Brad and
Helen Carlson
 Call:
717-597-5076  Email:
info@gooddogpaws.com
15271 Williamsport Pike, Greencastle, PA 17225
How to Prepare your dog for
the Kennel
Preparing for vacation and
being away from home is often stressful whether you are a
person or a dog. To reduce the stress your dog feels away
from home we recommend the following:
Make preparations in
advance. Reserve your dog’s kennel spot early.
Don’t
wait to the last minute to plan for your dog’s accommodations. There
are far more dogs in an area then kennels, so kennels fill early especially
around
the holidays.
Get all necessary shots
early. Keep your dog current on shots,
but if they are coming due near vacation, try to get shots
two weeks prior
to kennel time.
(Some
dogs have reactions to immunizations.) Almost all kennels require proof of
current Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (kennel cough vaccine). Your kennel
may also
require your dog to be on some type of Flea and Tic Program. You may also
be required to provide proof of a yearly Negative Fecal exam.
Familiarize your dog with
the kennel. Once you decide on which kennel will keep
your dog, take your dog for a visit.
If you have time let your dog stay
over
at the kennel a few times or go for several doggie day visits. (We don’t
just say this for our monetary gain.) Familiarization with the surroundings
and meeting the kennel staff will help reduce nervousness and stress in
both you
and your dog.
Bring your dog’s
food during kenneling. Prepare daily
portions in zip-lock bags or a small container, label with serving size.
Keep your dog on its regular
diet when away from home. Going to a new place adds stress to your dogs
system, changing their regular food can add stress to their digestive
system. So, when
possible keep them on their regular diet two weeks prior to visiting
the kennel. Don’t feel guilty about leaving your
dog and give them a variety of new treats before your trip.
Make Going to the kennel
Fun. Your dog feels your emotional state, so
if you are in a panic preparing for your vacation, your dog will begin
to
panic also.
If you are feeling guilty about leaving your dog, he will sense your
emotional turmoil and feel stressed. If you are in a hurry trying to
prepare for
your vacation, and your dog doesn’t get his regular exercise and
attention, your dog’s
system will be stressed. Tell your dog he’s going to Doggie Camp,
he’ll
meet lots of friends, have hours of playtime, and get plenty of exercise.
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