Should we put our dog in a kennel for 3 weeks?

[Kolesar]

We often take our 12 year old golden retriever on our adventure vacations. She has been to Colorado, New Mexico, and Nova Scotia with us. She is too aged for that exertion now, so we cannot take her on a road trip vacation to Utah. She developed kidney disease in the last year and is in a "stable condition" with 25% to 30% of her kidney function. The medication and diet we have had her on since March has eliminated her symptoms and given her a lot of energy back.

Kayla has never been in a kennel. We used to have friends that would take her while we left town, but no one is available for three weeks in September.

I am afraid to put her in a kennel; I fear she may never be the same. I am vaguely aware of a respiratory infection called "kennel cough". The psychological stress of being away from her people and in a very strange and unfamiliar place may cause her to quit eating and drinking and that could cause serious kidney problems. The only contingency I can think of is to call in every day (or so) to see if she is eating. If she is having problems or not eating, one of us would have to get to whatever airport and fly home to retrieve her. You can probably tell how worried I am.

Her veterinarian has a kennel service, but my girlfriend saw the runs and thought they were "too small". So, we may have to go find a kennel and then give them instructions on what problems to look for related to kidney disease--we would have to tell them which veterinarian to contact, etc.

So what do you pet lovers at DU think? Should we kennel Kayla?

[Lars39]

1. I've never boarded my collie mix for that long, but I do know a

reputable kennel will not accept your dog unless it is vaccinated for kennel cough. You might look into a professional pet sitter, that might come by your house several times a day to take care of your dog.

edit: fingers on the fritz.

[hlthe2b]

5. three weeks alone in your house with occasional visits by a walker...

is almost assuredly going to end in disaster..... Strongly recommend against THIS option...

[SoCalDem]

2. Man... that's a tough one..

It would probably be best for her, if you could get someone to live at your house.. It might be safer too, to have someone there so no one tries to break in while you are gone..

You might as around at work.. Maybe you can find a friend of a friend..

Lock up the valuables and maybe "seal off" certain areas of the house, but it would be easier on her at her age to have a human with her, instead of being caged for 3 weeks..

That's a hard one.. We are lucky to have cats.. Just give em plenty of food & water and an occasional visit from a friend, and they are fine..

Good luck to you :)

[GayboyBilly]

3. If at all possible...

Don't do it. I have Keeshounds, they go where I go, or I don't go!

[hlthe2b]

4. well, one bit of advice

Whatever you do, give someone you trust explicit instructions as to what to do, should you faithful friend develop a serious recurrence of the kidney ailment-- up to and including the absolute extent to which you want emergency (and costly) veterinary care given. I always felt very sorry for people, who in their wish to help, agree to take on this responsibility and then face a very guilt-ridden crisis with the pet. As sure to strain/end a friendship as loaned money....

Just know that the stress of boarding-- or your absence could trigger a problem. Best option would be to have a trusted friend or family member take the dog into their home (and have a couple of "day" visits before the long term trip. Alternately, have them live in your home.

This dilemma is the very reason I've always believed dog owners would be better off to get their dog used to occasional boarding at a location you both find aggreeable or at least doggie "DAYCARE" when they are young. If they get used to it early on, it is far less a stress--to both of you.

[sadiesmom]

6. I have someone who takes dogs in.

You should ask your vet about people who take in dogs. I have a woman who takes in trained animals to her house. She does let them play a little rough, but our dogs have grown old together and the older dogs stick together and the younger ones stay together. She is even cheaper than a kennel.

You can also call a 800 number to get the number of a pet sitter in your area.
Rather than have my dog live alone, I prefer her staying with a family. Mostly though, I have found that it is single woman making a little extra money by taking pets in their house. You can interview them with your dog in your house. The requirements are usually house broken and trained to not destroy everything and friendly with the owners dog or dogs. It is a good sign if they have a happy healthy dog of their own.

When I kenneled my dog once, the kennel told me what a wonderful time she had there and how much they played with her, what I got back was a frightened dog with long scabs on her back and a bloody blanket. The kennel denied that it happened with them though.

[chimpymustgo]

7. Agree. A "take in" situation is the best way way, if you don't want a

housesitter.

I think the ideal option is a caring, trusted housesitter - for your dog and your home's security.

But second, someone who could take your dog in - whom you get good recommendations on and feel good about - is a good alternative.

Our dog hates being boarded at kennels. She was depressed for a week after when got back from Europe a couple of years ago. Now we leave her with a trainer who takes in dogs. There are a few other dogs, she has a great time, and the trainer puts up pictures on his website, and emails us about how things are going.

[Robb]

8. There are a few amazing kennels out there

Shylo in Denver, for example. I absolutely loved this place. Run by a couple of faboo gay gays and all their help are these shirtless, funny men. They bred world-class Afghans for awhile, then started what I think is the perfect kennel. We left our Siberians there for two weeks, and they did great!

They spend a lot of time with the dogs, and sort of move them into kennels with like-minded dogs (active, or whatever). They come into the house in groups while dinner is being cooked, lots of pets and people attention if they need it. Good stuff. And no more expensive than the crappy kennels.

Shylo Kennels

You may want to contact these guys and ask if they know anyone like them in your area!

[Kolesar]

9. thanks for all of your heartfelt advice folks

30,000 reasons why DU is the best!

[Valerie5555]

10. Wonder if you knew any AHT (Animal Health Technician) students who were

seeking practicum credit for maybe you could have one of them "dog sit" your dog for a couple of weeks especially if they were interested in getting more practical experience in the medical aspects of the "care and feeding" of CKFS or Chronic Kidney Failure Syndrome pets.

At least that was never a worry with my cat since poor Midnight was "too far gone" with nausea when his kidney problems became apparent and he had to be put down nearly 3 years ago and it will be 3 years ago next month. :(

[CO Liberal]

11. Board Her At The Vet's?

That way, medical care would be available if she needs it. And I wouldn;t worry about the small runs - sounds like Kayla won't be doing a lot of running around.

[MaryBear]

12. I wouldn't kennel an old, ailing dog.

He might not survive. I'd be inclined to take him with me and modify my vacation accordingly.