Many individuals prefer not to board or daycare their dogs due in large part to worries about illness or harm. While it's fair to be concerned, if your pet is up to date on vaccines and you've done your homework on a reputable facility, they should be safe. Dogs can still get sick after being in a social environment, much like students at school. Following a visit to a dog daycare, dogs may become susceptible to the following frequent illnesses:
- Fertilizers and Pesticides – Some of these items are potentially toxic to canines.
- Prevention includes using caution when fertilizing your lawn and applying pesticides to your property. Communicate concerns to the boarding facility. After hours, these items should not be used at reputable facilities unless they are in a controlled environment.
- External parasites (ticks, fleas, mange, mites, etc.) – These problems are pretty typical in canines. Ticks originate from the environment, fleas from the environment or other dogs, mange originates from other dogs, and mites are transmitted directly from dog to dog. Fleas can occasionally spread diseases or other conditions like tapeworms.
- Prevention comes from a variety of approved preventative products that are available at pet stores and from veterinarians. Consult your veterinarian regarding the finest options for your pet.
- Canine parvovirus (parvo) – Parvo is a highly contagious virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Fever, vomiting, and severe (sometimes bloody) diarrhea are among the symptoms. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog as well as surfaces, hands, and garments that have been contaminated. This virus is difficult to eradicate as it can persist in soil for years. Unfortunately, parvo is frequently fatal and its treatment is costly.
- Prevention involves an effective vaccine, which is also regarded as a core vaccine for all canines. As with the distemper vaccine, most reputable boarding facilities will require it.
- Canine influenza (Dog flu) – This virus is relatively new to canines, and because many dogs have never been exposed to it, they frequently contract it when exposed. Respiratory secretions and contaminated objects (such as feeding dishes, pet beds, collars, and leashes) facilitate the transmission of canine influenza. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on textiles for 24 hours, and on human hands for up to 12 hours. Even prior to exhibiting symptoms, dogs can be contagious. Similar to kennel cough, symptoms consist of wheezing, fever, and a runny nose.
- Prevention comes through a vaccine, although it isn't currently advised for all dogs. Discuss your options with your veterinarian.
- Canine distemper – Canine distemper is a contagious virus that is typically spread through respiratory secretions from an affected dog or through virus particles in the air. Runny eyes and nose, fever, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea are among the symptoms. Seizures and paralysis may occur in severe cases, which, regrettably, can be fatal.
- Prevention involves an effective vaccine, which is regarded as a core vaccine for all canines. Generally, reputable daycare and lodging facilities will require this vaccination.
Check out Part 2 of this blog series for additional advice on keeping your dog safe in social situations.
