One of the biggest worries when boarding pets during the summer months is Thunderstorm phobias.
Dogs in particular can react out of fear when they hear thunder, sometimes injuring themselves, or may try to frantically escape resulting in an injury.
For both the boarding facility operator and the pet’s family, the key is to be as prepared as possible and communicate about worries such as phobias prior to the check-in date.
As a proactive measure for boarding facilities, posting blog articles or social media updates, or sending newsletters to clients referencing the approaching storm season is a great way to remind pet owners that they may need to talk to their pet care facility if they are aware that their pet suffers from a phobia.
Also be sure to ask key questions during the check-in process, to ensure that as much information and detail is passed on as possible and covers everything that is needed for the pet’s stay.
As a pet owner looking to have your pet stay with a pet care facility, consider talking to the facility in advance of your stay let them know that your pet has a storm phobia. The check-in process is often a busy time, and it can be overwhelming trying to juggle all of the information needed to get your pet ready to stay away from home.
Working through this type of information in advance allows more time to discuss various options or recommendations that they may have to make your pet’s stay as comfortable as possible.
If a pet owner is aware that their pet suffers from a significant storm phobia, it could be a great idea to speak to a veterinarian prior to boarding your pet, to discuss the various options available to ensure that the phobia is managed correctly whilst they are away.
There are many tools that can work well for pets, such as wearing a thundershirt for example, which is designed to apply a constant, gentle pressure (like swaddling an infant baby!) and helps them feel safe and secure during a thunderstorm event. Making sure that you communicate an individual pets needs prior to boarding will assist all involved in making the best plan possible.
During storm season, it is important that pets can feel safe and remain secure during a weather event – especially when they are boarding away from home. Being proactive is the key!