08.24.08

Choosing a Kennel vs. Pet Sitter Can Be a Tough Decision

Posted in Dog Services tagged , , , , , at 6:15 pm by dogservicenetwork

It’s a tough decision for pet owners to decide on what type of pet service to use when they want to travel away from home.  The decision of choosing a pet sitter vs. a kennel can be made a lot easier, by considering your pet’s health and personality.  According to Tonia Evans, owner of The Kitty’s Corner, a Whitman, Mass.-based pet-sitting and cat-boarding business, “kennels are better suited for animals that tend to get lonely”. 

According to Fetch! Pet Care, here are a few things you may want to take into consideration when”

  •  Choosing a kennel:
     

    1. Have you toured the facility?  If so, does it meet your expectations?
    2. Does the place smell okay?
    3. Are the dog beds raised off the floor?
    4. Is there good air circulation?
    5. Is the turf of the play area made of asphalt?  If so, it can hurt your dog’s paws.
    6. Have you checked out the kennel’s references?
       
  •  Choosing a pet sitter:
     

    1. Are they fully bonded & insured?
    2. Have you checked out the pet sitter’s references?
    3. Do you feel comfortable with the person who would take care of your pet?
    4. Would they be able to accommodate any special needs your pet may have such as diet and exercise?
    5. Have they undergone a criminal background check?
    6. Did they receive relevant training?

07.15.08

FAQs About Dog Grooming

Posted in Dog Services tagged , , , , , , , , , at 6:03 pm by dogservicenetwork

  1. How frequently should my dog take a bath?
     

    • This is dependent upon the type of breed you have, but many should be bathed about every 6 weeks
       
  2. Can I bathe my dog using the garden hose?
     

    • It’s not recommended to use it, because of how cold the water can be
    • Also be cautious about not getting water in your dog’s ears and spraying them in the face – Their face should be wiped with a wash cloth
       
  3. What type of shampoo should I use on my dog?
     

    • Don’t use shampoo designed for people to use, dogs like to lick their fur and you should be aware of the ingredients used
       
  4. Can I use a hair dryer on my dog?
     

    • If you do, make sure to use it on a cool level, because the hair dryer can become extremely hot and can burn your dog
       
  5. Do I need to apply conditioner to my dog?
     

    • Yes, conditioner should be applied, because the oils in your dog’s skin are taken away from bathing
       
  6. How do get my dog to sit still when being brushed?
     

    • Provide positive reinforcement.  Give your dog the treat or toy they love after you’re done brushing their fur
       
  7. How often should my dog’s nails get trimmed?
     

    • About every 4 weeks.  If your dog doesn’t get its nails trimmed, they will begin to walk awkwardly, which can lead to health problems

06.30.08

Assessing Dog Facilities

Posted in Dog Services tagged , , , , , , , , , at 5:59 pm by dogservicenetwork

There are a lot of things a dog owner needs to understand before dropping their dog off to a doggie daycare, kennel, or any other type of facility.  There have been incidents where the professional at the facility have been bitten or a dog went missing, because the professionals at the facility weren’t aware that a dog knew how to climb / jump fences.

To prevent these type of mishaps from happening when you one day need to bring your dog to a facility, there are a few things that need to be taken into account:

  1. Tell the facility anything you feel is important for them to know such as: if they need to have their ears cleaned, know how to climb fences, etc.
     
  2. Examine the facility - It should be clean!
     
  3. Ask to meet with the entire staff and not just the person who handles the front desk, because these will be all of the professionals who will be helping to care for your dog
     
  4. Ask for references
     
  5. Depending on the state you reside, some facilities are guided by the Animal Control licensing.  If this is applicable to your state, contact them to see if any claims were filed against the facility for misconduct or abuse.