Vaccinations and Veterinary Care

Photo: Elmo

The choice to vaccinate or not should be made between you and your veterinarian based on your pet's health needs, and their clinic's protocols. For your pet's safety and for the safety of all of our guests, vaccinations for serious communicable diseases must be current, with no vaccinations being given in the two weeks prior to boarding. For pets who are older or who have certain non-contagious health problems, the health risks posed through vaccination may be greater than the risk of non-vaccination. We accept non-vaccinated pets only after consulting with your veterinarian about their health status and/or antibody titer count verification.

Puppies must be at least 16 weeks old and have had their last booster shot at minimum two weeks prior to boarding.

We will not risk your dog's health or the health of any other dog in our care. Therefore, vaccinations must be administered by a qualified veterinarian or veterinary technician. Vaccinations cannot be self-administered.

The Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccination is optional – you and your veterinarian can decide if it's right for your dog. If you choose to give the Bordatella vaccination, it must also not be given within the two weeks prior to boarding.

We will contact your veterinary clinic in advance of your reservation to confirm that vaccinations are current. If you use an out-of-Regina veterinary clinic other than TMz in Lumsden or the Indian Head Veterinary Clinic, or if you use Albert North, please contact your clinic and give them permission for us to access your dog’s vaccination records prior to sending this form to us. If you use an at-home veterinary clinic (Drs. Jackson or Ward), please e-mail or fax us a copy of your vaccination certificates.

The two-week wait period

Some dogs experience vaccination reactions where they feel a little off, get rashes, etc. a few days after the shot. For those who have reactions, it's easier on them to get over that when they're in their regular home routine.

Some vaccines use modified live viruses. Unfortunately with that type of vaccine, your dog can actually shed the virus to other dogs. So while your dog is protected, other dogs around them are at a slightly elevated risk level.

Annual vaccinations are also a time for your dog to get their annual physical exam. If your veterinarian finds something that needs treating, it's nice to have time for your dog to get their treatment and be cured before their holiday.

Kennel Cough:

You love experiencing life, and so should your dog. Like you, if your pet leaves the house for a walk in your neighbourhood or the park, or visits the vet's office, he is likely exposed to disease. While scientifically, kennel cough can be caused one of a number of things such as bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, two viruses called Parainfluenza virus and Adenovirus, and even an organism called Mycoplasma, when a dog gets a respiratory infection, unfortunately for kennel operators, it's commonly referred to as kennel cough.

Some veterinarians recommend the Bordetella or kennel cough vaccine. However, other veterinarians discourage it. (We like to think of it as the flu shot - some get it, some don't. It all depends on the individual and their specific health situation.)

Dogs not showing symptoms can pass one of these diseases along, and all they need to do to spread it is clear their throat once just after we’ve thoroughly cleaned. It's exactly the same as when kids come back from school with a cold, or you catch something at the office.

We notice that it seems to be more common during the same seasons that people catch the flu. It seems that dogs who aren't vaccinated don't get it more often than those who are vaccinated. Mostly, it's a couple of days of hacking, then gone. However, you never know. A few years ago a more serious strain of something came through Regina and "all" dogs were getting it, even those who lived their lives in their own back yards.

If after a visit, you notice a phlegmy cough that sounds like a smoker’s hack or duck honk, please call us to let us know – we like to keep track of it so we can let others know when it’s running through. Normally they'll hack, cough and spit up, then recover on their own within three to 10 days. In the same way that you soothe a person's sore throat, you can help them feel more comfortable by giving a wee bit of honey.

If however, you notice other symptoms– fever, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, etc., please take your dog to your vet, as they may have something completely unrelated. Do not give medications without consulting a veterinarian.

Talk with your veterinarian to decide what's best for your dog.

If you're interested in learning more:

• ThePetCentre.com has a a very good article that explains much more about it all

• Here's a YouTube video where you can hear and see it in action.