarding facility is the comforting knowledge that they are being cared for by professionals.

While our friends and family are certainly well meaning and eager to help out, they may not always have the time necessary to look after your pet as well as you or a professional would. A boarding facility, like a kennel, ensures that your loved one is looked after and checked up on daily. They will make certain that your pet is eating and drinking properly as well as keep them exercised, happy and comfortable. Professionals will also be on the look out for any potential health concerns or changes in behavior.

Boarding your pet can be made simple, painless and even fun for all. Just keep these tips in mind, and everyone will be happily enjoying their stress-free vacations:

Check the boarding facility before leaving your pet – Before you even schedule dates with a kennel or cattery, check out the facility. Most places will allow you to do so and often encourage this. You’ll want to make sure that the spaces where your pet will be kept are clean and neat. You should also be on the look out for:

• Staff interactions: Take a minute to watch how the staff members interact with the animals. They should be relaxed, happy and at-ease with the animals. Also note how many there are available for each animal.
• Enrichment opportunities: Make sure that there is a large area for the animals to run around and exercise in. Also find out if your pet will have any direct interaction with other animals. If so, this should always be supervised.
• Any provided food or medications: Ask if any food will be provided for those animals being boarded and whether or not you can supply your own. You’ll also want to make certain that the staff is comfortable with administering any medications that your pet may be taking.
• Veterinary care: If a worst-case scenario were to occur or a simple illness or accident, find out what sort of care your pet will be provided and where the closest vet is located.
• Hours of operation: Find out what time the boarding facility opens and closes. When dropping a pet off, you should aim to get there a few hours before the facility closes so that they have plenty of time to get settled and adjust to their new surroundings before everything slows down for the night.
• Facility reviews: Always check a facility’s reviews on the web or ask around. More often than not, this will tell you everything that you need to know about an operation.

Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date – You always want to make sure that you pet’s shots as well as flea and tick protection are up-to-date. Most kennels require these records before you are allowed to board.

Book your dates well in advance – Kennels and boarding facilities fill up fast! You’ll want to start looking for a good, available facility as soon as you start thinking about that summer getaway.

Prepare your pet for boarding – While most dogs enjoy the adventure of a new environment, there are those, as well as cats, who may have a harder time adjusting. Practice crate training, taking car trips, putting on collars and leashes, and saying goodbye. Also, consider boarding your pet for one night to see how well they do.

The most important thing is that you and your pet feel comfortable with your boarding decisions. Keep their adjustment as stress-free as possible, and everyone will enjoy their vacations!

Featured Photo Credit: Angelbattle bros via Compfight cc