Boarding your pet during different seasons requires special preparation to ensure their comfort and well-being. Whether it’s the sweltering heat of summer or the chilly days of winter, each season brings unique challenges that need to be addressed.
At Furends Pet Studio, we’re committed to providing the best care for your pet, no matter the season. Here are some seasonal boarding tips to help you prepare your pet for summer and winter stays.
1. Understanding Seasonal Needs
Before diving into specific tips, it’s important to understand how seasonal changes can affect your pet.
Temperature Sensitivity: Some pets are more sensitive to temperature changes. For example, brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs can struggle with heat, while thin-coated breeds like Greyhounds may feel the cold more acutely.
Activity Levels: Weather conditions can impact your pet’s activity levels. Pets may be more lethargic in the heat and more energetic in cooler weather.
2. Summer Boarding Tips
The hot summer months require extra precautions to keep your pet cool, hydrated, and comfortable during their stay.
a. Hydration is Key
Ample Water Supply: Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh, cool water. Hydration is crucial to prevent heatstroke, especially for pets with thick fur coats.
Electrolyte Supplements: Consider adding pet-safe electrolyte supplements to their water to help maintain hydration levels during extreme heat.
b. Protection from the Heat
Cool Sleeping Areas: Choose a boarding facility with climate-controlled areas where your pet can escape the heat. Elevated beds can also help keep pets cool by allowing air to circulate underneath.
Avoiding Overexertion: Ensure that the facility offers shaded outdoor play areas and limits outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
c. Grooming for the Season
Summer Coat Maintenance: Regular grooming is essential to keep your pet’s coat free of mats and tangles, which can trap heat. A summer trim for long-haired breeds can also help keep them cool.
Paw Care: Hot pavement can burn your pet’s paw pads. Ensure the boarding facility has soft, shaded areas for outdoor activities.
d. Flea and Tick Prevention
Preventive Treatments: Summer is peak season for fleas and ticks. Make sure your pet is up to date on flea and tick preventatives before boarding.
Regular Checks: Choose a facility that performs regular flea and tick checks to prevent infestations.
3. Winter Boarding Tips
Winter weather poses different challenges, such as keeping your pet warm and ensuring they remain active despite the cold.
a. Keeping Warm and Cozy
Warm Bedding: Ensure your pet’s boarding area is warm and draft-free. Thick bedding or heated beds can help keep them comfortable during cold nights.
Sweaters and Coats: Short-haired or small breeds may benefit from wearing sweaters or coats, especially during outdoor activities.
b. Preventing Dry Skin
Humidified Environment: Cold, dry air can lead to dry skin and coat issues. A facility with humidifiers can help maintain moisture levels in the air, keeping your pet’s skin healthy.
Omega-3 Supplements: Consider adding Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your pet’s diet during winter to help combat dry skin.
c. Maintaining Activity Levels
Indoor Play Areas: Look for a boarding facility that offers indoor play areas where your pet can stay active without exposure to cold weather.
Shorter Outdoor Sessions: If outdoor play is a must, ensure the sessions are brief and followed by a warm-up period indoors.
d. Protecting Paws and Noses
Paw Balm: Cold weather and salt on sidewalks can dry out and crack your pet’s paws. Applying a paw balm before and after outdoor activities can help protect them.
Nose Protection: Similarly, cold air can dry out your pet’s nose. Applying a pet-safe balm can keep their nose moisturized and prevent cracking.
4. General Tips for Both Seasons
Regardless of the season, some preparations apply year-round to ensure your pet’s comfort during boarding.
a. Dietary Adjustments
Seasonal Diet Needs: Consult your vet about any necessary dietary adjustments for the season. For example, your pet may need more calories in winter to maintain body heat or a lighter diet in summer to prevent overheating.
Consistent Feeding: Ensure the boarding facility follows your pet’s regular feeding schedule to avoid digestive issues.
b. Update Vaccinations and Preventatives
Vaccinations: Ensure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations before boarding, including those for seasonal illnesses like kennel cough, which can be more prevalent in winter.
Preventative Care: Make sure your pet is current on heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives, regardless of the season.
c. Familiar Items for Comfort
Favorite Toys and Blankets: Bringing familiar items from home, such as your pet’s favorite toy or blanket, can provide comfort and reduce anxiety during boarding.
Scented Items: Items that carry your scent, like an old T-shirt, can help soothe your pet during their stay.
Conclusion
Properly preparing your pet for boarding during the summer and winter months can ensure they have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable stay. By considering their seasonal needs—whether it’s keeping them cool in the summer heat or warm during the winter chill—you can rest easy knowing your pet is well cared for.
At Furends Pet Studio, we’re dedicated to providing top-notch care tailored to the needs of every pet, no matter the season.
Contact us today to learn more about our seasonal boarding services and how we can help your pet thrive year-round.
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