If you are planning a trip, you might already be looking into boarding options for your dog. Our Las Vegas vets are here to tell you what shots your dog needs for boarding.
What shots do dogs need to be boarded?
If you are looking to board your dog while you take a vacation, you need to do a little bit of planning to ensure that all requirements are met. The vaccines required for boarding dogs at all reputable boarding facilities are Bordetella, rabies and DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus).
Every kennel and boarding facility is different so it's important that once you've selected the right facility for your pup, you speak to the staff about their specific requirements. If you would like to board your dog at Island Pet Hospital we require your dog to be up-to-date with all vaccinations and free of fleas and ticks.
How long after vaccination can my dog be boarded?
Fortunately, the rabies vaccine and DHPP are both effective for 1-3 years depending on the type given, but the Bordetella vaccine is only effective for six months. As a result, if you keep your dog's vaccinations current, you shouldn't have too many concerns.
It's fine if you forgot to get a booster shot along the way! We simply ask that you vaccinate your dog at least two weeks before it needs to be boarded. However, if you're wondering how long it takes for a vaccine, such as kennel cough, to take effect before boarding, three days should suffice.
What happens if I don't get my dog vaccinated before boarding?
Most dog boarding facilities require proof of current vaccinations before allowing you to leave your dog. If you are unable to provide that information, veterinary facilities that provide boarding may be able to administer your dog's shots on the day of drop-off, but this is not advised. Vaccinations take time to take effect, so your dog will not be completely immune to contagious diseases that spread quickly when dogs are in close proximity. For example, the kennel cough vaccine for dogs typically takes effect three days later.
If your dog is not immunized, they will most likely be denied entry to the boarding facility; however, if they are not, you risk exposing them to a variety of infectious and often fatal diseases that require expensive veterinary treatment to treat.
Other Ways To Prepare For Dog Boarding
The following are helpful tips regarding what you can do to make your experience boarding your dog as easy as possible.
Understand the boarding facility's rules and policies.
Before boarding your dog at a new facility, inquire about the policies, guidelines, and services offered. For example, what kind of food do they feed their dogs? What personal belongings (toys, blankets, etc.) are permitted? What are the emergency procedures? Can they give your dog medication?
Asking about the policies, procedures, and services the facilities offer can help you determine the best home away from home for your dog.
Check out the facility well ahead of time.
Kennels with a lot of pets can quickly become unkempt. While it is impossible to keep a boarding facility completely sterile, a high-quality one will look and smell fresh. So, before you book your dog's stay, make sure the kennel is organized and clean.
Keep your own emotions in check when you drop off your dog.
Dogs are good at reading their pet parents' emotions. Your dog will know if you are stressed, overcompensating, or saying goodbye. Your dog's mood and behavior will reflect this, making it difficult for him to unwind once you leave. To facilitate the separation, keep things simple, brief, and positive.
Your dog may exhibit different behaviors when they first come home.
It is critical to understand that your dog may behave strangely in the first few days after returning from the kennel. Your dog may be clingy, lethargic, or have diarrhea. They may even overeat or drink. This, however, is a normal reaction to your dog's excitement about returning home. However, if the situation does not improve within a few days, please contact your veterinarian.
Trust your gut when looking for the best place to board your dog.
When selecting a kennel for your dog, we believe it is critical to begin by following your instincts. If one location does not feel right, look for another. Look around at various kennels until you find one you can fully trust.
Boarding Your Dog at Island Pet Hospital
We offer high-quality overnight boarding services for dogs and cats in Las Vegas.
We are able to offer your animal companion a warm and cozy home away from home while you are away. We provide a variety of services, such as daily walks, playtime with staff, kennels that cater to the particular requirements of each dog or cat, and medical boarding.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.