Daycare
Top 10 Reasons to Put Your Dog in Doggie Daycare
Why is it so important?
Your dog may be lonely at home all by himself and he gets destructive and chews on things that he shouldn't.
You may not want a stranger coming into your home to walk your dog.
Doggie daycare will tire your dog out. All that running around and playing is wonderful exercise for your dog.
At daycare your pooch makes a lot of new friends so you set up a doggie playdate outside of daycare with his furry BFF. It’s a wonderful way for you to meet new dog people.
You don’t have to rush home from work to let him out to pee.
It’s not as expensive as you may think, shop around. Price is one of the main reasons why people avoid doggie daycare. Some facilities have discounted rates if you buy a package or you can bring him in just a few times a week. That cuts down on the costs as well.
It’s great for socialization. To learn how to act with other pooches, your dog needs to be around his own kind. The younger you start with socialization, the better equipped your pup will be when it comes to interacting with strange dogs.
A change of scenery. Even if your dog is fine with being home alone all day, it’s a good idea to change up his routine every once in a while. It’ll be his mini vacation.
Lots and lots of loving attention. The people who run doggie daycares love dogs – that’s why they do it. Your dog will be getting plenty of TLC all day long – and who doesn’t appreciate a belly rub in the middle of the day?
Dog Daycare Policies
1. Prior to being allowed for daycare all dogs must complete a temperament evaluation. This gives us an opportunity to meet your dog(s) and you the opportunity to visit our facility and meet our staff. Please call or email us to schedule an appointment. Prior to the appointment you may email us the Daycare Waiver, Dog & Owner Information, and Photo Release forms along with a copy of your dog(s) veterinary records or bring these documents with you to this appointment. Blue Collar reserves the right to refuse or reject any dog at anytime that is determined to be a safety risk to any other dog, staff or person on the premises.
2. Prior to being allowed for daycare we will need proof of vaccinations. All dogs must be current on vaccinations against Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). Puppies can begin daycare after they have received their Bordetella and 2nd Distemper vaccinations; we will then need proof of the Rabies and 3rd Distemper shots once received. We also require a yearly fecal test (worm/parasite).
3. For safety purposes, all dogs must wear a collar during daycare and they must be on a leash when entering and leaving the building.
4. All dogs are required to have flea protection. Any dog that has fleas will not be allowed in daycare until resolved.
5. Written or verbal permission is required if you wish to have someone else pick up your dog(s). Please notify us prior to the pick up time.
6. A $15 late fee will be charged for any dog not picked up by 6:00 p.m. Please call us if you determine that you will be late, as we will need to plan accordingly.
7. A $20 NSF/Returned check fee will be charged to your account for any checks declined to be paid or returned to us as unpaid from our bank. We reserve the right to stop accepting checks from any individual.
💩 Fecal Tests 💩
We recommend “fecals” because they check your pet for intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites are a major cause of morbidity in pets and also a concern for people. In 2014, 34% of dogs in the U.S. had some kind of intestinal parasite, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said that 14% of people in the U.S. had been infected with the roundworm toxocara. Fecals are an important tool to ensure that your pet and your household are not infected and exposed to intestinal parasites, respectively.
What do fecals detect?
Fecals help to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia. Since intestinal parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are usually hidden from view. The only way to detect the presence of intestinal parasites and identify them is by doing a fecal.
How do you perform a fecal?
Since worm eggs, larvae and protozoan cysts are difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye, a fecal exam is done with a microscope. There are three different ways to prepare a stool sample for examination:
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Smear— A smear is the easiest to do and involves smearing a small sample of stool across a microscope glass slide and examining it under the microscope.
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Flotation— A flotation (also known as a float) is the most common method used in veterinary hospitals and involves mixing the stool sample in a special solution that allows the eggs and protozoan cysts to float to the surface.
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Centrifugation— Centrifugation involves using a centrifuge to spin down a stool sample suspended in a special solution prior to performing the floatation. The parasites are then identified microscopically based on the size, shape and characteristics of their eggs, larvae or cysts (found in the stool specimen).
How to provide a proper fecal sample?
When it comes to food, we all know that fresh is best. Not surprisingly, the same is true for stool samples. The fact is that fresher stool samples give you more accurate and sensitive results. Eggs and larvae from some types of parasites, as well as protozoa and protozoan cysts, can become altered and unrecognizable the longer they sit out. For the best results, collect the freshest stool sample and bring it to your veterinarian the same day. If this is not possible, you can seal the fecal sample in a bag and refrigerate it until you can bring it to your veterinarian but remember, fresher is better!
How often does your pet need a fecal?
According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), all pets should be, “tested for parasites at least yearly.” More frequent fecals may be needed for puppies, animals with gastrointestinal disturbances and some other pets depending on their exposure-risk and lifestyle. Speak with your veterinarian to find out how frequently you should bring in your pet’s stool sample. Ultimately, the goal is to identify and treat parasitic infections that may be compromising your pet’s health and even putting your family at risk.
Along with monthly, year-round parasite preventatives; routine fecal exams are the best way to ensure that your pet and your household are safe from intestinal parasites.