Introduction
Boarding a dog can be a stressful experience for both the owner and the dog. Deciding whether or not to bathe your dog before dropping them off at the kennel is an important consideration when preparing them for boarding. This article will provide an overview of the pros and cons of bathing your dog beforehand, examine alternatives, outline owner preferences and kennel policies, and offer tips for bathing and caring for your dog pre and post-boarding.
The goal is to equip owners with the information needed to make an informed decision about bathing based on their individual dog’s needs and the boarding facility’s requirements. By reviewing the potential benefits and drawbacks, readers will have a better understanding of how to set their dog up for a comfortable stay while they are away.
Pros of Bathing Before Boarding
Bathing your dog before boarding provides several benefits that make the experience more pleasant for your pet as well as the staff caring for them. One of the main advantages is that it helps reduce dog odor, which makes your dog more comfortable in the boarding environment. Dog odor can be caused by accumulation of dirt, sweat, and oils in their fur. A good bath will wash away these odors and leave your dog smelling fresh. As noted in an article from Top Notch Kennels, bathing removes “dirt and other built up debris in the coat that holds odor” (https://www.topnotchkennelsinc.com/bathing-your-dog/).
This also makes things easier on the boarding staff who will be interacting closely with your dog. No one wants to handle or snuggle up with a smelly, stinky pup! Reducing odor ahead of time is considerate to the staff and will allow them to provide better care.
Cons of Bathing Before Boarding
While bathing your dog before boarding may have some benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
Bathing can be stressful for some dogs. The unfamiliar environment of a grooming salon or bathing facility and the noise of dryers can cause anxiety in dogs who are sensitive or not accustomed to the process. According to Pet Resorts of America, bathing can cause stress for some animals, so owners of elderly or unhealthy dogs should be cautious about bathing as it is done at the owner’s risk (Pet Resorts of America).
Bathing strips away your dog’s natural oils and alters their normal microbiome on their skin and coat. This protective oil helps regulate body temperature and repel dirt and moisture. Removing these oils can leave your dog’s skin dry, itchy, and irritated. According to vets, bathing too frequently with shampoos can cause skin issues for dogs (AKC).
If your dog’s coat is not thoroughly dried and brushed out after bathing, their coat can become matted and tangled. As noted on a Rover pet sitter discussion board, damp coats that are not properly dried before boarding are prone to matting(Reddit). Mats left untreated can tug on your dog’s sensitive skin and lead to pain or skin infections.
Alternatives to Bathing
While a full bath may not be necessary before boarding, there are some alternatives owners can consider to help ensure their dog stays clean and comfortable at the kennel. According to How to Prepare Your Dog for the Boarding Kennel, brushing your dog’s coat thoroughly can help remove loose hair and dirt and distribute natural oils. Use a slicker brush for short coats and a bristle brush for long coats. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to get matted.
Trimming your dog’s nails is also recommended before a boarding stay, as overgrown nails can snag and tear in kennel floors. Use clippers designed for dogs and trim just the clear portion of the nail. It may help to have a second person gently restrain your dog during nail trims. File any sharp edges smooth afterward.
You may also want to clean your dog’s paw pads before they board. Use a damp cloth or dog wipes to gently remove any mud, grime, salt stains, or grit stuck between the toes and pads. According to How to Prepare Your Dog for the Boarding Kennel, cleaning the paws helps prevent the spread of bacteria at the kennel.
While not a full bath, focusing on brushing, nail trims, and paw cleaning can help prepare your dog for a clean, comfortable boarding stay.
Owner Preferences
Many owners have different preferences when it comes to bathing their dog before boarding. According to a survey from Dog Boarding Questionnaire, over 50% of owners prefer to bathe their dog 1-2 days before dropping off for boarding. Reasons owners cite for bathing before boarding include keeping their dog clean and reducing doggy odor in kennels.
However, some owners choose not to bathe their dog before boarding. In the same survey, around 30% of owners said they do not bathe their dog beforehand. Their rationale is that the kennel will bathe the dog if needed. Additionally, some owners worry bathing too soon before boarding will dry out their dog’s skin and coat.
