Boarding for Dogs in Polokwane
Do your dogs need a holiday as much as you do? Well, why not send them to a kennelling facility where they can get some rest and relaxation, while you are enjoying your break at the same time?
There will be no need to worry about your canine friends while you are away, because you will know that they are well loved and taken care of.
We accept dogs of all ages, sizes and of any breed.
This is a family run business on our own property, with owners and staff living on the premises so there is supervision 24 hours, 7 days a week. There is also veterinary assistance nearby, 24 hours a day, if the need arises.
ALSO NOTE – FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE WE ARE WILLING TO HELP YOU ON A SUNDAY AND/OR PUBLIC HOLIDAY – WE HOWEVER DO CHARGE A ONCE-OFF FEE FOR OVERTIME.
Tips for successful boarding of your dog
- Bring your pet’s blanket or bed or tuck in a t-shirt or sweatshirt you’ve been wearing. Your scent will comfort your pet when it’s time to curl up for a nap.
- Be sure your pet is up to date on her vaccinations (see specifics in categories below).
- Always let us know if your pet has any special needs.
- Provide your pet’s regular treats. Include a couple extra days’ worth in case your travel is delayed.(This must be labelled properly with your dog’s detail like: Name, Breed, M/F, Colour.)
- If this is your first time boarding, allow for a few extra minutes at check-in, in case you have questions or issues you want to discuss.
- Bring along two favorite toys for your pooch to play with when in their kennel (please do not bring rope, rawhide or pig’s ears – they present a choke hazard).
- Consider a pheromone treatment (spray, collar or wipe), if your dog is stressed about leaving home. Pheromones are a form of chemical communication in animals. Calming or appeasing pheromones have been found to help relieve their stress and anxiety.
- Dogs are required to have up to date rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordatella vaccines.
PLEASE FIND ATTACHED ON OUR APPLICATION FORM – INFORMATION REGARDING FLEA TREATMENT AVAILABLE FROM PIETERSBURG DIEREKLINIEK AND/OR WOLKBERG DIEREKLINIEK.
Rules and Regulations
Please bring your dogs on a leash as there will be plenty of dogs here that may just get your dog’s testosterone pumping.
Please advise us beforehand if ANYTHING is wrong with your pet, like limping, sneezing or any other condition it may have (on heat) – this makes it easier for us to spot a problem should anything occur while the pet is in our care.
The following proof documentation to be copied and a set given to us for record keeping as required by the SPCA.
1.5 in 1 Injection that is to be done yearly.
2.Kennel Cough vaccination to be done before bringing your pet.
3.Rabies inoculation
4.Please treat your pet with Frontline or a similar product before bringing it to our Kennels. (If we have to do this there will be a charge.)
PREVENTION IS BETTER AND CHEAPER THAN CURE!!
About Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs.
WHAT ARE THE GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF KENNEL COUGH?
A persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound is the main clue your dog’s caught kennel cough. In most cases, she’ll appear healthy except for the cough. Her appetite and activity level usually won’t change, but don’t be alarmed if she gags and coughs up a white, foamy phlegm—these signs are often worse after exercise, or if she’s excited or pulls against her collar. Some dogs may also develop a fever and nasal discharge.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY DOG HAS KENNEL COUGH?
If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, immediately isolate her from all other dogs and call your veterinarian.
HOW DID MY DOG CATCH KENNEL COUGH?
- Dogs can catch kennel cough in several ways:
- It can spread through aerosols in the air.
- directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects.
- Kennel cough is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation—while boarding in a kennel or an animal shelter, for example.
- or through direct contact while sitting in a vaccination clinic.
- training class or dog-grooming facility.
Kennel cough is so contagious that your pet might even catch it from sharing a water dish at the dog park or by simply greeting another dog.
Elizabeth Kennels & Cattery will not board your pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough.
WHICH DOGS ARE PRONE TO KENNEL COUGH?
Most often, dogs who have frequent contact with other dogs, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, are most prone to becoming infected. Young and unvaccinated dogs are also at higher risk.
HOW IS KENNEL COUGH PREVENTED?
The best way to prevent kennel cough is to prevent exposure. Vaccinations are also available for several of the agents known to be involved in kennel cough, including parainfluenza, bordetella and adenovirus-2. Ask your vet if these are recommended, and how often—but please keep in mind that vaccinations aren’t useful if a dog has already caught the virus.
HOW IS KENNEL COUGH TREATED?
It’s smart to see your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough. In some cases, you may be advised to simply let kennel cough run its course and heed the following:
- Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs.
- A humidifier or vaporizer can provide some relief. You can also allow your dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help soothe her irritated breathing passages.
- Avoid exposing her to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes.
- A cough suppressant or antimicrobial may be prescribed. Your vet can be able to determine if they would be helpful to your dog.
- If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides.
- Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment.
HOW LONG DOES KENNEL COUGH LAST?
In most cases, the signs of kennel cough gradually decrease and disappear after three weeks. Young puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised animals may take up to six weeks or more to recover. In some cases, animals may remain infectious for long periods of time even after the symptoms have cleared up.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO SEE THE VET AGAIN?
You should see some improvement in your dog’s condition within one week of treatment, but be alert to how long the symptoms last. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly, refuses to eat or seems lethargic, take her to the veterinarian right away. Serious cases of kennel cough can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.