Are you planning a family vacation but worried about leaving your furry friend behind?

Are you concerned about their well-being and whether they can cope without you?

If you’re a dog owner, it’s natural to have these concerns when leaving your beloved pet at home while you go away.

After all, dogs are social creatures and thrive on human interaction.

They may experience separation anxiety or behavioral issues when left alone for extended periods.

As loving and social beings, dogs form an unbreakable bond with their human companions. When that special person departs, even for a short while, it can be a heart-wrenching experience for our furry friends.

But does that mean you should cancel your vacation plans altogether? Is it safe to leave your dog alone at home while you’re away?

We’ll give you some tips on how to keep your dog safe and happy while you’re away. Read on to learn more about it.

How Do I Help My Dog With Separation Anxiety When I Go On Vacation?

Going on vacation is always exciting, but it can also be stressful for pet owners with furry friends with separation anxiety.

As a responsible pet owner, finding ways to alleviate your dog’s anxiety and ensure they receive the care and attention they need while you’re away is essential.

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs

What is separation anxiety in dogs? It’s a condition that causes pets to experience extreme stress when their owners leave the house.

This anxiety is usually triggered by the owner leaving because they have not yet been taught how to properly handle this situation.

Separation anxiety can be a very stressful and significant problem for dogs. And every dog owner, before leaving for vacation, should understand how to recognize the signs.

These are some of the signs:

Excessive barking, whining, or howling when left alone.
Destructive behavior, such as chewing or digging, especially around doors or windows.
Inappropriate elimination, such as urinating or defecating inside the house.
Attempting to escape confinement, such as breaking out of a crate or scratching at doors.
Showing clingy behavior or an excessive need for attention by following the owner around the house.
Hiding or avoiding the owner when they are about to leave.
Excessive panting or drooling.
Loss of appetite or decreased interest in food or treats.
Aggressive behavior towards the owner when they return home.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to Your Absence

Leaving your dog behind when going on a vacation can be a tough decision.

But with the proper preparation and care, you can help your furry friend adjust to your absence and ensure their well-being while you’re away.

Gradual Preparation

One good example of helping your dog adjust to your absence is gradually increasing your time away from home.

When you first start leaving, go for just a few minutes. Then gradually increase the time until your dog is comfortable with an hour or more outside of your presence.

Familiar Scents and Items

Another way to help your dog cope with your absence is to leave familiar scents and items around the house.

Leave a t-shirt or pillowcase with your scent for your dog to snuggle.

You can also leave some of their favorite toys and blankets around the house to make them feel more comfortable.

Trusted Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility

If you’re uncomfortable leaving your dog alone, consider arranging for a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility.

A pet sitter can come to your home and take care of your dog while you’re away, providing them with company and attention.

A boarding facility can also give your dog the care and attention they need and opportunities to socialize with other dogs.

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How To Find a Reliable And Trustworthy Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility

When finding the proper care for your furry friend while you’re away, take your time and research.

Here are some steps you can take to find a reliable and trustworthy pet sitter or boarding facility:

Asking for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a great pet sitter or boarding facility is to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and other pet owners you know and trust.

Ask if they have any recommendations based on their own experiences, and be sure to inquire about any pros and cons they may have encountered.

Reading Online Reviews

Another great way to vet potential pet sitters or boarding facilities is to read online reviews.

Look for Yelp, Google, or Facebook reviews, and pay attention to positive and negative feedback.

This can give you a good idea of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.

Visiting the Facility beforehand

Before entrusting your furry friend to a pet sitter or boarding facility, visiting the Facility in person is a good idea.

This allows you to see the environment, meet the staff, and ask questions.

During your visit, ask about their policies, procedures, and qualifications. Make sure you feel comfortable with the care your pet will receive.

Schedule a trial stay or visit to see how your pet responds to the Facility and its staff.

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Family or Friends Taking Care of Your Dog

Suppose you have family or friends willing and able to care for your dog while on vacation. In that case, there are several benefits to this arrangement.

Benefits of Having Family or Friends Take Care of Your Dog

One of the main benefits of having family or friends take care of your dog is that your pet can stay in a familiar environment.

Your dog may feel more comfortable and less stressed staying in a home they know well rather than in a new environment, such as a boarding kennel.

In addition, having a trusted friend or family member take care of your dog can provide peace of mind.

You may feel more comfortable leaving your pet in the care of someone you know and trust rather than a stranger at a kennel or pet-sitting service.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Staying with Family or Friends

Before leaving your dog with a friend or family member, remember to prepare your pet for the experience.

Familiarizing Your Dog with the Caretaker

One essential step is introducing your dog to the person caring for them before leaving. This will allow your dog to become familiar with the caretaker and feel more comfortable around them.

It’s also a good idea to have the caretaker spend time with your dog before you leave to build trust and a relationship with your pet.

Providing Clear Instructions and Contact Information

Another important aspect of leaving your dog with family or friends is providing clear instructions on caring for your pet.

This can include information on feeding schedules, exercise routines, and any medications your dog may need.

Be sure to also provide your contact information and the contact information for your veterinarian in case of any emergencies.

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Benefits Of Boarding Your Dog at a Kennel

There are many benefits to leaving your dog in the care of a boarding kennel.

First, knowing that your dog will be cared for while you away offer peace of mind.

Most kennels also offer daycare services, so your dog can interact socially with other pets and playtime outside in their outdoor play yards.

