Older Dogs... - C Four Paws (Calagran)

It comes to us all, but sadly to our four pawed friends all too soon, old age. Dogs age at different rates depending on breed and genetics a bit like us. So there are no hard and fast rules on when your dog is old. However, below are some of the things you should keep an eye on as your dog’s years’ advance.

Exercise – As dogs age they may struggle to do those long walks and become couch potatoes. Exercise should be tailored to your dog’s capabilities but keeping them moving will stave off some of the issues of obesity and arthritis.

Weight control – As dogs slow down and get less exercise weight gain can become an increasing issue ironically just at the time their body could do without it. Carrying too much weight in later years can increase mobility issues and worsen symptoms of arthritis. It will also put more strain on their hearts and other organs and almost invariably shorten their life expectancy.

Diet – As at all times of life a good quality diet but as your dog looks older looking to tailor that food to either vet recommended diets or just senior or light diets maybe required.

Arthritis – Some dogs more than others experience arthritis but most in the latter years suffer some degree. Your vet can advise you better but it may help to start supplementing their diet with DHA & EPA supplements (Glucosamine & Chondroitin). It may also help to relook at their bed and make sure it providing enough support, warmth and is accessible for them. If things have progressed significantly and they are struggling to get in and out of the car or onto the sofa you can get special ramps or steps for them that easily fold away that may help them feel more independent and save your back lifting them.

Dental – The condition of teeth and gums can also pose a challenge in old age. Infections in the mouth can impact many other areas of the body including the heart. Even if you haven’t earlier in their life, you can try brushing their teeth. There are many quite tasty special dog toothpastes which can actually make the experience enjoyable. Doggie kisses might be more pleasant too! If things are too bad and your dog is young enough and healthy enough to still undergo sedation your vet can help with a scale and polish and remove any teeth that could be causing your dog grumbling pain.

Vet visits – Like humans it is important as dogs get older they get regular health checks. Going to the vet at least annually for vaccination and to review the above signs of aging is a must. Ensure worming is up to date and ears are kept clean and nails are kept short.

The grey hairs increase but so does our love for them, so be age health aware in canine care.

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Terms and Conditions

All animals must be fully vaccinated and a current veterinary certificate must be produced at the time of boarding and may be retained on site during the boarding period. Effective treatment against worms and fleas must also have been given prior to the commencement of boarding.

Vaccinations for Dogs – Dogs must be fully vaccinated within the last 12 months against:
a. Distemper
b. Hepatitis
c. Leptospirosis
d. Parvovirus
e. Para-influenza and must have had a booster injection within the previous year.
f. Kennel cough – optional - kennel cough vaccines must be given a minimum of 14 days prior to your pets stay as this is a live vaccine.

If a dog has been given its primary vaccination course, or if they have had to restart their vaccines due to a gap in the vaccine history, the vaccine course must have been completed a minimum of 14 days prior to the check-in date. This does not apply to booster vaccinations. For ANY kennel cough vaccine - either initial, restart or booster, this must have been given a minimum of 14 days before your dogs stay, as this is a live vaccine.
If the relevant amount of time has not elapsed or if your dogs vaccinations have expired at the time of boarding, or proof of vaccinations are not produced the dog(s) cannot board at our facility and 100% of the paid fees will be forfeited. It is the owners responsibility to ensure their dogs vaccines are in date and given within the correct timeframes of their dogs stay, and that this can be evidenced.

Veterinary treatment will be arranged with a local veterinary surgeon if deemed necessary for any condition occurring during the stay. However, any recurrence of a known condition will NOT be covered by our own insurance and all owners will be expected to settle their own accounts in full.

Only dogs from the same household may share boarding accommodation.

Charges are per day including arrival and departure days. If a pet is collected before 10am on the departure day there will be no charge for this day. If an owner is late in collecting their pet and arrives after 10am this charge will be added to your dogs stay.

Cancellation fees will be at the proprietor’s discretion. Deposits are not refundable.

Whilst all reasonable care and attention is given to every animal boarded, the animal is boarded entirely at the owner’s risk.

By signing the contract and leaving the animal at these kennels, the owner certifies to the accuracy of all information given about that animal(s) stated on this contract and consents to the conditions set out.

In the event of an animal not being collected or boarding fees not being paid, the proprietor may dispose of the animal concerned after giving 14 days’ notice to the owner, or their representative at their last known address

Everything your dog requires for his/her stay is provided. However, bringing your pet’s favourite toys and blanket may help it settle in, particularly if it is their first stay with us. We do not accept any responsibility for their condition or safe return

We do not give credit for early returns; you must pay for the period booked.

We require a 50% non refundable deposit for all stays between the beginning of June and the end of September, along with the Christmas period. All other stays will require a 25% deposit. During our peak times we operate a 4 day minimum booking policy. For any bookings made under 4 days a premium will be charged.

For bookings which are made 7 days or less before the check in date, payment must be made in full at the point of booking to secure your dogs stay. If payment is not received the booking will be cancelled.

We are open for collection and drop offs between 10am and 12pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. We are closed ALL DAY on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and therefore animals cannot arrive or depart on these days.

We reserve the right to cancel a booking or refuse boarding if we feel there is a risk to our staff or other customers. Our staff will not tolerate abuse, and reserve the right to refuse service to customers.

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition we reserve the right to request a statement of fitness letter from your vet.

By proceeding with your booking you are confirming you accept the above terms and conditions.

Older Dogs…