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             Each year we as dog owners have to take our dogs to the vet for their annual vaccines. Because we love our furry little friends, we want them to be able to socialize with as little risk of getting sick as possible. Just like our own children, we want them to be protected against anything that can potentially be harmful to them. Sure we’ve heard of people getting vaccinated for the flu, but what about our dogs? Why not protect our pets when we have the ability to do so? Canine influenza is something a lot of people aren’t super familiar with, but it is very important for us to educate ourselves on the matter. Not only for the safety of our own dogs, but for dog safety worldwide. 

 

           What is canine influenza? According to Merck Animal Health, “it is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by canine influenza virus (CIV) Type A.” Although we’re now starting to hear more about the canine flu, the first strain of it, CIV H3N8, was first reported in racing greyhounds in Florida back in 2004. It is believed that this first affected horses and made its way to dogs. This strain can also be a little harder for veterinarians to diagnose. The second strain, CIV H3N2, was more recently found here in the United states- although it was first found in South Korea in 2006. This strain of the virus is of avian origin and had spread to 30 states in the U.S. by April 2016. Every year more and more dogs are traveling from state to state with their families for vacations, road-trips, etc. Because dogs are being transported so much more than before, they are also exposed to more things that could be harmful to them. Which results in contagious illnesses, like the flu, being picked up and spread of course. The canine flu is not a seasonal virus like the human flu, which means it can be caught year-round. 

 

             How is canine influenza spread? For the most part, it is spread the same way the common cold would spread through people, and we all know how easy that is to get. Does your dog regularly attend a daycare or dog park? It is most commonly spread through dog to dog contact. This could be as simple as licking one another or even sniffing each other. Sharing water bowls and toys is of course another big way it is spread. Lastly, dogs can even get sick by merely coming into contact with us! If we unknowingly come into contact with the virus, our clothes, hands, and other surfaces can be contaminated in an instant. It’s that contagious. Any dog no matter their age, size, or breed can get the flu- it does not discriminate.   

 

         How do I know if my dog has the flu? The most common signs include, but are not limited to: coughing, retching, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Although many cases of the flu are relatively mild, there is a small percentage of dogs who are plagued with severe cases. For instance, if the dog is very young or very old their immune systems are more compromised. Therefore, they are at greater risk for receiving the more severe cases because their bodies aren’t able to fight off the virus as well. Many people have the misconception that the canine flu is the same thing as kennel cough, because without diagnosis all canine respiratory illnesses can look similar. However, the flu is a viral disease which results in it being more difficult to treat than kennel cough.

 

                With all of that being said, I think we all can agree that getting your dog the flu vaccine is the right thing to do. Let’s face it, if your dog does end up getting sick, you’ll be paying much more for vet visits than you would just getting the vaccine. Like most vaccines, this does have to be boostered two to three weeks after the initial vaccine. Once you’ve done that it will just be another annual vaccine to add to the list. Remember, the first priority of all canine facilities is dog safety. Most of these places will be requiring the flu vaccine in the near future if they aren’t already, so it wouldn’t hurt to get it sooner rather than later. Stop into your local vet’s office today to set up an appointment, that way your pup can get back to playing without a sweat! 

 

 

*** As a reminder to all current or potential clients of Good Dog Hotel and Spa, we are requiring both rounds the canine influenza vaccine by 3/1/2020. For any questions you have about this, call us at 317-255-2525! 

            

Approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S shelters each year. More times than not, these animals aren’t young and lively anymore. Many of them are senior pets, who probably once had homes and families, and could have ended up homeless for various reasons. When we think about bringing home a new pet, we often think of a tiny, fuzzy kitten or a fluffy, energetic puppy. But, why don’t we ever think of bringing home an older pet? Sure, they may be going a little gray and they may not have all the energy in the world, but a lot of us can probably say the same. They still have so much love to give, and just like the rest of us, they simply just want to be loved. November is adopt a senior pet month! Here at Good Dog, we have many senior dogs who come in to visit us. We wanted to highlight a few reasons why adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding, great experience. Not to mention, we also wanted to give a few of our very own senior residents some shine. 

 

             1. Old dogs can still learn new tricks!                                                                                     It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, a lot of times older dogs can be easier to train than puppies, due to their ability to focus for a longer period of time. Consistency is really the only thing that matters when teaching anyone something new! (Consistently giving treats that is.)

