Health & Safety of Your Pet - Sweet Dreams Groom-n-Board

What if my dog gets injured or becomes ill?
If this occurs, you will be notified immediately if the problem is severe and deemed emergency. If Vet care is deemed necessary, we will transport your dog to your own local Vet. If you are from outside of the area, we will transport your pet to the closest local animal hospital. You will be responsible for your pet’s medical costs. If an event occurs after Veterinarian hours, we will transport your pet to the closest Emergency Vet. Remember all injuries and illnesses are prevented to the BEST of our ability. We love all dogs and have dog-proofed our facility as well as any facility can be. Just like a child, a dog can fall and trip during “recess” and need treatment/care for injuries, scratches and/or bruises or become ill while under our care. Remember we will be notifying you as soon as any problem arises and will work with you on what we recommend or deem important to your pet’s well-being.
How do you clean your facility?
We use pet safe Germicide disinfectant to remove virus and bacteria agents: · Each pet enclosure to ensure each guest arrives to a clean & dry Room · Cleaning walls and mopping/scrubbing all floors & drains · Spot cleaning if your dog has soiled in his/her room · Spraying down playgrounds and potty yards during Spring, Summer and Fall (temps above freezing) We pick up pet feces as soon as we see it and dispose of it in a pit designed for animal waste. We provide our overnight boarding guests a morning “tidy” of their room by tidying up any bedding, removing hair, cleaning glass doors, disinfecting commonly handled door closures, and ensuring clean water dishes each morning. Our standard is to daily create a clean odor-free environment despite the pet hair, odor, dander, and dirt that animals create. Our Staff work hard daily to create a shining environment for your pet.
What are contagious illnesses that my dog could get
from being around other dogs?
· Tracheobronchitis (Canine Cough) : The main cause of tracheobronchitis is an airborne organisms (largely caused by virus, although sometimes due to bacteria or mycoplasma). A dog with Canine Cough will develop a coarse, dry, hacking cough about five to ten days after being infected. It sounds as if the dog is trying to “clear its throat” and the cough will be triggered by any extra activity including exercise, drinking water, and exposure to change of temperatures. Their general state of health and alertness are usually not affected, usually have no rise in temperature, and do not lose their appetite. Every dog is required to be vaccinated for Bordetella, but just like the human flu virus, some strains can evolve making the vaccine “ineffective”. Dogs that are more at risk are puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs who may have a suppressed immune system.
· “Doggy Pink Eye” Eye conjunctivitis: Just like human pink eye, a dog will demonstrate “goop” in the eye(s), greenish in color, and may or may not need treatment depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
· Internal/External Parasites: We require all dogs be on an intestinal parasite preventative AND be on a topical or oral form of flea control. This is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their pet is protected. Refer to your veterinarian for the most appropriate internal and external parasite control. · Diarrhea or Stomach Upset: Diarrhea or stomach “bugs” can be caused by virus, bacteria and/or internal parasites. The pet may or may not have a fever.
Please note: Even in the most hygienic, well-ventilated, spacious pet care facility, the possibility of your pet acquiring any of the aforementioned contagious illnesses is still a risk factor. You don’t need to isolate your pet to prevent infection. The best recommendation is to discuss with your veterinarian what combination of vaccines and boosters they recommend, as well as be aware of what local illness are going around. No vaccine is ever 100% guaranteed to keep a dog from getting ill. We have had cases of upper respiratory infection over the years and understand that when a carrying dog (not showing symptoms) or ill dog (showing symptoms) causes other dogs to become ill it is frustrating to the Owner. Just like a child getting a contagious illness from friends at school, if your pet does come down with a contagious illness, please do not blame anyone or any place. There may have been an infected dog, unknown to anyone, that acted as a source for other dogs. We ask ALL pet owners to be aware of their pet’s behaviors and check for signs of illness, and if your pet exhibits any signs of illness (i.e. diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, or anything out of the ordinary), PLEASE DO NOT bring ill dogs into our facility. We are always looking for signs and symptoms of illness in any dog while they are attending Sweet Dreams Groom and Board. If in the event your dog shows signs and symptoms of a contagious illness, we will isolate your dog immediately from other dogs and you will be notified. Thankfully due to our cleaning protocols, proper air ventilation, and adhering to vaccination protocols, customer education of illness symptoms in dogs, we are able to minimize the risk here at our facility. Remember, would you isolate your child to prevent a cold? Socialization and quality pet care is just as important and often necessary for our fur-kids.