Faq

A: Cats and dogs must be kept in separate areas since they require different kinds of care. Also, cat enclosures are not structured the same as dog runs.

A: There could be several reasons why your pet is nervous. First and foremost, when you are nervous, your pet knows it and is on alert to be nervous too. Remember dogs, do not have extensive language capabilities and therefore rely on you and your emotional state. Secondly, dogs, like people, have generalized anxiety when traveling to a new and unknown place. We try everything in our power to make your pet feel comfortable and enjoy their stay.

A: Dogs are taken out to potty twice a day after each feeding. They are exercised individually in our gravel potty yards. You can schedule extra activities for your dog, such as individual walks and plays, cuddle time and/or evening potty breaks/walks. We also offer monitored group play for both boarders and daycare dogs (requires behavior assessment by one of our staff).

A: Even in our clean facility, pets pick up odor from the cement runs. We suggest a bath for all dogs whose boarding stay is longer than 7 days. For lengthy stays, we require a bath every 30 days. Coat care is extremely important due to do the humid and active kennel environment. We try to match your brushing schedule to what you normally do at home, however, we will increase brush outs if necessary to keep your dog in tip top shape.

A: Absolutely! We recommend bringing their bed and toys (limit 2 toys please) while they are staying at the kennel. Having their own personal items helps them to acclimate to the kennel.

A: We provide a choice to top quality Avoderm Lamb & Rice or Chicken & Rice formula for our canine guests. We also carry Avoderm Chicken Puppy for our younger clients. We also provide a variety of highly palatable wet food including, Evanger’s, Instinct and Holistic.

Cats have a choice of California Natural and Max Cat kibble. We also carry two varieties of California Natural wet food.

If your pet is: 1) on a special diet, 2) is aging, 3) is a puppy, 4) has a sensitive stomach, or 5) is very picky, we recommend brining your food from home, including anything “special” that you do to get them to eat. If they have a hard time eating for you, it is likely that they will have a harder time eating for us. It is very important to us that our guests eat while they stay here.

We provide necessary food and water bowls, so there is no need to bring with you.

A: Bringing food from home gives your dog a sense of familiarity and will sometimes help the dog eat better while you are away. Senior pets and puppies do not tolerate diet change very well; sometimes it causes stomach upset or refusal to eat. If you think that your pet is going to have difficulty with a diet change, it is best to bring his own diet. Our staff will feed your diet according to your instructions

A: Your pet knows they have been away from home for a while. Most pets will eat, drink, and sleep more than usual. There’s been a lot to see and do at Sycamore! Some pets will even show signs of mild intestinal upset. Mostly these issues are emotional and should clear up within a day or so.

A: All of our kennels are climate controlled year round and have radiant floor heating that is used in winter. Indoor kennels are designated for house dogs that are used to being inside most of the time. Our Fresh Air kennels have garage doors located on the sides of the building that we open up when the weather is nice. Fresh Air kennels are generally for dogs that are used to being outside most of the time and is reserved for medium to giant breeds.

Please feel free to call us with any questions regarding the area n which your dog might be most comfortable. We also reserve the right to move your dog to an area that we see fit for it to stay.

A: Unfortunately, we do not have an outdoor cat enclosure with a roof. They must remain indoors due to the fact that they could escape quite easily.

A: All medications and supplements that you give your dog at home daily should be brought to the kennel in the original prescription bottle, so that we may continue the administration of these medications and supplements. Any change in the prescribed dose should be brought to our attention.

Any time sensitive medication must be administered at the same interval as given at home, so it is important for you to provide us with that information.

A: That area is designated for dogs with special needs or very young puppies. This consists of dogs with epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, and those showing signs of considerable age. This area is reserved for them and must remain quiet in order to keep these dogs calm and comfortable. We try to accommodate all requests for this area, however, we do reserve the right to move your dog to an area that we believe would be a better fit.

A: We can provide the bedding that your pet may need, however, sometimes they feel better if they have their own. Your pet can also bring up to two toys. We will ask you to take personal leashes and collars with you after drop-off.

Please bring your cat in a carrier. You may leave the carrier here for the duration of the stay.

A: Yes they can, however, they must be compatible at all times. We have the ability to separate them during feeding times if needed.

If you have more than 2 dogs, please call us and we will discuss with you the most comfortable setup for your dogs.

A: All guests have climate controlled areas and access to clean, fresh water twenty-four hours a day. For dogs, the boarding price includes two feedings daily and a potty time after each feeding. For cats, the boarding price includes two feedings daily and a clean litter box.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canine Cough:

“Canine cough” is an infectious bronchitis characterized by a hacking cough which most people describe as sounding like “something stuck in my dog’s throat” sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It is analogous to a chest cold for humans; in general, it resolves on its own. Although this coughing is very annoying, it does not usually develop into anything more serious but can lower the dog’s resistance making him susceptible to secondary infections, therefore, treatment by a veterinarian is recommended. A dog with Canine Cough generally remains active and maintains a normal appetite despite frequent fits of coughing. There is usually no fever or listlessness.

Just as in the common cold, tracheobronchitis is not cured but must run its course. Symptoms usually subside within 7-10 days. Many times antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and sometimes cough suppressants will be prescribed to reduce excessive coughing, but these medications do not attack the disease itself.

 

Yes! However, it is important to understand the Bordetella vaccination used to prevent this virus only covers some of the many different strains. Therefore, vaccinating your dog does not prevent your dog from contracting tracheobronchitis, but it is the best means available to reduce the possibility of contracting the virus. Explain to your veterinarian that your dog needs to be vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine, administered either by injection or intranasal, or oral based on the recommendation of your veterinarian. We recommend this vaccine every 6 months, however we will always defer to your Veterinarians vaccine protocol.  Vaccines against tracheobronchitis are not always  given as part of a puppy or adult dog’s vaccination routine. Please inform your Veterinarian if you do board your pet or bring them to our facility. 

No. Since this virus can be present anywhere, and can travel for considerable distances through the air, it can affect any dog… even one which never leaves its own back yard. But tracheobronchitis is more likely to occur when the concentration of dogs is greater such as at dog shows, kennels, veterinarian offices and hospitals as well as pet shops. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs or playing in the park.

It can be because dogs are in the proximity to a number of other dogs and also the excitement of a environment can cause lowered resistance to disease. These are the same factors that explain why children are more likely to catch the flu or a cold in school rather than at home. Dogs with little or no regular contact with others are more likely to contract canine cough when exposed to other dogs. Social dogs, with frequent exposure to others, have a stronger immunity. Dog’s may not show any symptoms of tracheobronchitis, and yet they may be contagious.

No. Tracheobronchitis, like the flu, is often seasonal. When the virus has run its course another case might not be seen for months. It is more prevalent during times when there is a high volume of traffic in boarding facilities.