Boarding Tips

Puppy Cottage experienced, certified personnel are trained in canine care and to recognize the warning signs of potential health problems and will contact a veterinarian if they feel it is called for. Many times it’s easier for us to detect problems than it is for the pet owner (e.g., blood in the urine can be more easily detected in the kennel than at home) because they are exercised in specific areas, which are cleaned regularly.

However, it’s not part of our job to diagnose or to prescribe. If your pet requires veterinary aid while with us, you should be aware that you are financially responsible for such aid. Before boarding, let us know about any medication or special care your pet might need. We do offered a certain amount of individual care (playing with, talking to, petting) but you must be reasonable. (Asking us to check on your pet at 2 a.m. to see if he's uncovered is not reasonable.)

During boarding, dogs may step in their stools or urine and become dirty. This happens in the cleanest of kennels! Some of the finest disinfectants available for sanitizing are not always the most pleasant smelling and the odor may cling to your dog's coat. Dogs may also smell of their natural sweats due to all the exercising and other dogs’ saliva due to their playtime. If bathing is necessary let us know that you want your pet to have a bath on the day he/she goes home. We will also include a necessities bath if the needs arises, thus don't be surprise to see a bill for grooming upon pick up.

A Working Partnership

If you choose to board your doggie with us, you need to understand that boarding is a shared responsibility. Here are a few things you must attend to before boarding your pet:

Dogs should be prepared psychologically for boarding. It's best to start boarding them as a pup as soon as their vaccinations (third as a puppy) are complete. Puppies usually learn quickly to enjoy boarding. 

We offer "day-care" services so you can leave your dog for a few hours at a time. This is an excellent way to introduce your dog to boarding. After a few visits your doggie should enjoy being with us!

The psychological preparation of a dog for boarding (and also for helping him develop a healthy personality) also includes getting him used to new people and experiences (socialization). This is most easily accomplished by taking him for a walk at the dog park or occasionally come boarding with us. 

Naturally, a dog that is relaxed about boarding will likely board well. A pet owner should never moan or cry over his dog in the boarding place upon leaving them. It will cause your dog to be unnecessarily emotionally upset.

Your dog on current vaccination is a must to ensure that your dogs stay healthy and for the safety of the rest of the residents. Bordetella vaccine is highly recommended for our doggie guess.

Understanding the Kennel Environment

Any time your dog stays at a kennel, he or she will experience some amount of stress. In some cases dogs may develop tracheobronchitis or, occasionally, intestinal problems while boarding. Also, some dogs carry bacterias/ viruses in their systems for months and begin to show symptoms only after being subjected to a stress situation. In other words, they can "catch" a disease from themselves. Sometimes temporary behavior changes occur as a result of unfamiliar surroundings. Your dog may tears up the bed he has slept in for years or even known as "Killer," that dog which scourge of the neighborhood, turns into a little lamb at our cottage.

Eating habits change under stress and dogs can assimilate food differently. Some will eat like canaries at home and like vultures at a kennel so they may put on a few pounds. Others may lose weight though eating well or by not eating enough. Boarding life can be very exciting and some dogs lose weight because they run the weight off as they charge around barking at other dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often go home exhausted but happy and sleep a lot the first couple of days at home. A successful boarding experience depends not only upon the kennel but also upon how well the owner prepares their doggie for the experience.

Now that He is Home Again

Upon picked up he will be very excited to see you. Dogs do not have a sense of time. They’ll be as happy to see you after 5 minutes as after 5 days. Do not feed him (though he will act hungry once he gets home) for at least 3 hours, taking care not to overfeed. Also, excitement will cause him to pant a lot, lose body water and be thirsty. Give him a few ice cubes or sips of water to tide him over until feeding time. Remember, in his excited state food and water can create problems.