Common Boarding Issues

Kennel rub is the most common skin irritation we see here in dogs, caused by friction from rubbing against kennel surfaces, bedding, or other objects—sometimes even on the nose. It’s especially common during boarding because dogs may be more confined, active, or curious in a new environment, which can cause friction on sensitive areas like elbows, hips, or the nose. Healing usually takes a few days to a week, and while your pet is with us, we clean the affected area with peroxide to help prevent infection and promote healing.

Sores are areas of irritated or damaged skin that dogs can develop from scratching, licking, or minor injuries. They are common during boarding because new environments, stress, or increased activity can make dogs more prone to irritation. Healing time varies depending on the severity, but while your pet is with us, we clean sores carefully with peroxide to prevent infection and support the skin as it heals.

Nicks and cuts are small breaks in a dog’s skin that can happen from play, rough surfaces, or accidental scrapes. They are fairly common during boarding as dogs explore new environments and interact with their surroundings. With cuts, we like to take pictures every day to make sure they are healing properly and to keep the owner updated.

Broken nails are a common injury in dogs that can occur from walking on hard surfaces, playing, or getting caught on objects. They can be painful and may bleed, so it’s important to monitor them closely. While your pet is with us, we keep an eye on broken nails, provide any necessary care, and update the owner on their condition.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that dogs can catch from being in close contact with other dogs, especially in boarding or kennel environments. It usually causes a persistent, honking cough, sneezing, or mild nasal discharge, though most dogs remain active and eat normally. For this reason, we require all pets to have a current Bordetella vaccine, but it’s important to remember that no vaccine provides 100% immunity. While your pet is with us, we monitor their symptoms closely and keep the owner informed.

Decreased appetite is when a dog shows less interest in eating than usual, which can be a sign of stress, illness, or changes in their environment. It’s fairly common during boarding as dogs adjust to new surroundings or routines. While your pet is with us, we monitor their eating habits closely and keep the owner updated on any changes.

Stress colitis is inflammation of a dog’s colon that can occur due to stress, changes in environment, or anxiety—common triggers during boarding. It often causes diarrhea, sometimes with mucus or blood, and can make the dog feel uncomfortable. While your pet is with us, we monitor their symptoms closely, provide supportive care, and keep the owner informed of any changes.