Summer time has arrived and with it, an increase in the number of pets being put into kennels as their owners head away on holidays. This blog will address the issues to look out for and the preventative health measures needed before and after putting your pet into kennels.
Choosing a Boarding Kennel
There are a number of things to look out for when choosing a kennel for your pet. When checking out potential boarding kennels, pay particular attention to the following:
1. Does the boarding kennels look & smell clean?
2. Are the boarding kennels & its surroundings secure?
3. Is there sufficient ventilation & light?
4. Is a comfortable environmental temperature maintained?
5. Are the staff members knowledgeable & caring?
6. Are all pets required to have all their vaccinations up-to-date?
7. Will your pet have their own adequately sized kennel & a schedule for exercise?
8. Make sure that dogs are not exercised with other dogs because of the risk of fighting.
9. Are cats housed away from dogs?
If your pet has special dietary or medical requirements, it is also important to ensure these requirements will be met during their stay.
Vaccinations required
A reputable boarding kennel will insist insist on proof of up-to-date of full vaccination, including Canine Cough for dogs. Canine Cough vaccination is one vaccination required for dogs entering boarding kennels.
Cats are vaccinated against Feline Panleucopaenia Virus, Feline Herpes Virus, Chlamydophila and Feline Calicivirus. At City Vet we always recommend vaccination against Feline Leukaemia, a very serious AIDS like disease.
Worm & Flea Treatment
City Vet recommends treating your pet with an effective worm treatment such as before putting your pet into a boarding kennel. This will ensure they are protected against picking up worms such as tapeworm & roundworm which could be active in the grounds of boarding kennels.
We would also recommend treating your pet with an effective flea treatment before putting your pet in a boarding kennel and again after. There are spot-on treatments which protect your pets from fleas & ticks they may pick up in their new environment.
If you need to put your pet into a boarding kennel this summer or anytime throughout the year, visit the Irish Boarding Kennels & Cattery Association website for a list of kennels in your area or contact City Vet on 061-419760 for a list of local boarding kennels.