We carry several different types of dry food.
Lifewise - an Australian made biscuit Kangaroo and Lamb or Ocean Fish both with rice, oats and vegetables - there is no chicken or chicken products for those who are allergic.
Advance - Puppy biscuit for puppies under 6 months
- Adult in Chicken, Lamb and Turkey (All have chicken in them)
Blackhawk - Working Dog, Chicken
For variety we supplement the dry food with diced cooked meat roll, raw kangaroo mince or cooked chicken mince stew.
The main meal is fed in the evening, this ensures everyone sleeps well with a full tummy. Young, very small (<5kg), giant (>50kg) or elderly dogs are fed twice a day. Others can be fed twice a day on request.
If your dog is on a special diet due to allergies or upon Veterinarian advice you are welcome to bring its food for us to feed. There is no additional charge for this service however we request that food is packaged into sealed individual meal portions (eg- zip lock bags).
Dogs are let out to free exercise twice per day. In the morning whilst their kennel room is being cleaned and again in the afternoon/evening. Sociable dogs share exercise time in small groups with other sociable dogs of similar size and activity level.
Groups are always small dogs with small dogs, medium dogs with medium dogs, large dogs with large dogs. We do not mix very active young dogs with elderly dogs either. If you have two dogs of very different sizes and want them exercised together then they will not be mixed with any other dogs.
Unsociable dogs are exercised in an area on their own. We do prefer to exercise dogs together as they are generally more active, however you can request that your dog be exercised on its own.
The amount of time spent in the exercise areas varies daily and is dependant on the weather, the number of dogs currently boarding and how sociable they are. The more dogs the more "shift changes" are required so everyone gets equitable time outside in the yards. However even at our busiest all dogs will spend a minimum of 2 hours per day free exercising. We do not leave the dogs outside in very hot or wet weather so exercise time is reduced on those days, however when the weather is fine and mild they can spend almost all of the day outside if they wish.
Exercise times are tailored to the seasons. During the hot summer months the dogs are exercised very early in the morning and late in the afternoon/evening once things have cooled down. In winter they stay out longer through the middle of the day and go to bed earlier.
Medication (tablets, ear drops, eye drops, creams) are administered up to twice a day at no charge. I am also happy to administer supplements etc as required. Please make sure you supply enough medication/supplements for the duration of your dogs stay and that all medications are labeled with the dogs name and dosage instructions. It is a good idea to supply one or two additional days medication in case your return is delayed.
I do not accept diabetic dogs requiring insulin injections.
Additional bathing is $30 per bath.
Additional medication is $1 per treatment
We do everything possible to ensure your dog is happy and stays healthy during its stay but as with all living creatures accidents and illness can happen despite the best of care.
For minor illnesses such as soft stools in an otherwise well dog, minor cuts and abrasions, mild canine cough, mild lameness, we usually choose to treat "in house" using basic first aid, rest and home remedies (eg- chicken and rice for upset tummies, betadine for minor cuts).
For more serious illness and injury such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, lameness, cuts and abrasions that require more than first aid or any other problem we determine to require veterinary intervention there are two courses of action.
Our vets of choice are Kudah and West Coast Vets or WAVES (after hours/emergency) - transport to/from one of these vets is capped at $30. We can also use your own choice of vet however normal transport charges will apply in addition to a $50 fee for waiting time.
Owners are responsible for all Veterinary costs incurred. These must be paid before your dog can be collected. We will always try to contact you prior to seeking treatment if possible, however if you are unable to be contacted or in an emergency situation we will proceed as per veterinarian recommendations. If you know you cannot afford treatment above a certain cost please make us aware of this limit when you drop off your dog.
Although it's not nice to think about. If you have a senior dog or one with chronic health problems it is worthwhile for you consider what will happen should your dog pass away whilst staying at the kennel. Please consider how much you want to spend on life saving procedures. If you would like to be contacted immediately on your dogs passing (or after you return) and also what you would like done with the body should the worst happen (eg- cremation, storage until you return).
If your dog is known to be very storm phobic we recommend obtaining a calming medication such as diazepam (Valium) from your vet for us to give your dog should the need arise. Medication will help your dog remain calm in what is an already stressful environment and will lessen the risk of them injuring themselves should they panic about being in a thunderstorm away from the familiarity of their home.
We do board dogs that are fearful of people. The fact we are a small kennel with only one person caring for the dogs (me!) means that I can usually make friends with even the most shy dog after a few days. And they are usually happier having only one new person to get used to. If your dog is known to be very shy it is usually best to plan a stay during one of our quieter times for a first stay. That way I will have more time spare to get to know the dog and things will be less noisy and busy in general.
We do not board dogs subject to Restricted Breed Legislation or who have been "Declared Dangerous". We also do not board any dogs with known aggression towards people or other dogs. Dogs who show aggression at the kennels will be required to be removed from the premises immediately.
In most cases we do not allow owners or their friends to visit the dogs whilst they are staying with us. It may make the owner feel better and the dog would undoubtedly enjoy seeing their human friends. However when it comes time to leave and the dog is unable to go too they can become very upset and even depressed for a day or so afterwards which is very unfair for the dog.
Dogs do not have any real concept of time and wouldn't notice the difference if you were gone a week or a month. But they DO understand being left behind and not allowed to go with you and it is the being left behind that is upsetting for them.
