• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Just another The Dog People by Rover.com Sites site

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Bonding
  • Dog Care
  • Dog-friendly places
    • London
    • Birmingham
    • Edinburgh
    • Manchester
    • Liverpool
  • Shopping
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Toys and Chews
  • Dog Names
    • The 200 Most Popular Dog Names in the UK
    • Rover’s Dog Name Generator
    • The Best 250 Girl Dog Names in the UK
    • 68 Literary Dog Names for Bookish Dog Lovers
    • 16 Perfect Batman Dog Names
    • The Most Romantic Dog Names Ever
    • Popular Irish Dog Names
  • For Cat People
  • For Dog People
  • Try Rover
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-US
    • en-CA
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Everything You Need to Know about Boarding Your Senior Dog

Share0Pin It0

Everything You Need to Know about Boarding Your Senior Dog

Dog Bonding
By Didi Kader

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Vacations are an exciting break from the day-to-day routine, but when people travel, it means a change in routine for the dogs we leave behind. This is especially true if you need to board or find care for older dogs. You might be extra-worried about leaving a senior dog who needs special care. But with a little research to find the right arrangements, preparing a kit with your senior dog’s supplies, and leaving a detailed care plan, you can travel knowing your older pet is in good hands.

 Which care is best for older dogs?

This is Max, from Oldies Club, waiting for his furrever family in Gloucestershire

This is Max, from Oldies Club, waiting for his furrever family in Gloucestershire

A senior dog will be happier keeping its routine close to normal while you’re away. Sarah Hodgson, a dog trainer, writes in the Huffington Post that “few dogs see the point in vacating their sanctuary and familiar routine.”

Advertisement

By keeping your dog with a trusted pet sitter who stays in your home while you’re away, your dog will feel more secure. His bed, toys, and familiar smells will keep him feeling safe while you’re travelling.

Dr. Marty Becker, writing for Vet Street, says it’s important to identify a reputable pet-sitter with plenty of experience and prepare them for any issues that may come up.

Some dogs have personalities that make it possible to stay at a dog sitter’s home, especially if you’ve introduced the dog to that environment at least a couple of times before you leave for vacation. Hodgson says that in general, dogs that are territorial or avoid socializing will be stressed in a place that separates them from home.

Senior dogs still need walks

Max the senior dog, available for adoption

Your senior dog probably still appreciates a good walk. In fact, a moderate amount of exercise and activity can help a dog cope with any anxiety they’re feeling in your absence.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, in an interview with The Telegram, says a good walk can take your dog’s mind off the fact that you’ve left.

Hodgson says that you should invite your pet sitter to walk your dog before vacation so your dog sees a familiar, welcome face after you take off. Make sure your sitter knows about any exercise limitations your senior dog might have.

Special considerations when boarding older dogs

Senior dogs might have medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or bone disease that require medicine. In addition, their immune systems are not as strong, so they can have a hard time fighting sickness and may take longer to heal. Your senior dog may also need special food that’s easier to digest and has anti-ageing supplements.

When looking for the right fit, go for dog sitters who have experience watching pets that need a little extra care. In fact, some sitters prefer caring for senior dogs because they’re already house-trained and don’t have the frenetic energy of a puppy!

What to pack for your senior dog

If you plan to leave your senior dog at a trusted pet sitter’s home, pack a thorough kit with

  • your dog’s preferred food
  • medications
  • directions for administering medication
  • vet contact
  • emergency contact information
  • favourite toys
  • dog bed
  • a t-shirt that smells like you, or other comforting items

Finally, be conscious of your own packing! Dogs are smart and some might know to associate your suitcase with an upcoming absence. Pack discreetly to avoid stressing out your dog.

If you make plans with a trusted pet sitter who has experience with older dogs before you travel, you can go on holiday with peace of mind and come home to a pet who’s been well cared for and delighted to have you back—find plenty of wonderful pet sitters who offer dog boarding on Rover.com!

Featured image: Max is a 10-year-old Pomeranian that was available for adoption in New York. See Susie’s Senior Dogs on Facebook for more detail.

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

sidebar

By Didi Kader

Share This Article

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Popular Posts

  • How to bond with your dog
  • Cat Diarrhoea: What Causes It and How To Make It Stop
  • All You Need To Know About Neutering Your Cat
  • My Cat Is Shy or Scared: How Do I Get My Cat To Trust Me?
  • 6 Tips for Training Your Territorial Dog
  • 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Licks You
  • Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in The Dark?
  • The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Every Type of Family and Kid
  • 5 Reasons Your Dog May Be Shaking and What to Do About It
  • How Do Dogs Choose Their Favourite Person?

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Sitter Resources
  • Terms of Service
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Download the App
  • In The Press
  • Advertise With Us

Need Help?

  • Help Center
Your privacy choices
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.
"Mmmm... cookies!"

While slightly less delicious than physical cookies, digital cookies help us enhance and personalize your ads and experience, analyze website traffic, and more.