Hope Animal Hospital November 2006 Newsletter Getting Ready for the Holidays

If you are traveling out of town for the holidays, prepare your dog or cat in advance. Think twice about taking your pet with you by plane, since traveling in the cargo hold can be dangerous (especially in cold weather) and very stressful. Traveling by car is easier for pets that are used to car travel; the safest way is in a crate. Be sure to stop frequently for "relief".

Before you leave, check that your destination will accept pets, whether it's a hotel or a relative's house. And it's a good idea to get a temporary tag for your pet which lists a phone number you can be reached at during your trip. The staff at Hope Animal Hospital can make an individualized tag in minutes for you. Also make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and they have a have a permanent form of identification such as a microchip. If you think your pet needs a sedative make sure and call us ahead of time for advice.

Avoid over-feeding before traveling. Unless you’re pet has a medical condition that requires more frequent feeding. Do not feed your pet four hours before traveling. Consult your veterinarian for individual advice. Consider carrying a small snack or treat for the journey. Also, ice cubes and water bottles are good sources of hydration with little mess

If you are traveling without your pet, plan your pet's boarding in advance. Many boarding kennels fill up during holidays. Check out any kennel you are considering. Make sure that there's enough room for your pet.

There are several ways of locating the kennels that are convenient to you:

1. Yellow Pages: Yellow page advertising is the primary method of kennel advertising.

2. Recommendations of friends: Satisfied customers are the best recommendation that a kennel can receive. Check with your family and friends for their experiences both good and bad.

3. Better Business Bureau: Ask about a specific kennel's reputation and if any complaints have been lodged against them.

4. Ask your veterinarian: Your veterinarian should be aware of the reputations of local kennel

Evaluating a Kennel:

After finding your local kennels, you can determine the one to use by:

1. Telephoning the kennel: Call to see if the kennel can accommodate your pet. During peak times such as the Christmas season and summer vacations, many kennels are booked up and cannot accept your pet. Also, because some pets require special handling or accommodations (very young puppies, animals on special medication or feeding schedules.), all kennels may not accept them. While you are on the phone, make an appointment to visit the kennel.

2. Making a personal visit to the kennel: A personal visit is essential to determine whether the kennel will be satisfactory. During your visit, observe or ask about the following:

General appearance of the kennel:

Following regular daily clean-up procedures, the kennel should look (and smell) neat and clean. Kennel operators are proud of their kennels and like to show them off, but some of them do not permit visitors in areas where animals are housed. However, kennels with a "No Visitors" policy should provide you some type of viewing window, so that you can see where your pet will be staying.

In visiting your local kennels, you will observe that there are several types of kennel designs currently in use. Some kennels have indoor/outdoor runs; some have totally enclosed facilities; and some house pets inside, but utilize outside exercise areas.

Health care: Inquire about the following:

1. Water: Individual containers filled with clean drinking water should be available to each animal.

2. Food: Feeding procedures vary from kennel to kennel. Some kennels supply preferred brands of feed, which they serve to all boarders. However, they usually allow you to bring your pet's favorite food, if you wish.

3. Veterinary services: Ask about the procedure for obtaining veterinary service, if required. Some kennels retain a veterinarian on the premises. Others prefer to use your pet's veterinarian so that there will be a continuity of care. Remember that it is customary (and responsible) for you to be financially responsible for any veterinary care required for your pet while it is being boarded.

4. Immunization requirements: Dogs should be immunized against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHPP), and Bordetella. Cats should be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia or distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and pneumonitis (FVRCPP) and Bordetella.

5. Medication policies and procedures: If you’re pet is taking medication, advise the kennel operator of the nature of the problem and the type and frequency of medication. Many kennels will not accept animals requiring excessive medication (more than three times per day, or nighttime medication, for example) or animals requiring potentially dangerous medication (diabetes shots, for example). Ask if there is an additional charge for medicating.

6. Parasite control: If you live in an area in which fleas and /or ticks are a problem, your kennel should utilize procedures for controlling these parasites at the owners cost.

Provision for animal comfort:

1. Temperature control: The kennel should be able to maintain temperatures within healthful, comfortable limits for your pets. If you have an older pet, or a pet that requires warmer or cooler accommodations than are normally provided, determine if special arrangements can be made.

2. Protection from the elements: Exercise areas should provide shelter from wind, rain, snow and direct sunlight.

3. Ventilation: Good ventilation (no drafts) helps minimize the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.

4. Light: Lighting should be at comfortable levels during the day.

5. Bedding: Find out what arrangements are made for pet bedding. Some kennels provide resting platforms, bedding or newspaper. Others require that you bring bedding from home. Check if there are any restrictions on owner-provided bedding (wicker beds and feather pillows, for example, may not be accepted).

6. Sleeping Quarters: As you know from observing your pet, most of his or her time is spent resting or sleeping. Your kennel should provide a place for this purpose (a primary enclosure). It should be clean and dry, and roomy enough for your pet to stand up comfortably, turn around easily, and stretch out.

7. Exercise Area: All animals require exercise, but the requirements for dogs and cats are different. Take time to make sure your pet’s requirements can be met.

