Our kennel style is undoubtedly a lot of fun, and dogs expend energy, develop social skills, and enjoy belonging to and participating in a friendly pack. However, there are particular risks associated with the kennel style that we like to be open and transparent about so that you can make informed choices.
If you decide to allow your dog to stay with us, you must be 100% comfortable with the following.
Potential Injuries
Matching and monitoring buddies for play is something that we enjoy and excel at (see our Canine Info page). However, we are still dealing with unpredictable creatures, so there will always be times when a bit of a biff or rough play causes injury to one or more over-zealous pooches. This is simply the nature of doggy play.
The potential for injury with our open-plan socialisation system is always there. We do not believe it is possible to operate this kennel style without the occasional issue. But mental well-being, socialisation skills, and upped fitness levels counterbalance this nicely.
If this is a deal-breaker for you, we recommend you consider a more traditional-style kennel for your pet or future-proof your hip pocket with pet insurance.
Veterinary Costs
If a dog is injured during the natural flow of play, the owner is responsible for the cost of veterinary care. However, if we make an error in judgment (e.g., choosing the wrong playmate) and an injury occurs, we will discuss this with the owners to come to an arrangement.
We are honest, open and transparent when confessing errors in our decision-making.
If you disagree with our assessment, we ask for written correspondence from your vet stating that, in their opinion, Nathalia Boarding Kennels & Cattery is responsible for your pet’s condition.
We explore some of the more common issues below.
Eyes
One drawback of having robust fun and playing with new buddies at NBKC is that sand, dust, or other debris may lodge in an eye.
And, because of environmental factors (different trees and pollens around our grounds compared to home), some dogs will present with eye irritations from unseen ‘floaties’.
Foreign matter in the eye can lead to non-infectious conjunctivitis.
Certain dog breeds (e.g., Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Miniature Schnauzers) are prone to dry eyes, commonly leading to non-infectious conjunctivitis.
The Purple People (staff) monitor eyes carefully and flush fishy-looking eyes with saline solution to try and rid them of the flotsam or jetsam lodged within. However, the irritation can sometimes take a few days to become noticeable or uncomfortable, and symptoms may not show until 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 numerous chats with our trusty veterinarians about paw pads. Most dogs have tough skin on their pads and cope well with abrasive materials, but a small minority do not.
In our environment this means that some paws do not fare well on river sand (spread as a base in some of our yards) or when running the fence-line chatting with friends. The result is a slow build of (hard to see) sore spots (akin to blisters) – or the outer tougher skin separating from the pad. If sand gets between the latter – this is painful and annoying to the dog.
Often the slow build of friction on pads means that symptoms may not present themselves until the dog is home. Here they continually lick or ‘worry’ at their pads in an effort to relieve them. In reality they are worsening the situation, and the licking must stop (cone or non-delicious antiseptic spray). A vet visit is recommended to intervene.
Once we know a dog has sensitive pads we will monitor their feet frequently during future visits and adjust yards and packs to help keep their pads unharmed.
Insect bites (ants, bees) can also cause foot issues with the same symptoms.
Weight
Energy in must equal energy out, and we constantly trying to find the right balance between the ‘in’ and the ‘out’, particularly for active breeds. We have a few tricks up our sleeves, for instance, breakfast, weigh-ins, coconut oil, eggs, extra high-energy snacks, and re-calibrating rest times.
- Balancing energy in and out involves a lot of magic. Food intake must increase, but not at the risk of GDV (Gastric Dilation Volvulus) or Bloat. Too much, too fast, can be disastrous, and not enough leads to weight loss.
- Many dogs are too excited to eat breakfast, and new dogs can be shy and uncertain about what is happening. Some are naturally fussy, and others are not. Every dog is different, and it can take some time to figure out what strategy works best for each.
- In short, we try our very best, but it can be devilishly hard to succeed sometimes.
- For first-timers, there is a small separate agreement outlining weight loss. You can read this at your first online booking session.
- If you are bringing your food for your dog, please remember to ‘up’ the proportions.
- If you are leaving your active dog for a long stay and expect them to retain their weight on one meal per day – then you will be disappointed (or not, if your pet is overweight).
If weight loss is a deal-breaker, we encourage you to seek boarding at a traditional-style kennel. There will be less action and fun, but the weight may remain intact.
Ligaments/Joints
Torn or damaged ligaments can happen anywhere, at any time, not just on our grounds. Admittedly, the chances are higher in our active environment – but you must be prepared to accept this risk. We do not cover medical costs for ligament damage. Private pet insurance may be a practical financial decision if you are concerned about your dog’s joints.
Gastro Type Symptoms
Dogs can be gross and eat (or at least taste) weird and wonderful stinky things. There are a lot of sensory delights on our grounds (naturally occurring – e.g. dog, bird & possum poo). If consumed, this may upset their dietary tract for a short period. We have nutritional tricks up our sleeves to ease upset tummies during board. Sometimes, a gastro-type bug may circulate among our guests (similar to a human preschool), and we have processes to inform our customers about this (post and pre-board).
Post-Board
You will receive a post-board email to remind you of the above issues. Your feedback is most welcome.
Knowing what is happening to our guests post-board is very important. ‘ We love it when our customers tell us their stories (good or bad). This knowledge builds a robust platform to improve our services and customer relations.