How to keep my dog happy and not lonely at home during vacation?

I'm sure Callie will miss your husband while you are on vacation, but cats do well when their "people" leave them for a period of time. I always recommend having someone take care of your cat in your house. Callie may or may not come out for this person, but that is always better than boarding a nervous cat at a kennel. Keeping her routine as much the same as possible is ideal. I would also recommend trying to decrease stress by adding a Feliway Diffuser ( https://www.feliway.com ) to your house. This is a calming pheromone that will work for a month. If you have any other specific questions, please feel free to post again with more details and one us will be happy to try to help you. Good luck! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Coco. If you have time prior to your vacation, I would recommend placing her in daycare at the boarding facility you plan to use. This will give you an idea to see how she adjusts to it. It will also prove to her that you are coming back for her. If she does well, then I would not worry about boarding her. If not, I would try to arrange for a pet sitter to care for her in your home. I hope this information helps!

Vacation is so much fun! I would either get a house sitter to stay in the house with Bailey while you are gone. You could also board her at a kennel, but make sure to get her kennel cough vaccine before she goes into the kennel. Speak with your vet about when she should get that vaccines. I hope this helps!

It is unlikely that she would die. However, she would be extremely stressed. Dogs are so bonded to their people, and it is very upsetting to them when they are used to human interaction and then left alone for days on end; Chihuahuas certainly tend to be a breed that is usually VERY bonded to “their people.” The stress may lead to vomiting and diarrhea, lack of appetite, which could potentially lead to life threatening dehydration (though water may be available she may be unable to keep it down, and massive fluid losses through diarrhea often require IV fluids). A highly stressful, unsupervised event may also result in risky behavior such as: *jumping excessively at windows and doors, which could be a strangulation hazard if there are curtain or blind cords around *chewing on electric cords * jumping off of high furniture which could result in a fracture or other injury in a small breed dog. If you can have a friend or family member come in and check on Taco even just once a day, that would be highly preferable. Twice a day visits would better, and a boarding kennel or pet sitter would be the best options. Thank you for using PerCoach, I hope that information is helpful for you!

It sounds as though you are quite worried about leaving Precious. Fortunately, dogs do not have the same sense of time that we do, nor the ability to anticipate scary occurrences. She may have some degree of anxiety, but many dogs enjoy their boarding experience and exposure to other people and change of scenery. I'm sure your vet will call if they have any concerns about Precious. Try to relax and enjoy your vacation! :-)

Consider putting your pet in a crate. Take out trash and remove items from kitchen counter. Do not leave toys out. Leave emergency contact info on fridge including your pet's veterinarian phone number. Leave a bowl of fresh water out. Be sure to let someone know (friend, neighbor, parents) you are leaving your pet at home in case of emergencies.

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! My suggestion is to have a friend or neighbor stop by a at least a couple times during the day while you are gone just to make sure Soska is doing okay and has enough food and water, is let outside to potty, and to watch Soska in case she goes into labor a few days early and should any problems arise. If a friend, family member, or neighbor can't be available, I would hire a sitter to stop by 2-3 times during the day while you are traveling. I hope this helps and thanks again for your post!