The Anxieties of Leaving Your Dog
It’s always hard saying goodbye to your furry friend, even if it’s just for a short trip. I’ll never forget the first time I boarded my dog Max for 2 weeks while I went on vacation. As I dropped him off at the kennel, he gave me those sad puppy dog eyes that just broke my heart. I wondered if he’d feel abandoned and anxious being away from home and his family for so long. Would he adjust ok? Would 2 weeks feel like an eternity for him? As a caring pet parent, doubts fill your mind when leaving a dog for an extended period.
Deciding on the right boarding duration for your dog is an important decision. Boarding a dog for longer periods has pros and cons. While 2 weeks may work well for some owners’ situations, it could potentially create stress and separation anxiety for other pups. The right duration depends on factors like your specific dog’s personality, age, the boarding facility, and preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the considerations around longer boarding stays of 2 weeks or more so you can make the most informed choice for your pet.
Pros of Longer Stays
One of the biggest advantages of boarding a dog for longer periods is that it avoids the stress of multiple drop-offs and pickups. Each time owners leave their dog at a boarding facility, it can create anxiety and sadness during the separation. With a single extended stay, dogs only have to go through this difficult transition once. After the initial adjustment phase, they are able to settle into a consistent routine with the same caretakers and doggy playmates.
This consistent care and socialization is great for a dog’s mental health. According to research from the Canine Country Club, “Social interaction, play, and plenty of cuddles ensure that your dog is happy, engaged, and getting the care he or she needs.”
Longer boarding stints also allow owners to thoroughly clean the house, tackle home projects, or go on extended vacations without worrying about rushing back for the dog. As Very Important Paws explains, boarding provides “Active monitoring to ensure [your dog] maintains proper health and hygiene.”Owners can take advantage of this professional care and return to a cleaner home life after their dog’s extended stay.
Cons of Longer Stays
While extended stays at a boarding facility provide some benefits, there are also potential downsides pet owners should consider:
One concern is that longer stays may lead to increased separation anxiety when the dog is away from their family for a prolonged period. According to Canine Country Club AZ, being separated from loved ones for weeks at a time can be stressful and confusing for dogs who thrive on human bonding and affection.
Additionally, costs can add up quickly when boarding a dog for 2 weeks or more. Most facilities charge higher rates for long-term boarding compared to short overnight stays. Owners need to budget more for the extended lodging, care requirements, and any extras or addons. According to DogTime, long-term boarding can cost $25-60 per day.
Lastly, when boarded for longer periods, dogs miss out on day-to-day life at home – like backyard playtime, walks around the neighborhood, and quality time with family. The boarding environment lacks the familiar comforts and routines of home. According to Paoli Veterinary Hospital, some dogs prefer the stability of their normal lifestyle.
Ideal Boarding Duration
According to experts, the ideal boarding duration depends on factors like the dog’s age, breed, and personality. Older dogs and puppies may become more stressed by long separations, while energetic or anxious breeds like border collies also tend to do better with shorter stays. It’s important to take your individual dog’s temperament into account.
“Most dogs do best with a boarding stay of two weeks or less,” says veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten. “It’s best to start with shorter stays like 3-5 days, and gradually increase the duration as needed.”
Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lore Haug recommends 5-7 days as the maximum for a dog’s first boarding stay. After that, progressively longer stays of 10-14 days can work well for dogs that adjust easily. However, she cautions that periods over 2 weeks can be difficult for dogs prone to separation anxiety. Checking with your vet or trainer for advice tailored to your dog is recommended.
The age and lifestyle factors of the dog are also important considerations. According to trainer Joan Hunter Mayer, mature adult dogs over age 2 that are used to a stable routine can better handle 2 weeks of boarding. However, she suggests limiting boarding to 1 week or less for younger dogs and puppies under age 2.
Sources:
https://www.purewow.com/family/how-long-can-you-board-dog
Mitigating Separation Anxiety
One of the main concerns when boarding a dog for an extended period is separation anxiety. Being away from their family and home for 2 weeks can be very stressful for dogs prone to anxiety. However, there are steps you can take to help ease your dog’s transition:
Bring familiar items from home – Bring your dog’s favorite toys, treats, bed, and even an article of your worn clothing. Having these familiar scents can be very comforting.
Request daily photo/video updates – Most boarding facilities will send daily photo or video updates of your dog for a small fee. Seeing you virtually and being reminded of you can help ease separation anxiety.
