How To Prepare Your Diabetic Dog For A Stay In Boarding Kennels
Posted on: 27 July 2016
If your dog has diabetes that is controlled with drug therapy, placing him in boarding kennels while you go away can be stressful for both you and your pet. However, there are some preparatory steps that you can take to help make his stay problem-free. Read on to find out more.
Booking your dog into kennels
A good boarding kennels should ask you if your dog has any health issues at the time of booking. Make sure that you mention your dog's diabetes and check that the kennels are happy for him to stay with them.
Ask if the kennels' staff have experience in looking after diabetic dogs and also check if they have a suitable sharps box for disposal of the used insulin syringes and needles. If they don't have one, you'll need to bring your own.
Vet checks
For your own peace of mind and that of the kennels, you should have your dog checked by your vet, ideally a couple of days before his stay. While you're at the vet's, pick up any additional supplies of insulin and spare syringes that your pet will need during his stay. Check all the boxes that you're planning on leaving with the kennels to make sure that the drugs have not passed their expiry date. If you're leaving an open box, write down the date it was opened clearly on the box lid.
Instructions for the kennels
It's helpful for the kennels if you provide them with a chart showing the daily dosage of insulin that your dog should receive, together with the times of each injection. Keeping everything exactly as it is at home will minimise the chance of any loss of stability in your pet's condition.
You should also write down your dog's usual feeding times, as these will relate directly to how effective his drug therapy is. Some dogs must also have special prescription diet food, and you will probably need to provide the kennels with an adequate supply for your pet.
Make sure that the kennels are aware of your dog's previous medical history in addition to his diabetes. If there's another medical problem during his stay, this information will be very helpful to staff and to the emergency vet if they are from a practice other than your own.
Lastly, remember to give the kennels your usual vet's full contact information, including an out of hours' number in case of emergency.
In conclusion
If your dog is diabetic, you can make sure that his stay in kennels is problem-free by following the helpful tips given above. If you have any concerns or questions, have a chat with the staff at the boarding kennels who will be happy to help.
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