Going for a holiday is a great means of refreshing oneself, although it might be hard to leave your dog when doing so. Every dog owner would wish that the security, affection and health of its puppy were taken into account throughout their absence. By making some arrangements including favorable petsitting alternatives, your dog will be safe and you will have a great vacation.
Choose a Trusted Petsitter
To make your dog know it is cared for even when you are not around, you need to pick a good petsitter. Whether it’s a professional pet-sitting service, a person from Flat Rover or a trusted friend, make sure they are someone your dog is comfortable around. A pet sitter will be able to take care of the dog, keeping to its usual schedule, showing love and engaging in activities your dog enjoys.
Before leaving, it would be good if your dog met the sitter for you to establish whether they are comfortable in each other’s company. However, before you book a sitter, you should check the sitter’s reviews and experience with your breed of dog..
Provide Comforting Familiar Items
Dogs are creatures of habit, and familiar smells and items can provide them with comfort while you’re away. Before you leave, gather your dog’s favorite blanket, toy, or even an item of your clothing (like a shirt you’ve worn). These comforting objects will help your dog feel more secure and calm during your absence.
If you have someone taking care of your pet, write a short message about how your dog is usually handled. For example, remember to put down when your pet is fed, taken for walks, and mention any special preferences. The more information the sitter has, the better they can replicate the comfort and care you provide at home.
Stay in Touch with Regular Updates
To ensure that your dog is fine, it would be a good plan to communicate with the person looking after your pet when you are not around. Tell your petsitter to send you messages all the time, and maybe photos or videos of your pup walking around or playing. This will not only help ease your anxiety, but it will also reassure you that your dog is having a great time.
Many pet-sitting services now offer apps that allow for easy communication between owners and sitters, making it even easier to stay in touch. If you’re traveling internationally or in a different time zone, schedule a specific time for check-ins so you can feel reassured.
Consider Doggy Daycare or Boarding with Extra TLC
If you worry that your dog will be lonely when you’re not around, then it may be good for you to reserve space at a dog daycare or boarding facility. Some of these places offer individualized attention comprising things such as private rooms, individual play sessions, and even doggie spa treatments.
Be sure to visit the facility beforehand and ask questions about the staff’s experience and the level of attention your dog will receive. Some boarding facilities offer webcams so you can check in on your dog while you’re away. This way, your dog gets the care they need and you can travel worry-free.
Leave a Heartfelt Goodbye
Prior to leaving for your vacation, make sure that you show great care and affection towards your pet during those last few days. Giving a special way of saying goodbye may help you and the dog move comfortably from one situation to another. Spend quality time together, whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch, or snuggling on the couch.
Dogs are very in tune with their owners’ emotions, so they’ll pick up on your signals. By staying calm and positive during your departure, you help your dog feel more relaxed as well.
Summary
Even if you don’t take your dog with you while you travel, your pet will not feel alone or abandoned when you have the right tools and plan ahead. To recap: contact a good pet sitter, leave some familiar things for them, plan accordingly and stay up-to-date with how things are going in your absence. If you think ahead and talk to the pet sitter beforehand, then you can have a good holiday without being concerned about the comfort of your dog.