Ultimately owners have different preferences based on their habits, views on hygiene, and concerns over skin/coat health. The boarding facility’s policies can also influence an owner’s choice to bathe beforehand.
Kennel Policies
Many kennels have specific bathing policies that pet owners should be aware of before boarding their dog. Most reputable kennels recommend or require a bath before boarding for sanitary reasons. According to American Boarding Kennel’s policies, “We highly recommend one of our Specialty Baths prior to departure due to the amount of play time everyone receives. Please inquire about our bathing and grooming services prior to check-in.”
Some kennels, like Animal Healthcare, will bathe dogs every two weeks during an extended boarding stay: “Your dog will be bathed every two weeks if it stays with us for an extended period of time. Baths include nail trim, ear cleaning and anal gland expression.”
Kozy Kennels states that “Grooming or bathing is recommended for all pet on departure date. Any pet… Sanitary Clean-Up, Baths & Full Groomings: Our policy is not to send home any pet unbathed.”
Most kennels want to ensure pets are cleaned before interacting with other dogs during boarding. Checking on specific bathing requirements can help owners avoid extra fees or delays at checkout.
Bathing Tips Before Boarding
When bathing your dog before boarding, it’s important to use a mild shampoo and thoroughly brush their coat beforehand. According to Top 8 Tips to Make Your Dog Baths Easier, brushing your dog before their bath will help avoid worsening mats and tangles during the wash. Using a mild puppy shampoo or oatmeal shampoo can help prevent drying out your dog’s skin and coat while bathing. Focus on lathering up the dirty areas rather than soaping down the entire dog. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all shampoo residue after washing.
Giving your dog a bath 1-3 days before boarding can help them stay clean and reduce pet odors during their stay. But bathing too soon before boarding may dry out their skin. Discuss an ideal bathing timeline with your veterinarian or the boarding facility.
After Boarding Care
When you pick up your dog from boarding, there are a few things you can do at home to help them recover and readjust after their stay. Grooming is an important part of aftercare. Be sure to thoroughly but gently brush their coat to remove any tangles or mats. This will make your dog feel pampered after boarding. You can also apply a hydrating paw balm or lotion to soothe their paws if they’ve been doing a lot of outdoor play or walking on concrete floors.
It’s also important to monitor your dog’s health and behavior when they first come home. Some common issues like diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy or acting withdrawn may indicate boarding stress. If these persist beyond 24 hours or you have other concerns, contact your vet. With patience and care, your dog should settle back into their home routine within 2-3 days. The key is providing familiarity, structure and affection during this transition period.
Final Considerations
When deciding whether to bathe your dog before boarding, it’s important to take into account your dog’s age, health status, and breed factors.
Puppies and senior dogs may be more stressed by boarding, so bathing before their stay could add unnecessary anxiety. Their immune systems are also more vulnerable, so you may opt to skip the bath to avoid exposing them to additional germs. However, some boarding facilities require proof of vaccination for boarding puppies and seniors.
Dogs with medical conditions like skin allergies, arthritis, or mobility issues may find bathing overly taxing. Check with your veterinarian before bathing a dog with health problems prior to boarding. You can request the facility spot clean your dog during their stay instead.
Some breeds like Golden Retrievers tend to have oilier coats that benefit from regular bathing. Other breeds like Poodles have hair rather than fur, so bathing helps prevent matting. Short-coated breeds like Greyhounds need less frequent bathing. Take your dog’s breed tendencies into account when deciding about pre-boarding baths.
Discuss any special grooming instructions with the boarding facility ahead of time. They may be able to accommodate individualized care based on your dog’s age, health, and breed.
Conclusion
Whether or not you should bathe your dog before boarding depends on several factors. The main pros of bathing before are reducing stress, controlling odors, and acclimating your dog to the grooming process. However, bathing too soon before boarding can dry out your dog’s skin and coat. As an alternative, you can use dry shampoo or cleansing wipes. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific dog’s needs and preferences as well as the kennel’s policies. If you do bathe your dog beforehand, be sure to use gentle, hydrating products. After boarding, give your dog some extra love with brushes, massages and playtime. With proper preparation and communication with the kennel, you can make boarding as smooth and pleasant as possible for your beloved pup.