For a stress-free vacation, follow these tips on boarding your dog for the first time
- Make an appointment.
- Pack your dog's favorite things.
- Bring your own food and treats.
- Your departure shouldn't be dramatic.
- Always leave your contact information.
- Don't worry so much!
If a puppy must go home before 7-to-8-weeks of age, Foote recommends it be “mentored” by an older puppy or tolerant dog. Regardless of whether a breeder chooses to send a puppy home at 8 weeks or 12 weeks, it's clear that what happens during the weeks between is what matters.
It's important for your pup to be exposed to as many new people, animals, objects, sounds, smells and situations as possible, but it's okay to keep a little distance between him and his environment until he's fully vaccinated.
Puppies, as early as 8 week old, can be left behind in a crate up to however old they are in months plus one hour. So if your puppy is 8 weeks old (2months) plus one hour=3 hours.
In general, healthy adult dogs that come into contact with large groups of other dogs should have a Bordetella vaccine annually, and boarding facilities may require a booster within the last six months. Talk to your veterinarian about protecting your puppy from Bordetella with a vaccination at the appropriate age.
Kennel cough is highly contagious, but it's usually treatable in healthy dogs. The infection can be life threatening only in puppies, older dogs, or immune-compromised dogs. The disease can spread through: Airborne droplets.
Should I get my dog vaccinated against Kennel Cough, even if not staying in kennels? In short; yes, it's worth considering. The name 'Kennel Cough' implies that your dog should only require inoculation if they are going to be visiting a kennel in the near future.
What you may not know is that kennel cough vaccines are effective when administered every 12 months. Most bordetella vaccines on the market today (injectable, oral or nasal) have been licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for annual protection.
While Bordetella is the most common cause of kennel cough, other bacteria and viruses can trigger the condition. Kennel cough is an all-encompassing term used for the multitude of contagious canine respiratory illnesses.
Some animals may also experience fever, nasal discharge, lack of appetite and lethargy. Although there is the chance that a mild respiratory infection may become more serious, the majority of infections are typically self limiting and characterized by a mild cough that lasts 1-2 weeks.
Is kennel cough dangerous or life-threatening? While a nuisance, kennel cough is not normally dangerous and is likely to need no treatment at all. But in puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can be more serious and can develop into pneumonia.
Rabies, canine distemper, and upper respiratory ("kennel cough") vaccines are universally required. Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet.
Individual vaccine prices for dogs
| Rabies 1 Year | $15 |
|---|
| Distemper/Parvo (DHPPv) | $25 |
| Kennel Cough (Bordetella) | $17 |
| Lepto, Distemper, Parvo 5 Way | $35 |
| Rattlesnake | $33 |
Nina Torres says it's fine for most adult dogs to be in a crate “nine hours maximum” during the day (with a walk in the middle), and then eight hours at night – unless they are seniors or large dogs needing to stretch their joints. I work from home, so I observe my dogs' behavior during the day.
Most of the advice I've already written above about how to keep a dog warm at night will equally apply to a young puppy. However, puppies are extremely vulnerable to the cold and don't cope well with low temperatures at night.
Puppies can quite literally cry themselves to death. A little crying is OK, just not hours. Do not leave the puppy alone during the day until he has completely adjusted to his new home.
Puppy's first night home: How to stop your puppy from crying
- Tire him out. Don't let your puppy take a cozy nap at your feet right before bed.
- Limit food and water before bed. Cut your puppy off from food and water about an hour before bedtime.
- Keep him close. If possible, let the puppy sleep in your room with you.
- Use music to calm.
- When crying continues.
“He doesn't seem to like being left alone and cries every time I leave the room.” Whilst there are different schools of thought about whether to respond to or leave a puppy to cry at night, the advice from dog experts is that they shouldn't be left to cry.
Signs that can indicate your dog is too cold
- Shaking or shivering.
- Hunched posture with a tucked tail.
- Whining or barking.
- Change in behaviour, like seeming anxious or uncomfortable.
- Reluctance to keep walking or tries to turn around.
- Seeks places for shelter.
- Lifts paw off the ground.
Remember that your puppy should not be going outside the home until they have finished their course of core vaccinations, and some breeds should not be kept outside as their coats are not thick enough to keep them warm.
The same goes for adult dogs being housetrained. Crate your dog until they are able to be alone in the house without accidents or destructive habits. The crate should always have a comfortable bed and the door left open when you're home so your dog can enter it when they need a safe space.
If your dog is sleeping outside, it is essential it has a good quality kennel to allow it to hide away from the weather. A kennel should shelter your dog from harsh wind, rain and the cold. Dogs require this protection so that heat is not drawn away from their body.
