I have to board my dog for about a week. This is very stressful to me -- but how stressful will it be to him?

Chances are, not very.

Be assured that most dogs find boarding to be a fun experience because they get to interact with other dogs. However, boarding can be stressful for animals. Because all pets have different reactions to novel situations, it is difficult to predict whether your dog will have a negative or a positive response.

In addition, there are some health risks associated with exposure to a large population of dogs. Make sure that your dog is current on his vaccines, including the one for kennel cough. The kennel cough intra-nasal vaccine must be given at least three days prior to boarding to be fully effective.

To make the transition from house to kennel easier, you may want to leave your dog with a toy or a T-shirt that smells of home. Be aware that these items may be damaged or lost, so don't take any items to the kennel that are irreplaceable.

You may also want to find out what diet your dog will be fed while he is boarded. If the facility feeds a diet that is different from the diet your pet receives at home, you may want to supply the kennel with your dog's own food and treats. Keeping a consistent diet helps to prevent diarrhea, which is the most frequent complication of being in a boarding kennel.

If your pet is receiving prescription or over-the-counter medication, be sure to provide an appropriate amount for the entire boarding period. A complete list of all medication and health needs should be offered to the boarding facility.

Make sure that the staff at the kennel has the telephone number where you can be reached on your trip should your dog have any problems. It is also helpful to provide the kennel with information about your dog's veterinarian as well as a letter stating that if medical treatment is necessary, your veterinarian is authorized to treat your dog. If the trip is extended, you may wish to offer the name of a local contact who is entrusted with decision-making for your pet if you or your veterinarian cannot be reached.

If your dog has a problem with the kennel, the next time you need to go away you may want to seek out a bonded pet-sitting service. There are many services available in some areas. You can also look into having a pet-sitter come to your house and take care of the dog. This is ideal because the dog does not have to leave the house.

08/01/00