Well, let me tell you something about these dog kennels and vaccinations. If you’re thinkin’ of takin’ your dog to one of them places where they board dogs while you’re off doin’ whatever, you gotta be sure your dog’s been vaccinated properly, or else they might not even let your pooch in. Now, you might be wonderin’, if you did the shots yourself, is that good enough? Well, let me explain in a way that makes sense.
First thing’s first, most kennels won’t just take your word for it that you’ve vaccinated your dog. They’re gonna want to see proof, and not just some scribble on a piece of paper. They need official paperwork from a licensed vet. You can’t just roll up with a homemade vaccination chart and expect them to say, “Alright, your dog’s good to go.” No, ma’am. That won’t fly.
What Shots Does Your Dog Need Before Going to a Kennel?
Now, before you even think about takin’ your dog to a kennel, you gotta make sure they got the right shots. There’s a few key vaccines most kennels want to see:
- Rabies Vaccine: This one’s pretty standard. Almost every place needs proof that your dog’s had the rabies shot, ‘cause it’s required by law in most places.
- DHPP Vaccine: This is a combination vaccine, and it covers things like Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. Very important for your dog’s overall health!
- Bordetella Vaccine: This one’s for kennel cough. It’s real common in places where dogs are close together. So if you want to avoid your dog gettin’ sick, this one’s a must.
- Leptospirosis: Some places may ask for this one too, especially if you’re boardin’ your dog in areas where there’s a risk of water contamination.
- Canine Influenza: This is another one that might come up. Some kennels require it to make sure your dog’s safe from that flu virus.
Now, I know some folks might try to save a few dollars and give their dog the shots at home. Maybe you think it’s cheaper or quicker that way, but here’s the thing — it’s not really safe to be givin’ your dog shots without a vet’s help. You could mess it up, and that could lead to complications. You need a vet to make sure your dog gets the right dosage and the right kind of shot, otherwise, you might be takin’ a big risk.
Can You Give Your Dog Shots at Home?
You might think you’re doin’ a good thing by givin’ your dog its shots at home, but let me tell you, it’s risky business. First off, not everybody knows how to handle them syringes the proper way. And even if you’ve been doin’ it for years, you might miss something important — like the right dosage or maybe even the right type of vaccine.
When a licensed vet does it, they know exactly what they’re doin’, and they follow safety protocols. They also keep the vaccines in the right condition. If you leave them sittin’ around in your kitchen drawer, they could go bad before you even use them!
Another thing is, when you take your dog to the vet, they can check on the dog’s overall health and make sure there ain’t no issues before givin’ the shots. You don’t get that kind of care if you do it yourself.
How Long Before Boarding Does Your Dog Need the Shots?
Now, some of them vaccines need a little time to kick in before your dog’s safe to board. For example, that Bordetella vaccine I mentioned for kennel cough? You need to give that one at least 7 to 14 days before you drop your dog off at the kennel. That’s ‘cause it takes a little while for the vaccine to get workin’ in the dog’s system.
If you show up the day before the kennel’s supposed to take care of your dog, and they see your dog’s been vaccinated too close to the boarding date, they might just send you away. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
What Happens If Your Dog Doesn’t Have the Right Vaccines?
If you go to a kennel and your dog’s not up to date on their vaccines, chances are, they won’t let ‘em stay. They gotta make sure that all the dogs in their care stay healthy, and if your dog ain’t vaccinated right, they could get sick and spread it to the other dogs. Nobody wants that.
It’s important to know that some kennels might even ask for a physical check-up from the vet before your dog comes in. So it’s a good idea to make sure everything’s in order before you try to drop your dog off.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, you gotta make sure your dog’s vaccinated right before you take ‘em to a kennel. It’s not just about followin’ the rules, it’s about keepin’ your dog healthy and safe. And remember, those vaccines need time to work, so don’t wait till the last minute.
Most kennels will ask for proof from a licensed vet, and if you did the shots yourself, well, that might not cut it. You might think you’re savin’ money, but in the end, it could cost you more in the long run. Go ahead and take your dog to the vet, get ‘em checked out, and make sure they’ve got all the right shots.
Your dog’ll be a lot safer, and so will the other dogs at the kennel.
Tags：[Dog Boarding, Dog Vaccinations, Kennel Requirements, Bordetella Vaccine, Rabies Vaccine, Dog Health, Pet Safety, Dog Boarding Tips, Vaccinations for Dogs, Kennel Cough]
