Not necessarily. It really depends on what we're looking for. If it's something related to the heart, for example, we might jump straight to diagnostic imaging, but often we use blood work and x-rays together because they complement each other in diagnostics.

Definitely come to us or your local veterinarian for recommendations. Also, look at online reviews on Google. You want to ensure that they require the medical precautions we discussed, separate dogs by the right size, have video cameras for monitoring, and have an emergency plan. If something happens while they're there, they should have a veterinarian that's accessible if the dog gets hurt.

It's something to ask about because it is different for each pet. Typically, they'll get to spend about six to eight hours outside, usually with dogs of their same size. A lot of times, they'll get to play in water. They usually have some downtime during the day and then they would be by themselves overnight in their own kennel.

Doggy daycare is similar to a typical child's daycare. You drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. The major difference with boarding is that the dogs can stay there overnight. The majority of boarding facilities offer doggy daycare. I don't know many places that just offer daycare.

When you're boarding your dog, you definitely want to make sure that they require certain vaccinations such as the distemper-parvo, rabies, and Bordetella. I also recommend places that offer or require the flu vaccine and ideally, the lepto vaccine. These are all things that can be passed on quite easily. We also want to ensure that they separate neutered dogs from those that are still intact. As intact dogs get older, they can become aggressive, so it's good to know.

Start slow, especially if it's hot outside. Begin with a short walk to the mailbox and back and gradually increase the distance each day. Ensure you have plenty of water to prevent overexertion.

On average, most dogs need at least 20 minutes of robust exercise a day. For puppies, it's better to break that up into two or three increments of 10 minutes or more a day. Senior dogs generally need the same amount of exercise, but it can be broken up into two sessions of 10 minutes each. Keep an eye on their signs and any pain or arthritis. However, as a rule, 20 minutes per day is a good estimate for most dogs.

There are many ways to exercise your dog. Simple activities like going out in the backyard and throwing the ball can be beneficial. If possible, try to take them on a 20-minute walk, run or hike. You can also use food puzzles or hide treats around the yard as these can be great ways to encourage them to exercise.