The Pros and Cons of Veterinary Boarding
Dogs

The Pros and Cons of Veterinary Boarding


by Carrie Boyko, CEB
© Carrie Boyko
Energetic, Playful Dogs
 Need Daily, Active Exercise
Don't get me wrong, boarding at your veterinarian's office is a needed and important service. Pets who prefer a quiet crate when you're away are safely supervised in a vet's kennel area. I've talked to dozens of owners who tell me their dog hardly moves while they are gone, won't eat or drink, and the toys remain untouched. Each dog is different, and so is the decision for each owner.


If your dog has health conditions that need monitoring, requires administration of challenging medications (injections, etc.) or is disabled and cannot safely be left alone for a period of time at home, the vet's office may be your best bet for boarding during your vacation or other trip.


Likewise, if your pup has become familiar with your vet's office and staff, he may feel more at home there with people he already knows and trusts when you suddenly disappear for a getaway. Wouldn't it be grand if we could sit down and explain to Fido about our business trip that he can't go along on because he would be bored in the Board Meeting (pun intended!).


Leaving your dog is always an emotional time, and deciding on what's best for him is a very individual decision. You need to screw your head on straight and give some consideration to his safety, needs and comfort, in order to make the best decision for him.


If your dog, unlike the ones mentioned above, is young, healthy, active and in need of plenty of exercise, the vet's office may not be the right choice. Granted, emergency medical care would be an important benefit, but will you return to a raging lunatic with kennel-induced "cabin fever"? This is for you to answer. I'll talk about some of your options in an upcoming post on other forms of boarding, as well as pet sitters and dog walkers. Stay tuned.


Today's post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The rules below have been copied from Life with Dogs on July 8, 2011. The other hosts are Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume. Happy hopping!








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