Just like their human counterparts, dogs are requiring more and more medications, particularly as they age. Whether your dog is diabetic requiring insulin, takes an antidepressant for separation anxiety or some other form of medication, it is important to ensure that the Ft. Lauderdale dog boarding facility you are looking at can give your dog their required medication properly and on time.
Flying
Flying with medication can be stressful. It is important that you have your dog’s prescription on you, with the medication itself, and your veterinarian’s phone number within easy access. This is particularly true if your dog requires needles, liquid, or controlled medications.
Remember to pack these medications in your check-in bag, not in your carry on. This prevents any delay while going through security.
If it is at all possible, try to have your prescription sent to a local pharmacy in the town you are traveling to which will avoid the hassle of flying with medication altogether.
The Kennel
This service is often provided for a nominal fee for pills and liquids; however, many locations do not provide this service for any form of injections. If you are unable to find a Ft. Lauderdale dog boarding facility that will provide an injection service, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of acquiring your dog’s medication in a pill or liquid form. Request enough of the medication for the duration of the trip plus 1-2 weeks prior to get your dog familiar with taking the medication in a different form.
Ask the kennel what their experience is with your breed of dog and the medication in question. Ask what their policies are about documenting when and how the medication is received to ensure that there are not missed or doubled doses.
Let the kennel know about any issues your pet has with taking their medication or any special instructions. For instance, if you give them their pills hidden in a piece of bread or hot dog, let the kennel know this so that they can administer the pill without causing extra stress to your dog. If your dog is aggressive when receiving their needle and requires a muzzle, let them know this as well. Be prepared, however, that if your dog is aggressive when administering medication that the kennel may refuse to administer the medication to them or they may refuse to accept your dog.
In these cases, it may be worth calling local veterinary offices in the area as many will either know of a boarding facility that will allow these dogs or they may offer their own facility where your dog will be medicated by trained veterinarians and/or their assistants.
Regardless of where you find the perfect Ft. Lauderdale dog boarding facility, being open and honest about your dog and their needs is the best way to ensure a hassle-free vacation for you and your best friend.
