Let’s face it: life for most modern families is busy, busy, busy! Between running to and from work, school, getting the kids to events, and all the other “stuff” that pops up during the day, there’s hardly a moment to breathe, let alone find time for rest and relaxation. When things get that busy, sometimes our pets don’t get the time and attention they need to socialize or burn off excess energy.
If you’re finding life gets in the way of play time, services like dog day care and dog boarding can be vital to your pet’s health and happiness.
Day Care or Boarding?
Dog boarding isn’t a new idea, but it’s an industry that has seen tremendous changes in recent years. Features such as separate play yards for large or small dogs, private play areas for dogs which have social struggles, and an awareness of the personalized attention that all dogs need has set a new standard for care in high quality boarding facilities. Dog boarding is intended for longer stays, such as when you’re traveling or otherwise unable to attend to your pets needs overnight or longer.
In addition to the obvious benefits of exercise and attention, dog day care can actually help families save money over the long run, by preventing costly and time-consuming behavioral problems or health issues necessitating vet visits.
Paws to Reflect
Just like humans, dogs can experience cabin fever, feeling the need to get out of the house and interact with others, either humans or other canines. If they don’t get that release, dogs may act out in inappropriate ways, damaging furniture or household objects in an attempt to keep occupied and burn off excess energy. Even worse they might internalize the stress and anxiety, only to see it re-emerge as illnesses, or nervous behavior.
If your pet is demonstrating these symptoms, take a moment to find the root cause and decide on the best course of action from there. While a training course may be the answer for some inappropriate behavior, sometimes what is also required is a healthy way for your dog to interact with others.
Whether it’s time to board your dog or enroll him or her in boarding kennels, don’t settle for an average kennel. Dogs don’t need to merely be cooped up in a different location – they need to be in a second home, receiving the love and affection that they deserve.
If you’re in the Bowie area, please stop by at Gambrills Veterinary Center who would love to meet you and your furry family members!