-Molly, the 14 year old Blue Heeler! She still loves to play fetch and she also enjoys bath time.

            2. Senior dogs often already have basic training.                                                                 Most senior dogs have already been potty trained, and many of them know basic commands like sit, stay, shake, etc. Teaching a new puppy these things can take a lot of time and energy that many people just don’t have. 

-Buddy, the 14 year old chow-lab mix! He is one of our regulars in daycare! He still comes at least once a week.

 3. Older dogs are more calm, and less energetic.                                                                        Once dogs come out of their puppy stage, they tend to calm down quite a bit. This means fewer chewed up shoes, and less destroyed furniture. This also means they will be less needy in terms of wanting to play, or go on walks 24/7. If you have children, older dogs tend to be more calm which typically results in them doing better with kids as well!

-Bug and Sophie, the 14 year old pug sisters! They love to cuddle up together for naps. 

          4. Senior dogs already have set personalities and temperaments.                                         Senior dogs are already who they are going to be. You won’t have to worry about any surprises. They already have their set personalities, whether that be shy, calm, outgoing, or friendly. What you see is what you get. With that being said, this will make it easier to assess how he/she may fit into your lifestyle. 

-Bully, the almost 12 year old French Bulldog! He still comes to daycare all the time! (Even if his time here is mostly spent sleeping.)

        5. Adopting an older dog is saving a life.                                                                                            Many times dogs over the age of five are overlooked. The odds for them aren’t always great. Some of these dogs will live in a shelter for the rest of their days. It’s important to remember that older dogs need a home just as badly as the young ones. It is a heroic thing to find beauty and love in what others wouldn’t even think twice about.  

-Tipper, the almost 10 year old chihuahua-beagle mix! She is the best to snuggle with!

These are just a few of the many reasons why adopting an older dog can be the right choice for a lot of us. Everyone deserves a home and a family, no matter how young, old, big, or small. With all the cute puppies around, I think it can be easy for us to forget about the older dogs. That is why we wanted to bring awareness to adopt a senior pet month! Next time you are looking to bring home a new pet, consider taking home a senior pet. Take it from Tiki, who is a senior himself, that the old guys are just the best!

– Our very own Tiki, the 11 year old pug-poodle mix! Tiki loves his human and doggie friends and he likes to play with his toys.

We love adorable pet pictures and heart-warming dog stories, but this time of year, we want to share some information that’s a little more serious. July and August are the hottest months in Indiana, and while many of us are mentally shifting gears to fall, we still have some warm days ahead. 

Your dog’s safety is our top priority at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa, and so we wanted to share some information and tips to help keep your dog healthy before temperatures cool in the fall. If you have additional thoughts on the subject, we’d love to hear about them. And as always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns with your pet’s well-being. 

Dog Breeds That Feel the Heat 

Some breeds need a little extra TLC these final weeks of summer. Those with short, or snub noses are particularly vulnerable, including French bulldogs, pugs and Shih Tzu. That’s because they can quickly overheat as they struggle to pant sufficiently. Panting is how they regulate their temperature, and short-nosed breeds have excess soft tissue around their airways that can impede regulation. 

Dog Breeds That Can Tolerate Heat 

The general rule of thumb is that dogs with thin, short coats do the best in heat. Typical breeds include Beagles, Chihuahuas, and Dalmatians. In addition, breeds that originated in hot climates or are used for coursing are naturally resistant to heat. Their long noses cool the air, and their larger lungs and hearts better distribute oxygen through their bodies. This could include breeds like Whippets, Greyhounds and Salukis. 

Signs of Overheating

Your dog might be struggling with the heat if you notice the following symptoms: 

Signs of Dehydration

If you think your dog is dehydrated, offer clean, cool water. If you are concerned your dog isn’t drinking enough water, try a different bowl, or add some ice chips, a splash of chicken broth or carrot juice, or pieces of a favorite fruit to encourage drinking. 

Signs of dehydration aren’t always easy to spot, so if in doubt, contact your vet immediately. 

Signs of Heatstroke

If you notice any signs of heatstroke, get your dog to a cool location and contact your veterinarian. 

