Marcy's Grooming & Boarding
Common Questions
What do I need if I want to board my pet.
Calling and scheduling an interview is the first step to take when wanting to board with us. Our staff will go over all the requirements and schedule an interview day. You will need to fill out some info forms about your pet, submit vaccine records and then go through the approval process. You will need to provide your pets food and medication for their stay with us.
What is a dog interview or temperament test?
This is an evaluation of your pet. Our trained staff is seeing how your pet does with human interaction, dog interaction and over all behavior. We would hate for your pet to come stay and not have a good time. This allows us to be sure we can give your pet the best care possible, keeping them safe, less stressed and our staff safe as well.
What does my dog do in daycare?
Once your dog has passed his/her doggie interview. Your dog will get to romp and play all day long with friends. Groups usually reach up to 10 max with our staff supervising. The dogs get to rotate to different play yards and get a two short naps or lunch break if needed.
Enrichment or pop training can be added to dogs day. Agility course, a personal walk, bubbles, parties and more.
How long does grooming my dog take?
Dog grooming has so many different variables. The size of your dog, the type of coat your dog has, your dogs behavior, the type of haircut you are wanting. Many groomers can get a dog done quickly but our groomers want to take their time. 2-6 hours is an average time frame to go for, discussing with your groomer time frames with your individual dog is the best option. You never want to rush your groomer as they need to be able to get your dog done safely.
Why do I always have to wait 2-6 weeks to get my dog in for a haircut?
Groomers can only groom so many dogs a day. They need to be able to take the time they need to get the job done safely and make sure your dog is comfortable through the whole process. Often during the warmer months most people want a haircut more often, dogs who do not get haircuts often usually have it done in the warmer months. Holidays tend to book up fast because who doesn't want their dog smelling good for the holidays.
The best option is to reschedule your dog after each appointment for the next one to ensure you wont have to wait.
K9 Cough
Paws for Thought
If your dog(s) is showing signs of Canine Cough, please do not come to daycare/boarding or come in contact with other dog(s) and contact your vet right away!
If you dog(s) gets diagnosed please contact Marcy’s Grooming and Boarding and let our staff know right away.
Even though we require every dog to be up to date on vaccinates, the vaccine is NOT foolproof. The Bordetella vaccination was created based on ONE viral strain. Similar to the Flu, over 100 different strains of the virus exist. Some strains are NOT included in any of the vaccinations. Therefore, in some cases, there is no prevention against Canine Cough.
Canine Cough is an often misunderstood illness in dogs, which can be improperly referred to as Kennel Cough and often times some vets will call any upper respiratory issue Kennel Cough, even if it isn’t. We would like to share some information with you about Kennel Cough & urge you to keep your dog(s) up to date on vaccinations and do not let them go pass 1 month expired. We will be cracking down on this and your dog(s) will NOT be allowed into our facility if their vaccinations are expired.
WHAT IS CANINE COUGH?
Canine Cough, medically known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious upper-respiratory infection, spread by air-borne pathogens. The incubation period, or the start of symptoms, is roughly 3 to 14 days. The main symptom is a loud, honking cough, sometimes accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Although this coughing is very annoying, it usually does not develop into anything more serious, but it is recommended to be treated by a vet. It can lower the dog's resistance to other diseases, making it susceptible to secondary infections.
HOW IS IT CURED/TREATED?
Just like the common cold, Canine Cough is viral and cannot be cured; it simply must run its course. However, antibiotics and cough suppressants may often be prescribed to prevent secondary infections, although these medications do not attack the virus itself. As long as your dog is eating well and hydrating, and acting like themselves, they’ll most likely feel better in a week or two.
DOES CANINE COUGH OCCUR ONLY IN DAYCARE/BOARDING FACILITIES?
No. Since this virus can be present anywhere and travel considerable distances through the air, it can affect any canine, even one who never leaves its own back yard. Dogs can also be exposed while running loose or while being walked near other dogs. Nevertheless, Canine Cough is more likely to occur where the concentration of dogs is greater, like at a doggy daycare, veterinary office, dog park, etc.
ARE THE CHANCES OF CATCHING CANINE COUGH GREATER WHEN MY DOG IS VISITING A DAYCARE/BOARDING FACILITY?
It can be because, in a high-volume facility, a dog encounters two elements that do not exist at home: proximity to a number of potentially carriers of the virus and the excitement of a less familiar environment, which can lower the immune system. This also explains why children are more likely to catch the Flu in school, rather than at home. On the other hand, the higher frequency of daycare/boarding visits, the greater the chances your dog(s) will build up antibodies and immunity to the illness!
IS THIS VIRUS AN ONGOING PROBLEM?
No. Similar to the Flu, Canine Cough is seasonal and tends to affect an entire area at one time. When veterinarians begin to see cases, they normally see a pattern in their patients; many recently visited the same facility, dog park, vet hospital, or a variety of dog-friendly areas. However, many dogs who catch the virus never left their neighborhood. After a period of time, the veterinarians may not see another case for months.
We were told from a local vet that right now they are seeing Canine Cough a lot and the strain of it is really bad.
CAN MY DOG BE VACCINATED TO BE PROTECTED FROM CANINE COUGH?
Somewhat. It is important to understand that the Bordetella vaccination given to prevent this virus was created based on one viral strain. Similar to the Flu, over 100 different strains of the virus exist. Some strains are not included in any of the vaccinations. Therefore, in some cases, there is not prevention against Canine Cough. Also, vaccines against Canine Cough are not always given as part of a dog's typical vet visit. Please explain to your veterinarian that your dog(s) comes to Marcys and needs the Bordetella vaccination to come to daycare and boarding.
CAN MARCYS PREVENT MY DOG FROM CATCHING CANINE COUGH?
Unfortunately, no amount of supervision, sanitation or personalized care can fully prevent a dog from catching an airborne virus. However, as trained professionals, Marcys are 100% proactive against Canine Cough. We educate our staff and clients, require vaccinations, turn away sick dog(s), are constantly on watch for symptoms, and immediately isolate any dog(s) showing signs of Canine Cough.