Caring for Those Sweet Senior Dogs!

Written by Laurie Yost, owner of Playful Pups Retreat

Playful Pups Retreat is proud to be a Fear Free certified facility. Laurie also holds the highest level of certification through PACCC (Professional Animal Care Certification Council) with a CPACO certification (Certified Professional Animal Care Operator).

As beloved members of our families, senior dogs hold a special place in our hearts. As they age, they may require extra attention and care to ensure their happiness and comfort, especially when away from home. That’s where Playful Pups Retreat comes in, and we have a soft spot for those sweet seniors!  We offer a specialized activity package called the Companion Care Package, which is tailored to meet the unique needs of older dogs while they are staying with us.

Senior dogs often have different needs compared to their younger counterparts. They may have mobility issues, dietary restrictions, or medical needs that necessitate a higher level of care. Recognizing these needs, Playful Pups Retreat created several quiet accommodations to provide a calm overnight lodging experience.

One of the most crucial aspects of caring for senior dogs is ensuring they feel comfortable and relaxed. Our pet care team understands this and go above and beyond to create a soothing environment for older dogs. From cozy bedding and calm canine music, to quiet spaces where they can relax, every detail is carefully considered to promote a sense of security and well-being.

But it’s not just about physical comfort, the emotional well-being of every senior guest is equally important. Senior dogs thrive on affection and companionship, and our facility is staffed with caring professionals who understand this. Our Companion Care Activity package provides extra mobility walks for senior pups to get some sunshine and move around, they get to sniff and smell, and interact with some easy-going pals. Some senior dogs still get a bit frisky from time to time, so they can have a low-impact play session or if they prefer, lay in the sun or cuddle with a team member

Our Playful Pups Retreat team in trained in Pet First Aid also so you can be confident that every dog receives a daily wellness check to monitor for health issues or concerns. From administering medication to keeping a close eye on mobility issues or changes in behavior, we prioritize the well-being of our sweet, and sometimes sassy, senior guests.

We understand that every dog deserves nothing but the best care when away from home, so I am very proud that myself, our management team, and many of our lodging team member are certified Fear Free caretakers. So, the next time you need to be away from home, rest assured that your frosty face senior pup will be in excellent hands when they stay at Playful Pups Retreat, where they will receive, a lot of love, personalized care and all the belly rubs they desire!

If you have a senior dog at home and need to travel for business or pleasure, or maybe you work long days and don’t want your pup to be alone, give us a call and talk to our friendly Reservation Specialist to learn more about our premium overnight lodging services, our Day Stay Program, and our special Companion Care Activity package.

To learn more about the Fear Free Pets certification visit their website fearfreepets.com. They also offer a program for pet owners called Fear Free Happy Homes, be sure to check it out! To learn more about the Professional Animal Care Certification Council visit paccert.org for help choosing a PACCC certified pet care facility near you. Both of these certification programs indicate that a pet care facility goes the extra mile for their furry guests and to provide pet parents with peace of mind when you are away from your cherished pet.