Turn on a fan, and wrap your dog in cold wet towels, especially around the underarm, belly and groin areas. 

Check your dog’s temperature every five minutes and end the cooling treatment when the temperature is down to 103°. Be careful not to cool your dog too too rapidly to avoid shock. Provide cool water, but don’t force your dog to drink. 

General Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool

There are lots of things pet owners can do to help keep dogs safe during the hot weeks ahead. Obviously, keeping your dog inside or shaded areas as much as possible is a good first step. You’ll also want to cut down daily dog walks and playtime during daylight to avoid overheating. In addition:

Do You Have More Tips?

What do you do to make sure your dog is cool and safe during hot days? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks. Please share them here, or on our Facebook page.

Planning a summer vacation is exciting and can be filled with anticipation. But if you have to leave your dog behind in a boarding facility, it can also be an emotionally draining experience. With a little preparation, both you and your dog will be set up for vacation success.

Here are some pre-getaway suggestions from our team at the Good Dog Hotel & Spa. If you have more suggestions of your own, please add them to the comments section at the bottom of this article. We’d love to hear what works for you!

Meanwhile, we hope you have some exciting plans in the works for the summer, and please let us know if we can help.

Schedule boarding now.

Summer is a busy time, and boarding spaces fill up fast. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservations. Not only will this ensure that your dog will have a place to stay, it will help ease your mind and give you one less detail to worry about.

Visit the boarding facility.

The Good Dog Hotel & Spa encourages our dog and human families to come visit prior to your scheduled vacation. This will help both of you feel more comfortable when the time comes for that extended stay. If possible, bring your pooch to doggie daycare for a day or two. Having spent time here playing and exploring the area will make the vacation departure smoother.

Spend quality time together.

It will help both you and your dog if you spend some special time together before you leave town, and of course the same goes with other family members. Your dog will appreciate all the extra hugs, walks, snuggles and playtime you can manage. And it makes humans feel good, too!

Know what to bring.

We recommend that you bring your dog’s bed to sleep on while you’re away. The bed will smell like you and your home, and make him more comfortable.

Here’s a list of items you should bring when boarding your pup:

Exercise your dog before you leave.

Getting exercise is always key, but especially before you leave on vacation. Take an extra walk or two, play fetch, or just get your dog moving prior to dropping her off. Expending some energy will help her feel more relaxed during the transition.

Consider dog calming tools.

Some dogs that experience separation anxiety respond well to things like dog calming pheromone products, wearing a ThunderShirt, or taking calming supplements. We’ve also heard success stories from owners that use CBD treats or oil. Before trying any calming tool, consult with your veterinarian.

Stay calm, cool and collected. 

On the day you prepare to leave, it’s important for you to be calm and confident, because your dog will quickly and easily pick up on your emotions. If you’re feeling nervous about leaving him, he will feel nervous about you leaving. If you’re feeling relaxed and comfortable (even though you’ll miss her), your dog will feel the same way.

Distractions are good.

Sometimes a new toy or chew will be just the type of distraction your dog needs on the day before or morning of departure. Novelty items will grab your dog’s interest, and he’ll be less focused on the hustle and bustle of packing, loading the car and vacation preparation.

Of course, your dog will miss you when you’re away, just as you will absolutely miss your dog. The more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more relaxed and comfortable your dog will be. A little preparation goes a long way and will help ensure that both you and your dog are ready to enjoy your vacation.

Give yourself and your pup plenty of time to check in.

Depending on the time of day and year, you may have to stand in line to check in. It is usually very busy between 7-10 am, and again between 4-7pm.  If you have medication for your dog that will need to be reviewed, checking with the boarding facility first will help with the transaction.

Check with your facility to see if the required paperwork is available online so you can complete it prior to arrival. Facilities will always want to make sure to have the proper feeding instructions as well, so give yourself extra time, knowing that check in will take several minutes.

Check out these fundraisers, parties and special events in the Indianapolis area – all to benefit or celebrate our own pets, and homeless animals too.

GDHDogEVentsEverybody at the Good Dog Hotel loves a good party or fundraising event that is for or about pets. Tiki, of course, especially loves anything that has to do with dogs. And who can blame him? As a member of the dog-boarding community in Indiana, we know our furry friends deserve the best, which is why we are always excited to help spread the word about community events that are pet-friendly.

