MEDICAL NEEDS

Many dogs require special or daily medical attention. Each member of our staff has been trained and certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and we employ a system of cross-check tracking to make sure each dog receives their medication on schedule.

FEEDINGS

We ask that you bring your own food for your dog’s stay. It’s much easier on their stomachs and it’s one more reminder of home. We can accommodate any type of special diet. 

ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY

If your dog should become ill while staying with us, we will consult with your veterinarian on record. Our emergency vet is San Francisco VHA, which is open 24 hours a day and located a short distance from the hotel. To safeguard the health of every guest, any pet that becomes ill will be placed in a separate room until a veterinarian can see them.

THE DOGGY COMMON COLD

If your pup visits a dog boarding facility, you’ve likely heard of canine cough. But do you know exactly what it is, and more importantly, what steps to take if your pup contracts it?

Infectious canine tracheobronchitis, otherwise known as canine cough, is the pooch equivalent of a cold or the flu. Like the common cold, canine cough is contracted through close contact with an infected dog. Canine cough can be transmitted between dogs at boarding facilities, but your tail-wagger can also pick it up anywhere dogs spend time together, including doggy daycare, the groomer, dog shows, or even the dog park.

Dogs start to show symptoms of canine cough a week to 10 days after exposure. The most common sign of infection is a dry, persistent hacking cough that sounds like the dog has something stuck or caught in their throat. The cough is sometimes accompanied by retching or gagging, sneezing, a runny nose, or eye discharge. And just like a human feeling under the weather, a sick pup may also be lethargic and have little or no appetite.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Proper sanitation, keeping the boarding area well ventilated, ensuring that all guests are current on their vaccinations, and postponing the stay of any pup that shows signs of illness can help keep canine cough at bay.

The vaccine against kennel cough, known as bordetella, is a key step toward keeping your best friend healthy. Veterinarians generally recommend dogs get a bordetella shot every 6 to 12 months, in part because of how the vaccine works. Similar to a human flu shot, each year the bordetella vaccine is developed in response to the strain or strains of canine cough that are expected to be most common. The vaccine can be given as a shot, a nasal mist, or by mouth.

However, like the flu shot, the bordetella vaccine isn’t a guarantee–it is generally about 60% effective in preventing the disease. Healthy dogs are less likely to contract canine cough if they are exposed, so ensure your dog’s immune system is in tip-top shape with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and low-stress, peaceful lifestyle.