Some benefits of boarding your dog at a kennel include the following:

Professional care: Kennels are staffed by trained professionals knowledgeable about dog behavior and care. They can give your dog individual attention and ensure their needs are met.
Socialization: Kennels often offer opportunities for your dog to socialize with other dogs, which can be especially beneficial for dogs who don’t have regular interactions with other animals.
Security: Kennels are designed to be secure and safe, with fencing, locked doors, and other measures to prevent your dog from escaping or being exposed to dangerous situations.

If you don’t mind paying but have peace of mind that your dog is in good hands, this might be the right option.

The only downside of kennels is that they may need to be more flexible with drop-off and pick-up times as other options.

Some facilities have strict rules about when dogs can enter or exit. So plan accordingly if this is important to you.

Here are some tips for choosing the right kennel for your dog:

Check for accreditation: Look for a kennel accredited by a professional organization such as the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) or the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA). These organizations have established standards for pet care and can help ensure that the kennel meets high-quality standards.
Read reviews: Research the kennel online and read reviews from other pet owners. This can give you a sense of the kennel’s reputation and the experiences of other pet owners.
Visit the kennel: Before booking your dog’s stay, visit the kennel in person. This will allow you to see the facilities, meet the staff, and ask questions. It’s also a good idea to bring your dog along to see how they react to the environment.

Hiring a professional pet sitter can be an excellent option for dog owners who want to ensure their furry friends are well-cared for while they’re away.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter:

One-on-one attention: Unlike a kennel or daycare, a professional pet sitter can provide individualized attention and care to your dog.
The comfort of staying at home: Hiring a pet sitter allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their own home, which can be less stressful for some dogs than staying in an unfamiliar environment.
Keeping to their routine: A pet sitter can also ensure your dog’s daily routine is maintained, including feeding times, exercise, and medication schedules.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

Hiring a professional pet sitter can be an excellent option for dog owners who want to ensure their furry friends are well-cared.

Here are some of the benefits of hiring a professional pet sitter:

One-on-one attention: Unlike a kennel or daycare, a professional pet sitter can provide individualized attention and care to your dog.
The coziness and security of being at home: Hiring a pet sitter allows your dog to stay in the comfort of their own home, which can be less stressful for some dogs than staying in an unfamiliar environment.
Keeping to their routine: A pet sitter can also ensure your dog’s daily routine is maintained, including feeding times, exercise, and medication schedules.

When choosing the right professional pet sitter for your dog, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

Check for certification and experience: Look for a certified pet sitter with experience caring for dogs. Knowing your dog is in capable hands can give you peace of mind.
Read reviews and ask for referrals: Check online reviews and referrals from other dog owners to find a reputable pet sitter.
Meet the pet sitter beforehand: Schedule a meeting with the pet sitter before you go on vacation to ensure they are a good fit for your dog. This is also an excellent opportunity to review your dog’s routine and any special needs.

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Alternatives to Leaving Your Dog Alone

If you can’t take your dog to work or will be away for a long time, there may be better options than leaving your dog alone at home.

Thankfully, there are a few alternatives to leaving your dog alone that you can consider.

Doggy Daycare

One option is to take your dog to a doggy daycare. Doggy daycare is a facility where you can drop off your dog for the day, and they will receive care and attention from staff.

Doggy daycare can be an excellent option for dogs who love socializing with other dogs and need a lot of exercise and attention.

Some benefits of doggy daycare include:

Socialization: Well-socialized Dogs tend to be more well-behaved and better adjusted than dogs that aren’t. Doggy daycare allows your dog to socialize with other dogs, which can help them become more comfortable around other dogs.
Exercise: Dogs that don’t get enough exercise can become bored, overweight, or destructive. Doggy daycare provides a safe and supervised environment for dogs to play and exercise.
Attention: Doggy daycare staff is trained to give the dogs the care and attention they need throughout the day. This can include feeding, playing, and providing medication if necessary.

Dog Walking Services

Another alternative to leaving your dog alone is to hire a dog walker. Dog walking services are offered by many professional pet care companies and individuals.

Dog walking services can be an excellent option for dogs that require a lot of exercises or for dogs with separation anxiety.

Some benefits of dog walking services include:

Exercise: Dogs that are walked regularly are generally happier and healthier than dogs that aren’t. A dog walker can train your dog to stay healthy and happy.
Relief for separation anxiety: If your dog has separation anxiety, a dog walker can provide a welcome break from being alone. Knowing that someone is coming to take them for a walk can help reduce your dog’s anxiety.
Personalized attention: Dog walkers can provide personalized attention to your dog. They can tailor their walk to your dog’s specific needs, whether a slow and easy hike for an older dog or a fast-paced run for a younger dog.

Overall, there are many alternatives to leaving your dog alone.

Final Thoughts

As a dog parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your furry friend’s well-being when you’re away. But don’t let those worries dampen your excitement for your upcoming vacation!

Fortunately, plenty of options are available to ensure your dog is well cared for while you’re away.

From trusted friends and family members to professional pet sitters and doggy daycares, there’s no shortage of solutions to ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and entertained.

Your dog will have plenty of fun and stimulation to keep them happy and content. With the correct planning and preparation, you can enjoy your time away with peace of mind, knowing that your furry friend is in good hands.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read our article!

But wait, there’s more! We have plenty of other information and tips you will want to use. So stay tuned for helpful insights and fun reads to keep you and your furry friend happy and healthy.