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Explanation of the problems that may occur in boarding an older pet - Succeed with Healthy Animals. Also refer to veterinarian, vet, dog, cat, senior citizen, geriatric, kennel, preparations, diet, exercise, precautions, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Boarding an Older Pet

by Ron Kurtus (5 May 2005)

Boarding an older pet when you go on a trip can be quite stressful for the animal. Just like with senior citizen humans, older dogs and cats can become set in their ways and used to certain routines. For example, my dog couldn't walk after being left in a kennel for less than a week. You should make extra preparations for leaving your pet in a boarding kennel.

Questions you may have are:

• What problems can occur in boarding an older pet?
• What was my experience with such problems?
• What precautions can you take ?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson. Animal Health Disclaimer

Problems that may occur

If the dog or cat has some underlying medical problem or undiagnosed illness, the stress of being separated from the animal's home and routine can trigger physical changes in the pet.

Stress can lower resistance to disease or cause other problems that would not occur under normal circumstances in the familiar home setting. Heart, kidney and urinary problems can occur.

My dog couldn't walk

My own experience of what can happen from the stress of leaving an older pet at a kennel happened when we left our 13-year-old Golden Retriever at a kennel for 5 days. She had some arthritis in her rear legs before we left her there. Upon getting her from the kennel, her rear legs were so weak that she was unable to walk. I had to carry her to the car. She just didn't look too good either.

Although she did get exercise each day, apparently being cooped up and having a completely different schedule was too much for her. It was not the fault of the boarding kennel, rather it was simply the reaction of an old dog to a traumatic environment.

Fortunately, after two days she was almost back to normal. But I will think twice about boarding her again unless absolutely necessary.

Make plans for boarding

It is important to make sure the kennel where you board your older dog or cat is able to give your pet some special care. Some have an area for senior animals that is away from the general population. Most will have extra bedding for the older animals and will also provide special diets for the senior pet. Some even play soothing music for the older pets.

It is good to make the kennel personnel know of the needs of your pet and provide the medicines and instructions for care of the animal. Of course, it is important to give emergency telephone numbers of where to reach you, as well as those of your vet.

Summary

Boarding an older pet can be quite stressful for the animal. Senior citizen dogs and cats can become set in their ways and used to certain routines. Often they can become ill or minor problems can become serious upon leaving them in a kennel. You should make extra preparations for leaving your pet in a boarding kennel.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Keep your pet comfortable

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

Pet Health Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Caring for an Older Dog

Top-rated books on Caring for an Older Cat

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. What can happen when you pick up your older pet from a kennel?

2. What is the main cause for an older pet not being well after a stay in a kennel?

3. For what should you check in the kennel?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Animal Health. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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Boarding an Older Pet