RISKS of DAY CARE & BOARDING
With the reward of having a happy, tired dog comes some risks. Just like a child's day care, dog day care is a place where the 'furkids' are sharing everything. Should your furkid become sick, lethargic or develop a behavioral change, we do ask you share that information with us. By knowing such information we can detect patterns (ie: a bug maybe going around) and we are also able to determine better ways to deal with behavioral changes which allows us to 'set up' each dog for successs!
NICKS & DINGS
Occasionally, we these furkids play rough, run like the wind and frolic with enviable abandon, , it is in moments like these that a pad gets scuffed, an ear nipped or some body part scratched. We make every effort to keep nicks and dings from happening, but dogs will be dogs!
CANINE ORAL PAPILLOMA VIRUS
This is a common, benign wart-like virus transmitted through mouth-to-mouth contact or by shared water and food bowls. The highly contagious nature of this virus and its 30-60 day dormancy means it is likely your dog will eventually contract it. Once a wart appears on a dog, it can take a couple of weeks to become large and fall off. The younger a dog contracts the virus, the quicker it reaches full circle. Hence the name 'puppy warts'! One health professional compared it to 'Chicken Pox' (it's best to get it over with early. Case in point: our female 'Ocean' was four years old when she picked up the virus and it took three months for her big, ugly wart to fall off (it was huge and yet, left NO scar!) Once your dog has had a COPV breakout it is extremely rare that further warts will ever appear.
RASHES
Select dogs may have a dermatological sensitivity to the saliva of other dogs and develop rashes when involved in extensive mouth play. And though we only use vinegar (bacteria killer) and mild dish soap to clean up playroom messes, in rare cases some dogs are sensitive to these cleaners. Pine cleaners and pine bark mulch can cause allergic reactions and as a result we consciously avoid both.
LOOSE STOOL
When the adrenaline starts to pump, many furkids experience a brief episode of diarrhea or soft stool. Usually this clears up on its own. Easy home remedies for mild diarrhea include: white rice, quinoa, yogurt, pumpkin or digestive enzymes. However, diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and may be symptomatic of a more serious issue, as it could be colitis, giardia, gastro-intestinal sensitivity or another condition for these reasons you should immediately consult your Veterinarian.
KENNEL COUGH aka BORDETELLA
'Infectious Tracheobronchitis' is a highly contagious NON-life threatening air-borne virus which causes inflammation of the upper respiratory system causing dogs to exhibit harsh, hacking coughs which often sounds like the dog is choking or gagging. While the Bordetella vaccine may not prevent contracting the virus, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the virus. Puppies under 8 months, Seniors, dogs with shortened snouts (ie: pugs, shih tzus, etc) and dogs with high anxiety should be considered candidates for the vaccine and we may ask for it prior to daycare or boarding. Otherwise, it is our policy that the Bordetella Vaccine is not mandatory. When it involves this and other vaccines, you should ask your Veterinarian of the risks.
Needle Requirements
Standard Foundation
Vaccines:
DistemperCAV-2ParainfluenzaParvovirusRabies (Bordetella is NOT mandatory)Puppy:Standard Foundation Vaccines at staggered innoculation schedule as determined by Veterinarian
Adult Dog: Standard Foundation Vaccines and we request with revaccinations at 5 years OR our preference of a Titer test to prove antibodies are present.