Preparing For Boarding

1. Make your reservations early: Most kennels are booked up on holidays and during vacation times. If you wait until the last minute to make your reservations, you may be disappointed. As you make your reservations, verify those items which you should bring with you to the kennel (immunization records, special food, medication, bedding, and toys). Make arrangements for any special services that you wish to have performed while your pet is in the kennel (grooming, or training). As you make your reservations, find out what type of payment arrangements are acceptable (credit cards, personal checks, money orders).

2. Prepare your pet for boarding: Remember that pets, like people, usually appreciate a vacation in new surroundings with new friends. Dogs, once they become familiar with their new surroundings, have a marvelous, exciting time, almost like kids at summer camp. (If your dog has never been boarded before, you might consider short, overnight stays at the kennel prior to an extended boarding stay to help him or her get used to boarding. Every time you return your dog is less likely to be affected by "separation anxiety" and can enjoy boarding more.)

As a rule, kittens take to boarding easily and have a wonderful time. Adult cats usually display a very nonchalant attitude towards boarding and prefer to sit quietly and observe the daily kennel routine. They don't seem inclined to make new feline friends or participate in group play, but seem content to rest, eat, make friends with the help and purr. Make sure that all immunizations are current (and have immunization records). Don't over feed your pet right before going to the kennel. The extra food is not really necessary and the result might be an upset stomach.

3. Check in during business hours: Bring all agreed upon medications, etc. Make sure that medications list the prescription number and name of the pharmacy so the kennel can obtain a refill if your return is unexpectedly delayed. Allow enough time in the kennel office to fill out the necessary paperwork. The kennel needs to know such things as: name, address, phone number, return date, additional services requested, where you can be reached in case of an emergency, the name of a local contact, your veterinarian's name and phone number, special feeding instructions (if any), medication instructions, etc.

If your pet has any special problems which are not covered on the check-in forms, such as fear of thunder, epilepsy, or deafness, point them out to your kennel operator. All of this information helps your kennel take better care of your pet, especially if there is any type of emergency requiring special action. (And this is what professional care is all about. Anyone can feed your pet, as long as nothing goes wrong. But what you want for your pet is supervision by someone who can assess and respond properly to emergencies).

Don't be surprised if your kennel operator asks you to leave your pet in the kennel office, rather than allowing you to place your pet in his run. This is done so that your pet will see you leave and will realize that you have entrusted him or her to the care of the kennel operator. It also eliminates the possibility of your dog getting the erroneous impression that you are placing him in the run to "guard" it. When dogs get that impression, they sometimes become aggressive.

4. Bring only items that are not valuable: Your pet may behave during boarding differently than they do at home. Do not bring anything to leave with your pet that is valuable, one of a kind, or irreplaceable. Items left at the kennel may be soiled or destroyed by your pet. It also may get lost or damaged in the process of cleaning up after your pet. Most kennels will not take financial responsibility for items left with your pet. Do not bring your pet’s favorite toy or best bed. An old towel with your scent on it or an inexpensive toy is more appropriate to bring.

5. Relax and enjoy your trip: Remember that you are leaving your pet in the hands of capable professionals. Pets in the kennel probably receive more care and attention than they would at home.

House Sitters

If you feel more comfortable having sitters come to your house. It is important to know the person coming in your house and know they are dependable and trust worthy in your house. Make sure you get referrals and references from other clients before intrusting that person with your pets and home.

Make sure the sitter has pertinent information so they can take proper care of pets.

• Name of each cat: coloring/fur, whether the cat is friendly or hides special diet, medication, likes and dislikes, favorite toys, favorite hiding places.
• Where you will be, with phone numbers.
• Road travel or flight itinerary, hotel itinerary.
• Name and number of a neighbor who has a spare key.
• Name and number of your vet and, if you have one in your area, your 24 hour emergency clinic.
• Details about feeding - how much, how often, where food is stored.
• Details about litter boxes - where they are located, where to dispose used litter, where fresh litter is stored.
• Details about plant care, picking up newspapers and mail.
• Details about the house - example, should closet doors remain open, lights to remain on, toilet seats stay lowered, etc.
• All emergency phone numbers (including 911 or police direct dial and fire direct dial).

Vaccinations for grooming

During the holiday season one important task on the pet owners list is grooming. Again make sure you get a reservation early so you can get your pet when it is convenient you. Make sure you get references and referrals. It is also a good idea to ask to see the facility and if you can observe for a while. It is important the groomer knows how to treat your pet and what the pet needs. You want to make sure both you and your pet leave the groomers with a good experience.

Vaccination requirements for grooming vary from facility to facility. Some require no vaccines, some require only rabies vaccine to protect the groomer in case of a bite and some require Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella. Hope Animal Hospital recommends all dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies, DHPP (FVRCP for cats), and Bordetella. Rabies and DHPP (FVRCP for cats) is important for obvious reasons but Bordetella is important to keep your pet from getting a bad upper respiratory infection. Your pet may still get the infection but it won’t be as bad. Make sure and protect your pet from contagious disease no matter what the grooming facilities policy is on vaccinations.

The holidays should be fun and stress free for you and your pet. Make sure you call your veterinarian if you have any questions about traveling, boarding or grooming.