Your Dog’s Health is important to us

Prior to starting Daycare or Boarding, all dogs Must meet the following health requirements

Our Health Checklist

Up to date on the following vaccines:

  • Rabies

  • Parvo/Distemper

  • Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)*

*annual vaccine is required, however 6-month booster is recommended

Spayed/Neutered if 6-months or older

If your vet recommends a different time table, your dog has extenuating circumstances, or you have other concerns, please give us a call!

 Harmful Behavior & Burnout

We love having your dogs here in our groups, and we want what is best for them so this is a positive experience for them, and for you. If needed, we can work together to determine a schedule that works for you and fits your dog's needs and limitations

Harmful Behavior

Dogs can act differently when in a new environment or when experiencing changes at home. This can include anxious or neurotic behaviors that can result in physical harm to themselves, intentionally or otherwise. We monitor dogs to keep them safe but there is always a possibility that previously unknown or unseen behaviors can manifest.

Burnout

Doggy Daycare is a great way for dogs to get physical and mental stimulation, socialize, and burn off excess energy. Often, dogs do fine with regular, even frequent, daycare - either because that level of activity suits them or because they self-regulate effectively. Occasionally, however, there can be too much of a good thing.

  • Some factors such as age, physical limitations, lack of self regulation, or other factors can increase a dog’s chances of experiencing burnout. More often we see burnout when a dog is coming to daycare too often and/or for blocks of time that are too long for them, but we sometimes see it during or after unusually long boarding stays.

    • Irritability

    • Not wanting to get in or our of the car

    • Other changes in behavior

  • Sometimes dogs need a personal day, just like us!

    If we notice signs of burnout while at Home Sweet Home, we can mediate by implementing things such as more frequent/longer breaks or one-on-one time with your dog. We always watch out for burnout and will communicate with you about it.

Illnesses and other communicable diseases

Puppy Papilloma

Appears as a wart, or warts, that can show up quickly in or on the mouth of your dog - usually affecting younger dogs/puppies. It is a common virus meaning it’s contagious from dog to dog. We do daily checks of the dogs to try to catch these immediately. We ask that if you see papilloma on your dog you consult with your vet and do not bring your dog to daycare until it clears up completely (usually a couple weeks).

Intestinal Parasites & Fleas

Heartworms are a bloodborne parasite spread by mosquitoes that can be incredibly deadly. Monthly preventatives are essential in keeping your dog healthy. Keeping your dog up to date helps protect them against not only heartworms but also some intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Flea and tick preventatives can help keep your dog from contracting illnesses such as lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. They also assist in keeping your house free from a flea infestation!

CIRD aka Canine Respiratory Infectious Diseases

CIRD includes illnesses such as Bordetella, aka Kennel Cough, Canine Adenovirus, Pneumonia, and more. The incubation period, or time between exposure and the start of symptoms, can range from a few days to a few weeks. Vaccines and vigilance provide the best defenses against diseases like these; however, immunity is not guaranteed.

  • Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease describes a variety of respiratory diseases contracted by dogs. CIRD is commonly referred to as Kennel Cough but can be caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria including canine parainfluenza viruses, canine adenovirus type 2,  Distemper, and Bordetella. Despite vaccines being available for a handful of these viruses, and required facilities like ours, none are able to provide full immunity. Instead, these available vaccines seek to limit the severity of the disease.

    • Direct or indirect contact from animal-animal or animal-human

    • All dogs are at risk of contracting a communicable disease in any social setting (including dog parks, play-dates, and daycares) sometimes regardless of vaccination status

    • Dogs newer to socialization or experiencing periods of higher stress are often more prone to contracting diseases such as these.

  • We sterilize our facility daily and constantly monitor our packs for any signs or symptoms.

    *If we think that a dog may be showing signs of Kennel Cough we will immediately contact their owner.

    • A deep hacking or phlegmy cough, especially when active

    • Eye or nose discharge

    • Unusual lethargy

    1. Give us a call and to let us know

    2. Keep your dog home

      (DO NOT bring your dog to daycare, boarding stays, play-dates or any other place where they could interact with other dogs)

    3. Call or visit your vet if necessary

See our Full Introduction Packet Here