Boarding Tips
Reducing Stress When Leaving Your Pet At A Kennel
- Upon arrival we will take your pet right out to the exercise yard to "use the facilities"
- Once your pet is outside in our secure yard you can bring in all their items and we will set up their suite
- Prepare any special food or medication instructions ahead of time
- We will fill out/sign any paperwork before we bring your pet back inside
- Remember any blankets, beds, toys, etc that you bring could be damaged during your pet's stay.
- Do not make a big production about leaving your pet - this WILL cause them more stress. Simply bring your pet inside, give it a quick pat and leave.
- When picking up your pet, pay your bill and take all their things out to the car first. YOU CAN make a big production over the reunion - a treat will be available.
- Any problems should be reported within 24 hours.
Canine Cough (Kennel Cough)
It is important that all clients are made aware that canine cough DOES NOT ORIGINATE IN A KENNEL. We absolutely WILL NOT accept any dogs that are coughing or showing other signs of canine cough or other illnesses. However, it may be impossible for us to tell when a dog has been exposed to canine cough PRIOR to his/her arrival. Also it is possible for a dog to be a carrier of canine cough and never show any symptoms.
Canine cough, commonly referred to as a "Doggie Cold or Kennel Cough" is a generic term used to indicate canine infectious tracheobronchitis, a highly infectious upper respiratory disease that is caused from a number of bacteria such as Bordetella bronchisephca, and viruses such as canine parainfluenza.
The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as having a "honking sound" similar to bronchitis or whooping cough. A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active. Many times, there is a recent history of boarding or coming in contact with other dogs. In more severe cases, the symptoms may progress and include lethargy, fever, inappetence, pneumonia, and in very severe cases, even death. The majority of severe cases occur in immunocompromised animals, or young unvaccinated puppies.
Since canine cough is a viral infection, there is no "cure", just as there is no cure for the common cold or flu. As a self-limiting disease, it may go away on its own just like any other cold or flu. However, many veterinarians will prescribe a cough suppressant and/or antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
Canine cough is not "born" at a kennel. It can be (and usually is) "caught" outside the facility and brought in by a dog. A dog can also be exposed at the park, grooming shop, pet store, veterinarian's office, walking around the neighborhood, or any place where dogs congregate or pass through. Unfortunately, canine cough does not show visible symptoms for five to ten days after exposure.
While we make intense efforts to prevent an outbreak through extensive cleaning and disinfecting, public awareness, and by requiring vaccinations, we can not guarantee that your dog will not be exposed.
Just as a child who attends school has the potential to contract a cold or flu which is seasonal, a dog being boarded also has the potential to contract canine cough which is also seasonal.
All dogs are required to be up-to-date on all vaccines. We recommend all dogs coming into our Spaw to be vaccinated for canine cough.
We make every effort to prevent an outbreak of all diseases at our facility. Therefore the possibility of your dog's exposure to canine cough although minimal, it is still possible.
Please be advised that if exposure to canine cough does occur, A Pawsitive Experience will not be held liable.
Please speak to your veterinarian for more information and recommendations on vaccinating your pet.
Flea and Tick Control
Our Spaw is regularly treated with a variety of dog safe flea and tick products. We pride ourselves in never having had a flea or tick infestation on the premises. Therefore, it is very unlikely that your dog will become infested with fleas or ticks while boarding with us. However it is still possible. Please check for the presence of fleas and ticks before you drop your pet(s) off.
In addition, please tell us if your dog has had a recent flea or tick infestation so that we can check for the reappearance of the parasite. We feel that it is extremely important that we be notified if your dog was treated "dipped" within a week of coming to our Spaw.
Although dips are a very effective treatment, they only kill the fleas that are present at the time the dog was treated. All too frequently the entire environment is not treated and re-infestation occurs. If this occurs, we will need to treat the dog again. SO PLEASE TELL US IF YOUR DOG WAS RECENTLY INFESTED. Also, please contact us immediately if you believe that your dog became infested while being boarded with us.
We also feel that it is an excellent idea that you use veterinary prescribed preventative measures to help control fleas and ticks such as Advantage or Revolution.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG WITH A FLEA COLLAR ON. Your dog is playing with other dogs all day long and other dogs can ingest the pesticide from the flea collar. Please ask us or your vet about other forms of flea and tick control.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is uncommon at our facility but it does occur. Although most dogs never get diarrhea while being boarded, others get it every time they are boarded. Occasionally a pet that has had a normal stool while here will get diarrhea when they return home.
What can cause this sudden onset of gastric upset?
Stress-Related Diarrhea:
The most common cause of diarrhea is "stress." This cause of diarrhea most frequently occurs with your pet if he has never been boarded or is infrequently boarded. A sudden change in your pet's routine can cause some dogs to stress a little bit and the result can be gastric upset. This is also the reason your pet might develop diarrhea when he returns home.
It is the change in environment that causes the stress.
Dietary Change:
Another cause of diarrhea can be a result of sudden change in diet. This type of diarrhea can usually be avoided by keeping your pet's food consistent. That is why we recommend providing your pet’s usual food for the duration of their stay with us.
Pet Injury or Illness
If your dog becomes ill or injured while being boarded with us, we will attempt to speak to your emergency contact. If they are unavailable we will, at our sole discretion, engage the services of your veterinarian. If your dog's regular veterinarian is not available, we will use our veterinarian or bring your dog to the local emergency clinic. Any expenses incurred as a result of veterinarian's services and transportation must be paid at the time of check out.
We will make every attempt to contact you if your dog becomes sick or injured. If it is an emergency or we can not reach you, we will go ahead and treat your pet.
While we make every effort to ensure that our facility is a safe place for even the most exuberant dog, we will not be held liable in the event that your dog injures itself.
Geriatric Pets
Over the years we have had many clients who have boarded geriatric dogs that are in failing health. In each situation we have felt that it was important to ask the questions, "What do you want us to do if your dog's health should fail?" and "What would you want us to do if your dog should pass away?" It would be an unfortunate situation if a geriatric dog were to be failing in health and possibly pass away, however it is a possibility.
Should the situation arise, we feel that it is extremely important that we know exactly what the owner wants us to do. Clients who board geriatric dogs must provide us with precise information as to the procedure to follow at check in.
Administiring Medication
We will administer medication to your dog as part of our routine. Specific provisions have been made to accurately administer and record the passing of medications. We will not charge extra for medication administration.
Please make sure the medication is clearly marked with the medication name and dosage information and your dog's name.
(519) 875-4305
info@apawsitiveexperience.ca