How to Ensure Your Dog’s Wellness During Vacations

June 30, 2024 by Karl frederick

Vacation season is upon us. If you have a pet, you would want to secure their wellness while you are away. Who will the dog stay with? Will they feel anxious when you’re gone? Many of us worry about these details, but with the right preparation, you can ensure dog wellness during vacations and have an stress-free trip.

How to Ensure Dog Wellness During Vacations

Choose the Right Care

Dog care tips for travel start with finding the right care. Determine which type of care is right for your dog. Your options include:

In-Home Pet Sitter: You may choose to have someone stay at your home to watch your dog and your personal belongings.
Friend or Neighbor: You can have a friend or neighbor stop in to feed your dog and take them for walks.
Sleepover at a Friend or Family Member’s House: Some caregivers may prefer to have the dog stay with them while they care for it.
Doggy Boarding: A boarding facility can care for your dog. The expert staff will be in tune with your dog’s needs. They will have all the supplies your furry friend requires.

Understand Your Dog’s Needs

Ensuring your dog’s well-being while you’re away involves briefing caregivers so they’re familiar with various requirements. Dog needs include:

Food: Tell the caregiver which foods your dog likes to eat. Give them a rundown on the pup’s feeding schedule. Provide information on food allergies and restrictions.
Walks: Provide the caregiver with a rundown of your dog’s walking schedule. Offer information on how often your dog likes to go outside and play and the places they like to visit.
Grooming and Hygiene: Groom your dog before you leave on vacation, so sitters don’t need to take on the responsibility. Give the sitter a rundown on coat care, nail trimming, and oral hygiene needs if you are going to be gone a long time, or if your dog has special grooming needs.
Other Needs: Does your dog have a special toy they love to play with? Do they like to be pet on their heads, bellies, or behind the ears? Let the caregiver know what makes your dog happy to ensure animal and sitter have a great time while you’re away.

Prepare Your Home

If you decide to keep your dog at home while you’re away, you must prepare your house to ensure the sitter has everything they need to keep your pooch happy. You must consider:

Food: Is your home stocked with all the food your dog needs while you are away?
Supplies: Supplies such as leashes, bedding, poo bags, grooming gear, and toys should be accessible and easy to find.
Medications: If your dog takes medications, make sure they are prepared for administration.
Instructions: Type care instructions and leave them for the sitter in an easy-to-find location.
Emergency Contact: Leave emergency contact information, including your family’s cell phone numbers, the hotel number, and the vet’s number.

Prepare Your Dog

Vet Visit: If you are wondering how to keep your dog healthy during vacations, a vet visit is the way to go. Consider scheduling a vet visit about two weeks before you leave on your vacation. Doing so will ensure all vaccinations are taken care of. You can also identify and deal with any health issues that could pose a risk in new surroundings.
Brush Up on Training: Do some extra training run-throughs to ensure your dog is well-behaved during your trip.
Introduce Your Dog to Your Caregiver: If your dog is not familiar with your caregiver, allow them to spend some time together. You may even leave the dog with the caregiver for a few hours or overnight so they can get used to each other. Doing so will also mitigate separation anxiety.
Spend Time with Your Dog: Plan an action-packed week of fun with your dog before your vacation. They will feel calm, lazy, and relaxed. They will be less likely to get upset when you leave.

Monitoring While Away

Schedule Check-Ins: Schedule check-ins with your pet sitter so you know your dog is okay. Allow the sitter to ask questions if needed. You will enjoy peace of mind on your vacation knowing your dog is okay.
Use Pet Cameras: Pet cameras are ideal for vacationers who leave their dogs at home. You can view their activity and know they are safe.
Automated Feeders: Automated feeders will provide portioned meals for your pet when the sitter is not available.

Choose K9U Dog Boarding

These vacation tips for dog owners will ensure your dog is safe and happy. But for optimal peace of mind, consider leaving your dog at K9U.

K9U is a preferred option for dog owners who require animal care during vacations. Our dog boarding services provide space, serenity, and special care. We have everything you need to ensure your dog stays happy while you’re away.

Our caring staff is available to tend to your dog’s needs 24/7. Our large indoor and outdoor play spaces give your dog plenty of room to run around and socialize. Our comfortable ‘condo kennels’ will keep your dog safe and comfortable.