we have a 5 month old puppy, we are going to japan and need to find a good boarding kennel?

Question

we will be away for 3 weeks and need to find a good boarding kennel in the s.f bay area- we have never boarded our animals in the past but will have to this time and we are concerned-since he has quite literally never been alone from one of us. does anyone have a resource? Thanks Gregg

Answer 1

i travel alot, and when my partner and i were living in seperate countries i had to board one of my dogs for weeks at a time, it took me three tries to find a good kennel, but it turned out to be my snakes vet ironically who had the best kennel for her

1. try to find a kennel who has cement runs inside and out, instead of just stacked kennels
2. go on a walk through and make sure you feel OK there
3. ask to speak to a few of the kennel attendants, you can get a feel for how much they like dogs or if they are just there for the paycheck
4.dont board with a daycare, your dog should be kept solo, and played with only by humans its just safer, if your vet boards its better than a kennel trust me on this

relax, dogs come through it ok, they adjust and its only three weeks

AND HAVE FUN IN JAPAN (im going to osaka in august im so excited!!!

Answer 2

Be VERY careful boarding your puppy. 5-month-olds are very susceptible to diseases like kennel cough and kennels can be very harsh to a puppy(and any dog really). If at all possible, leave her with a dog-sitter, relative, or friend. If not possible, then(The Golden Rule) ask your vet for a list of reliable kennels. Some veterinary clinics will even board dogs themselves.

Answer 3

You may be better off seeing if a friend can care for your puppy for the three weeks.
As clean and wonderful as a kennel might seem, there are always problems. Fleas, mites, etc. And wouldn't you feel much better knowing your puppy was being cared for by a loving individual?
I know this doesn't help with your dilemma, but it is something to consider. I used to care for dogs, in my home, for people who went on vacation. It was interesting to say the least, but the dogs were in a home environment while with me.

Answer 4

Ask your vet, they may do those services or know a place that does. Make sure they are flea and tick free the kennels that is.

Answer 5

I think some vet offices and pet stores offer boarding. I would check with the vet you go to, and if they don't board the dogs, maybe they can tell you where you can.

Answer 6

Make sure Puppy has all his shot and that the kennel requires certian shots and parasite test in order for the dogs to be border in the facility... Don't be afraid to ask if you can see where your dog will be lodged. a good kennel will be happy to oblige... Make sure they have a vet on call or leave your vets # ...since this is the first time for your dog...bring with you his favorite toys, food and something personal from you and hubby ... like socks or shoes or an article of clothing... Something that has your scent on it so he feels you near by. Below is an article with all the information on what immunizations and why...It's lenghty but worth the read.... Relax and enjoy your trip be prepared for lots licks and jumping upon your return... Nothing on earth is ever happier to see you that man's best friend, whether you been gone a minute or 6 months, the welcoming joy is always the same

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Prior to purchasing your puppy, the breeder will have started his "puppy shots" and will either have wormed him and/or had his stool checked for parasites. They should offer you a written list of what was given and when, what tests were done, and the results. If your pup's parents have had health testing, you should ask to see the certified results or vet statements. Puppy boosters can vary in content and time schedule given. The puppy shots are generally started around 7 weeks and are given every 3-4 weeks thereafter for a total of 3 or 4 puppy combo shots. There are a variety of preventative shots and medications available and your pup may or may not need them depending on where you live and how much exposure your dog will have to such things as other dogs, parks, wooded areas, etc. or areas heavily infested with mosquitoes, fleas or ticks. Here are some of the more common reasons for your pups shots and medications.

DISTEMPER - This is a common viral disease, highly contagious and spread by secretions from infected animals. It is easily destroyed by disinfectants. Symptoms are: fever, watery nasal discharge, yellow eye drainage, and loss of appetite. If ignored, distemper can affect the respiratory, GI and central nervous system with twitching, unsteadiness, weakness, paralysis and seizures. It can be fatal, or result in serious chronic physical problems.

HEARTWORM - Contracted from the bite of an infected mosquito, it grows into a long, threadlike worm that makes it home in your dog's heart. Symptoms are: coughing, decreased exercise tolerance, and weight loss. Advanced stages will have a swollen abdomen, fever and difficulty breathing. It is difficult to treat, but left untreated, it is fatal.

KENNEL COUGH - Caused by several different bacteria and viruses, such as canine parainfluenza, canine adenovirus-2 and bordatella bronchoseptica. Severity of symptoms varies with age and condition of dog. To puppies, older or debilitated dogs, it can be fatal. Symptoms are: spasms of dry, harsh coughing, usually followed by gagging or retching, fever, nasal discharge and depression.

LEPTOSPIROSIS - Transmitted through the urine of infected animals, it has been on the rise in the past few years. It is contagious to humans. Symptoms are: vomiting, depression, kidney pain with frequent urination, ulcers of the mouth/tongue, and a thick brown coating of the tongue. Both bloody vomiting and stools may occur.

LYMES DISEASE - Transmitted by ticks during their feeding. Symptoms are: a rash that is "target" like in appearance, fever, lameness caused by joint stiffness/swelling, and paralysis. Treatment is difficult and can extend over a long period of time.

CANINE HEPATITIS - Not the same as the human form, this disease primarily affects the liver, kidneys and the lining of the blood vessels. Symptoms are various as this virus can be anywhere from mild to fatal and can strike suddenly with rapid advancement. High fevers, bloody diarrhea, refusal of food, painful movement, jaundice, bleeding gums and sensitivity to light require immediate vet intervention.

RABIES - Transmitted via infected saliva and affects the brain. Symptoms are personality changes, staring off into space, sensitivity to light, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. As the virus progresses, the dog will either become agitated and aggressive, or paralytic - the mouth drops open with the tongue hanging out, drooling, coughing and pawing at the mouth. Once symptoms develop, it is fatal. Definite diagnosis can be made by autopsy only.

PARVOVIRUS - Highly contagious between dogs, it is transmitted by contaminated droplets and stool. It can easily be transported from kennel to kennel on shoes, crates or other inanimate objects. Affecting the GI tract, bone marrow, lymph nodes and heart, the symptoms are: abdominal pain, fever, bloody diarrhea, depression with loss of appetite and difficulty breathing. It is highly fatal to puppies. This virus is resistant to most disinfectants.

CORONAVIRUS - Coronavirus is transmitted by contact with infected saliva and/or stool. The stool is usually noted to be yellow-orange in color, foul smelling,watery, and often bloody. Dehydration, weight loss and death can occur. It can reoccur 3-4 weeks after the initial symptoms subside.

GIARDA - Caused by contaminated food or water from an infected animals stool, most often a wild animal or cross contamination at a dog park or other place where many dogs gather. It is usually asymptomatic in adult dogs, but will cause diarrhea, possibly mixed with blood and mucous in puppies. Diagnosis can be difficult, but once found, is easily treated. The source of the giardia contamination must be removed.

COCCIDIA - Very common in the canine population, it is estimated that 80% of all domesticated dogs are infected with coccidia. Again, like giardia, it is asymptomatic in adult dogs, but the spores are shed in stool, recontaminating the ground for youngsters to pick up once they tred through contaminated areas. It is also easily treated, but often recurs due to the spores shed and ground contamination. Luckily, treatment is cheap, however must be given for 21 days. Immaculate yard pick-up of feces is a must during this time. There is no way known to completely decontaminated the yard/play area, although it is surmised that a good winter freeze will do the trick. This writer suspects that it is just the pup coming into adulthood that ceases the symptoms, rather than a winter freeze.