Very occasionally if it is a long term stay and the dog appears to be well settled and adjusted to the situation we may allow a visit or for the owner to collect the dog for a walk off the premises or day at the beach etc.
All dogs boarding at Greenacre Kennels are required to be vaccinated against the life threatening diseases of Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus. This vaccination is due either annually (Protech, Canigen, Canvac) or every third year (Duramune or Nobivac) Brand names can be found on the stickers attached to your pets vaccination card. Please note the "exp" date on the sticker relates to the storage/use of the vaccine, not it's expiry once administered.
If you are unsure please contact your vet to confirm your pets vaccination status.
If your dog is unvaccinated or you have let its vaccination lapse it may be at risk of contracting one of these deadly diseases. Any of the three can make your dog very sick and treatment is very expensive and not always successful. Whilst there is still a small chance your vaccinated dog will contract one of these diseases the severity of the disease is greatly lessened in the vaccinated dog.
Vaccination against the two common causes of Canine Cough (Kennel Cough) is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Please note vaccination does not guarantee your pet will not contract Canine cough if exposed.
Post by:
Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM
For more from Dr. Ruth MacPete, find her on Facebook or at www.drruthpetvet.com
Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough, is a canine respiratory infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. These pathogens attack the cilia lining the respiratory tract and cause inflammation of the upper airway. This leads to irritation of the airways and a dry cough. It also makes the animal more susceptible to a secondary infection. Although kennel cough is more common during summer, it can occur anytime.
How does your dog get it?
Kennel cough is VERY contagious. It is named kennel cough because it can quickly spread through a kennel and infect every dog. Kennel cough can be transmitted by aerosols released when a sick animal coughs or barks, by direct contact with an infected animal, or by the sharing of contaminated objects (water bowls or toys).
Kennel cough spreads rapidly when dogs are kept in close quarters (such as boarding facilities and animal shelters), but it can also spread if a dog greets an infected dog during a walk or drinks from a contaminated water bowl at the dog park.
Signs and symptoms
Any dog can get kennel cough, but puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at a greater risk. Kennel cough causes a persistent, nonproductive cough that may sound as if something is caught in your pet’s throat and they are gagging or trying to clear their throat. Others describe it as a deep honking cough. Symptoms usually develop three to ten days after exposure to an infected animal. Animals with kennel cough will otherwise act and eat normally. Exercise or getting excited can make symptoms worse.
Diagnosis
If you think your dog has kennel cough, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Because there's no specific test for kennel cough, it's a diagnosis of exclusion. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to exclude other causes of a nonproductive cough, such as heart disease, fungal and parasitic infections like heartworm disease, a collapsing trachea, and cancer. Dogs with kennel cough usually have a history of exposure, i.e. newly acquired pets from a shelter, pet store, or breeder, or pets that have recently been boarded, gone to a groomer, training classes, dog shows, or outings to dog parks. Based on the examination and history, your veterinarian will determine whether they suspect kennel cough.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. In very mild cases, no medications are given since the disease is self-limiting and will run its course, much like a human cold. Humidifiers and using a harness instead of a collar (to avoid irritating the neck) can also help. More serious cases are treated with oral antibiotics and often cough suppressants. Most cases resolve within 7-14 days. If symptoms don't improve, pets should be re-examined and further work-up may be necessary. Kennel cough can occasionally progress to pneumonia so it is important to monitor your pet and notify your veterinarian if he or she isn't improving. Puppies with an immature immune system and older dogs with a weaker immune systems are at greater risk for developing pneumonia from kennel cough. If your dog becomes listless, lethargic, stops eating, has trouble breathing, develops excessive green nasal discharge or a productive cough, see your veterinarian immediately. Finally, if you suspect your dog has kennel cough, isolate them from other dogs to avoid spreading it.
Prevention
There are three types of vaccines available against kennel cough: an injectable, intranasal, and newer oral form. Although these vaccines don't provide 100% protection, they provide some protection against kennel cough and decrease the severity of symptoms. Speak with your veterinarian to learn more about kennel cough and the best way to protect your dog from it.
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.
Post by:
Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM
For more from Dr. Ruth MacPete, find her on Facebook or at www.drruthpetvet.com
Gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome (GDV) is a condition in dogs in which the stomach greatly enlarges and then twists on itself. It commonly is referred to as 'bloat' and is a life-threatening emergency. GDV is a problem seen mostly in large, deep-chested dogs such as the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, Boxer, Standard Poodle, Doberman and large Mastiff breeds but can occur in almost any breed/crossbreed.
For reasons that are not well understood, gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times its normal size and the stomach turns more than 180 degrees on its longitudinal axis, sealing off both the entry and exit from the stomach. The spleen swells placing pressure on the major vein bringing blood back to the heart from the lower body. Many damaging events follow including the release of toxins from the dying stomach lining and heart dysfunction. Without immediate care the dog goes into shock and dies.
Greenacre kennels follows guidelines for the reduction of bloat risk and is aware of the usual symptoms and urgent need for treatment. However we also recognize that often treatment is sadly not successful. Bloat surgery will cost at least $5,000 and may run to over $10,000. If you have a bloat prone breed or cross please consider ahead of time if treatment is something you are able to afford as it is a very difficult decision to make in an emergency situation