Choose facility with webcam access – Some higher-end boarding facilities have webcams so you can check on your dog anytime. Being able to see them in real-time can give you peace of mind.
While 2 weeks can be difficult, taking steps to minimize separation anxiety, choosing the right facility, and preparing your dog both physically and mentally can make for a smooth boarding experience.
Providing Proper Care
When boarding a dog for an extended period, it’s important that the facility provides proper care to keep your dog happy and healthy. According to Paolivet, daily exercise and playtime are crucial for dogs boarded long-term to prevent boredom and frustration.
The boarding staff should stick to your dog’s regular feeding schedules and amounts as closely as possible. Drastic changes in diet can lead to gastrointestinal issues, as noted by Canine Country Club. Make sure to provide the facility with details on what and how much your dog eats at home.
It’s also important that the staff provides affection and attention to boarding dogs. Gentle petting, brushing, praise, play, and walks all help relieve stress and loneliness during the separation from you. Choose a facility where the staff genuinely cares for the dogs beyond just meeting basic needs.
Choosing the Right Facility
When boarding your dog for an extended stay, it’s important to find the right facility that can provide proper care. Look for places with 24/7 on-site staffing, so your dog is never left unattended for long periods of time. The size of spaces available for dogs matters too. Make sure there are options for both small and large dogs, with enough room to move around comfortably. The facility should also offer a wide range of activity options to keep your dog stimulated and happy during their stay. This includes playgroups, one-on-one playtimes, walks, swimming if available, and enrichment toys/puzzles in their living space.
According to the AKC, you should do your due diligence when selecting a boarding facility. Make sure they have all required certifications and licenses, are members of professional organizations, and have solid veterinary access in case of emergencies. Checking reviews and visiting the facility yourself can give you a good sense of their level of care and conditions [1].
It’s also important to find out what safety and monitoring protocols they have in place. Look for evacuation plans, medical support, webcam access, and requirements for dog vaccinations and health screenings prior to boarding. Additionally, some top facilities now offer specialized suites, premium food options, and 1-on-1 playtimes catered to each dog’s needs [2]. The right boarding facility will provide attentive care and activities tailored for your dog while you’re away.
Preparing for Drop-Off
Properly preparing for dropping your dog off at the boarding facility can help ease the transition and reduce stress. First, schedule a vet visit 1-2 weeks prior to confirm your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccines. This verifies they can safely interact with other dogs at the facility. According to PuppyLove, bringing the most current vaccine records can facilitate check-in.
Next, clearly label all belongings like leashes, toys, bedding, food/treats, and medications. Use permanent marker or customize with embroidery. As recommended by Ethos Vet, providing familiar items can ease the transition. It also prevents mix-ups with other pets’ belongings.
Finally, consider doing trial runs by leaving your dog at daycare for a few hours or overnight stays. Gradually increasing duration can help them adjust to longer boarding stays per Off the Beaten Track. Make drop-offs upbeat and keep goodbyes brief.
Picking Up Your Dog
After an extended stay at the boarding facility, your dog may exhibit signs of anxiety and stress when you pick them up. Look for behaviors like whining, pacing, trembling, hiding, loss of appetite, and clinginess (source). The unfamiliar smells, sounds, and environment can be overstimulating. Be patient, speak softly and calmly, and allow them time to settle down.
Reacclimating your dog to their home routine will take some time after an extended boarding stay. Stick to your dog’s regular feeding, walking, and play schedule. Provide familiar toys and bedding to help them relax. Give them affection and positive reinforcement when they display calm behavior. Avoid introductions to new people or pets during the first few days. Be understanding if your dog seems withdrawn or distant at first – with patience and love, they will readjust to home life (source).
Conclusion
Despite some potential drawbacks, boarding a dog for up to 2 weeks can be perfectly fine with the right preparation and pet care facility. The most important factors are gradually acclimating your dog to time away from home, choosing a reputable and caring boarding facility, providing familiar items from home, keeping up exercise and enrichments during the stay, and easing the transition after pickup. With thoughtful planning, even longer boarding stays of 1-2 weeks can avoid excessive stress on your dog.
The optimal boarding stay is different for every dog and pet parent. While very long stays are not ideal for most dogs, stays of less than 2 weeks are usually manageable with proper precautions. Focus on meeting your dog’s individual needs throughout the process. With the right boarding facility and preparation, you can feel at ease while away knowing your dog is receiving proper care and attention.