It can be sad when you have to leave your dog for an extended period of time, whether you work long hours each day, will vacation for a week or more, or often travel on business. But with all the good options available today, you can feel better about leaving your furry family members when necessary. Some dogs do not cope well with being left alone, others do just fine. All dogs need socialization and companionship, preferably with us, but also with other dogs. High energy dogs in particular don’t want to just sit around the house all day and snooze. Dogs that are bored can become destructive dogs, which might mean unpleasant consequences for possessions in your house! Here are some options to consider for your pet while you’re working or on a holiday.

Dog Day Care Providers
If your work schedule is demanding, you might consider dropping your dog off at a day care center. These facilities typically take care of dogs from early morning to early evening, generally from rush hour to rush hour, but in some cases they offer overnight boarding as well. Depending on the facility, they offer socialization with other dogs in a group setting, play periods outside and inside, treats, toys, grooming and other forms of attention. Costs are generally $12 to $20 per day.

Good day care centers offer a range of activities for your dog; he doesn’t just spend the day in a kennel. The advantage is that romping with other dogs all day can tire out the most energetic canine, and when you pick your buddy up after work and take him home, he will be contented to settle in for a quiet evening with you.

Boarding Kennels
These are facilities where your dog can stay overnight, but they may also provide day care, too.
Since pet lovers spend nearly $40 billion annually taking care of their pets, it’s no surprise that boarding facilities are becoming more and more upscale. But just like hotel chains, the level of service the visitor receives and the quality of the facility vary widely. Many veterinarians offer dog boarding, but because their focus is on providing care to dogs that are sick or injured, the facilities they offer may be simple and sparse, often just a cage type arrangement with a concrete floor.

It is advisable that you visit the facility before making the decision to board your dog. Of course, we don’t want our dogs to be uncomfortable during their stay, so ask lots of questions so you will know Fido will be given the care he deserves in your absence.

Pet Sitters and In-Home Care
In almost all cities you will be find professional licensed pet sitters that you can hire to bond with your dog.
There are several factors to consider before deciding whether to have your dog stay at home while you are away, under the care of a pet sitter, or whether to place your dog in a boarding facility. Your dog’s personality and temperament are a consideration. Some dogs simply do not do well in a setting with other dogs. They have a territorial instinct that takes over, and they can become either nervous or aggressive. If your dog is older or infirm, it may be wise to let him sleep in his own bed in familiar surroundings.

Friends and Neighbors
Another alternative is letting your friend or neighbor take care of your dog for you while you are away. High school or college age people often do pet sitting to earn some extra income. But you may find that even retirees are interested in doing this. It may take you some time to find the right person for the job, so start well in advance of when you are leaving on your trip.

Always leave the pet sitter with complete contact information about where you will be on every stage of your trip, and of course leave the contact information for your local vet. You’ll also want to give the sitter the basic pet first aid kit that you already keep in your home or car in case of a minor cut or scrape. It’s also a good idea to introduce the pet sitter to your next door neighbors, so they don’t wonder about the unfamiliar person coming in and out of your house.


With a little research, you can make certain your dog is well cared for while you are away. No matter which option you decide is best for your fur family, if your pup experiences mild separation anxiety,  Bowser’s Best all natural Calming Tablets can help. Having peace of mind can make your trip more enjoyable, and you won’t have any nagging feelings of doubt about what is happening to your canine buddy.

Usually by mid-March everyone is thinking spring, however, this year Old Man Winter is keeping his grip on many areas of the country. So while the snow continues to fall, continue to keep your dog's safety in mind. Dogs are affected by the cold, too, so they should be getting the protection they need even when winter weather hangs on so long. Here are few tips to keep in mind:

Put booties for your pup. Protect our dog’s paws to keep them from being cold and to avoid possible injuries and abrasions from snow and ice and salt or other de-icers used on sidewalks and roadways.

Trim foot hair. Having long hair on the feet of your dog may enable tiny ice balls to form between their toes. Make sure hair around Fido's paws is well trimmed.

Clean your dog’s paws. Make sure that you wash your dog’s feet after a long walk. Salt or other de-icers can cause irritation. Use warm water or moisturizer for your dog.

Keep your furry friends bundled up. Sure, most dogs have fur to keep them warm, but there are some dogs who lack hair such as Greyhounds. When temperatures plummet, no matter how much fur your dog has, it's not enough to keep him warm for long when outdoors. Make sure to bundle pets up to keep them warm. Also, you can have fun dressing them up in a stylish new sweater or coat!

Limit playtime outside.  Even with booties and a warm coat, your dogs might develop a frostbite if they stay outside for too long.  In extreme cold weather, it is a better idea to keep your dog inside most of the time, except, of course dogs who thrive in cold weather.

As much as you take care of yourself during the cold weather, the same amount of care should also be given to your furry family members. If ever your dog experiences any trouble during winter, it is still best to bring it to the veterinarian as soon as possible.