Our kennel style offers an exciting and engaging environment for dogs, where they can have fun, burn off energy, and develop essential social skills while enjoying the company of a friendly pack. However, we believe in complete transparency regarding the potential risks associated with this approach. By understanding these factors, you can make the best choices for your beloved pet’s well-being and happiness.
Potential Injuries
We take pride in matching and monitoring play buddies for dogs (please refer to our Canine Info page). However, since dogs can be unpredictable, there will inevitably be times when playful interactions result in injuries among enthusiastic pups. This is simply a part of dog play.
Injuries can also occur during dog-to-dog corrections. While dogs’ body language and communication styles are similar, subtle differences can lead to misunderstandings. Injuries can happen when dogs are establishing their boundaries or when a playmate oversteps acceptable play etiquette.
Every dog is unique, and while they cannot ‘speak’, we can usually (but not always) interpret their thoughts through their body language. These observations guide us as we monitor their play.
The benefits of improved mental well-being, enhanced socialisation skills, and increased fitness levels outweigh the risks of injury (well, we like to think so). If you have significant concerns about these risks, we recommend considering a more traditional kennel for your pet.
Veterinary Costs
It is important to note that while injuries are infrequent, most occur during friendly play. We cannot accept responsibility for these occurrences, and subsequent vet costs belong to the owner.
Hindsight is an invaluable tool! After an incident, we always discuss factors such as yard placement, signals that may have been misread, and the buddy choices made, among other considerations. If we find that our actions—or lack thereof—placed your dog at risk, we will have an open discussion with you and work together to find a fair solution.
Your dog’s well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you! We prioritise honesty, openness, and transparency when addressing any concerns related to injuries with our valued customers. If you disagree with our assessment of a situation, we kindly ask you to provide written documentation from your veterinarian. This document should state that, in their opinion, Nathalia Boarding Kennels & Cattery is responsible for your pet’s condition.
Below, we will explore some common issues related to these situations.
Eyes
One drawback of having fun and playing with new friends at NBKC is that sand, dust, or other debris may get lodged in a dog’s eye.
Additionally, due to the different environmental factors—such as the presence of various trees and pollen on our grounds compared to those at home—some dogs may also experience eye irritations from airborne particles.
Foreign matter in the eye can lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis. Certain dog breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Miniature Schnauzers, are particularly prone to dry eyes, which can also result in non-infectious conjunctivitis.
The staff, known as the Purple People, closely monitor the dogs’ eyes and flush any suspicious-looking eyes with saline solution to remove any debris that may be trapped. However, it’s important to note that irritation can sometimes take a few days to become noticeable or uncomfortable, and symptoms may not manifest until you return home.
Further information can be read on our eye page.
| Types of Conjunctivitis | Symptoms |
| 1. Non-infectious Conjunctivitis 2. Bacterial Infection (rare) 3. Viral Infection (also rare) | ~Red or Puffy Eyes ~Eye Discharge ~Eyes Sticking together or squinting ~Swelling of the eyelid lining (the conjunctiva) ~Rubbing or pawing at the eye due to itchiness or discomfort |
| How do I know which type it is? | Only a vet test can accurately assess the type. |
Paws
We have had many discussions with our trusted veterinarians regarding paw pads. Most dogs have tough skin on their pads and can handle abrasive materials well, but a small percentage do not.
In our environment, this means that some dogs may struggle with river sand, which is spread as a base in some yards, or when running along the fence line while interacting with other dogs. This can lead to a gradual development of sore spots (similar to blisters) or cause the tougher outer skin to separate from the pad. If sand gets caught between the dog’s toes, it can be both painful and irritating.
Often, the buildup of friction on the pads means that symptoms may not become apparent until the dog is home. At that point, they may start to lick or “worry” at their pads in an attempt to find relief. Unfortunately, this behaviour can worsen the issue, so it’s necessary to intervene by either using a cone or applying a non-palatable antiseptic spray. A visit to the vet is recommended for proper intervention.
Once we identify that a dog has sensitive pads, we will monitor their feet closely during future visits and adjust their yard settings and activity plans to help protect their pads from injury.
Additionally, insect bites from ants or bees can cause foot issues that exhibit similar symptoms.
Weight
It is a commonly recognized truth that most guests burn more calories while staying with us than they do at home. While exercise is the primary factor affecting calorie consumption, nerves can also play a role. This may include:
- Being too excited to eat meals
- Feeling shy or slightly overwhelmed
- Uncertainty about the daily routine
- Hesitation regarding unfamiliar foods
- Sensitive tummies
- Picky or fussy eaters
Typically, dogs settle into the NBKC environment fairly quickly, and their appetite generally improves along with their confidence.
Finding the right balance requires careful consideration. While it’s essential to increase calorie intake, this must be done cautiously to avoid GDV (Gastric Dilation Volvulus) or bloat. Offering too much food too quickly can lead to serious issues, while insufficient intake can result in weight loss.
Every dog is unique, and it may take time to determine the best approach for each individual. Our years of experience have equipped us with effective strategies to maintain our guests’ energy expenditure and intake. This includes:
- adjusting breakfast portions,
- scheduling weigh-ins,
- incorporating coconut oil and eggs,
- providing extra high-energy snacks, and
- recalibrating rest times.
In summary, we always strive to achieve the right balance, even under challenging circumstances.
If you are bringing food for your dog, please remember to increase the portion sizes accordingly. If you plan to leave your active dog for an extended period, you must include breakfast as part of their weight management plan.
We totally understand how important weight maintenance is for some customers. Your concerns matter to us, and as we cannot 100% guarantee exact weight maintenance, we encourage you to explore boarding options elsewhere. A more traditional kennel lifestyle (less exercise) may better cater to your dog’s individual weight needs.
Ligaments/Joints
Torn or damaged ligaments can occur at any time and in any location, not just on our premises. While the likelihood is higher in our active environment, it is vital to understand and accept this risk. Please note that we do not cover medical expenses for ligament damage. If you are concerned about your dog’s joint health, private pet insurance could be a wise financial decision.
Gastro Type Symptoms
Dogs can be curious and adventurous eaters, often sampling bizarre and unpleasant items they encounter in their environment. Our grounds are filled with enticing scents, including natural treasures like the droppings of dogs, birds, and possums. While these may lead to a temporary upset stomach if ingested, we are equipped with effective nutritional solutions to alleviate any digestive discomfort during their stay.
It’s important to note that, just like in a preschool setting, there may be times when a gastro-type bug circulates among our furry guests. We prioritise your peace of mind and have well-defined processes in place to keep you informed about any such occurrences, both before and after your dog’s boarding experience.
Post-Board
You will receive a follow-up email to remind you of the issues mentioned above. We welcome your feedback. Your shared insight helps us strengthen our services and enhance our customer relations.