So get out your calendars and plan ahead, because there are some exciting gatherings coming up.

 

IndyHumane’s 500 Porch Party

Humane Society of Indianapolis

May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

IndyHumane’s 500 Porch Party aims to provide Mutt Strut participants and friends of pets from all over the community a chance to come together, have some fun, and help raise funds for IndyHumane. The event will be a pet-friendly festival, with food, drinks, games, and contests. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 while enjoying the festivities. All proceeds will support the abandoned, injured, orphaned, and homeless pets IndyHumane serves from across Central Indiana.

Pet Pride

The Eiteljorg Museum

June 3, 2 p.m.

This year’s “pawsitively pawesome” Pet Pride will be at the Eiteljorg Museum, and is part of the Circle City in Pride Kickoff Weekend. The purpose? “To bring together the community and their pets for a great time.” Free and open to the public, there will be plenty of food and merchant vendors, independent artists, non-profits and rescue organizations. One of the highlights is the pet contests, with categories including: Pet/Owner Look-A-Like; A Face Only a Parent Could Love; Most Couture Costume; and My Pet’s Got Talent.

Dog-A-Palooza

Skyline Drive-In

June 10, 5 p.m.

Benefitting the Shelby County Animal Shelter, you can enjoy a film with your furry best friend at the Dog-A-Palooza. Bring your dogs out to the Skyline for a one of a kind event – a special day at the drive-in (dogs usually not allowed). There will be a raffle and special contests for your pooch, including but not limited to rounds of musical sit, bobbing for hotdogs, and popcorn eating contest. Gates open at 5 p.m., when vendors will open for business. Note: dogs must be on a leash at all times. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Ruff Ride

Harley Davidson Indianapolis

July 22

This special event is for bikers, and supports the Hamilton County Humane Society. An annual event, the Ruff Ride includes a ride (complete with police escorts for safety), food, drinks, fun, camaraderie and a concert for the grand finale. Participants are invited to get your motors running (with your best biker gear and helmets), in order to raise funds for the Pets Healing Vets program that pairs specially-selected dogs and cats with veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD.

Meyer Najem Swing into Giving® Charity Golf Outing

Eagle Creek Golf Club

July 28, 9 a.m.

The 10th Annual Meyer Najem Swing into Giving® Charity Golf Outing benefits the Joseph Maley Foundation, the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and Westminster Neighborhood Services. For the fifth year in a row, the golf outing will take place at the scenic Eagle Creek Golf Club on both the Pines and Sycamore courses. This is a soft spike course, and registration will begin at 9 a.m., with a Shotgun Start at 10 a.m.

Broad Ripple Community Dog Walk

Broad Ripple

August 10, 6-9 p.m.

The fourth annual Broad Ripple Community Dog Walk is sponsored by the Broad Ripple Village Association and inspired by National Night Out, a nation-wide event to promote involvement in crime prevention activities and police-community partnerships. In Broad Ripple, the focus is on neighborhood camaraderie, bringing the community together, which includes residents and pets. This fun event is an opportunity to get together with neighbors, make new friends, and enjoy a night out in the neighborhood.

Woof Stock

Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Fishers

October 7, 12:30 – 7 p.m.

Woofstock is Hamilton County’s largest pet & music festival, featuring dozens of vendors, interactive activities for both kids and canines, live bands all day on the Woofstock Stage, food trucks, a beer garden and more. The festival kicks off with the annual Woof It & Hoof It Charity Dog Walk, which helps raise money to save the lives of abused, neglected and injured animals.  If you’re interested in being the walk’s Pack Leader (along with your rescue dog), submit your rescue dog story for consideration.  Voting on Facebook will determine the winner.

Tinsel & Tails

Ritz Charles, Carmel

November 16

The purpose of Tinsel & Tails is to raise operating funds for the Humane Society of Hamilton County. Just in time for the holidays, this event at the Ritz Charles includes pet adoption and survival stories, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a silent auction. This one-of-a-kind event is in support of our favorite furry friends.

Which Events Are Your Favorites?

 We know there are lots of other exciting and pet-friendly events going on in the area, and we’d love to hear about them. Which ones do you plan to attend, and do you have favorites? Please share your stories and experiences below.