Frequenty Asked Questions

Rabies is a fatal virus disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including dogs and humans.

Canine parvovirus produces a potentially fatal disease of the gastrointestinal tract and, less commonly, the muscles of the heart.

Canine coronavirus infection is a highly contagious gastrointestinal disease among dogs.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious, and potentially fatal, viral disease in dogs.

Hepatitis (CAV-1) is a virus that can damage the liver, kidneys, spleen and lungs in dogs. Puppies are more likely to die from infection than adult dogs.

Canine parainfluenza virus causes chronic respiratory disease. In combination with other viral or bacterial infections , the disease is more serious. The virus is spread through the cough of infected dogs.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria contributing to respiratory disease complex, or “kennel cough”, in dogs. When the dog also has a viral infection, the disease is much more severe.

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that can permanently damage your dog’s liver, kidneys and other major organs. Other dogs, and even humans, can become ill after contact with an infected dog’s urine.

Lyme disease is acquired by both dogs and people from infected ticks. It is most commonly reported tick-borne disease in the U.S.

Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs.

Rabies is a fatal disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans.

Feline panleukopenia or Feline distemper is caused by a highly contagious, and potentially fatal, virus. It is especially dangerous to kittens.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) or Feline herpesvirus is one of the causes of upper respiratory diseases in cats.

Feline calicivirus causes chronic disease of the upper respiratory system. The severity of infection with this virus depends on several factors, including the presence of other viruses and bacteria.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is the most commonly diagnosed feline cancer and is the cause of about one third of all cancer deaths among cats. This virus suppresses the cat’s immune system, leaving it susceptible to other infections.

Chlamydia psittaci (pneumonitis) is a bacteria responsible for chronic mild upper respiratory disease. It can also exacerbate other diseases caused by viruses.

The medical name for bloat is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV); it is also sometimes referred to as a gastric torsion. It is a life-threatening emergency that commonly affects dogs. It occurs primarily in large, deep-chested breeds, such as Great Danes, Collies, Dobermans, German Shepherds, or Boxers, but may affect smaller breeds, like Beagles and Bichons. GDV occurs without warning and is very difficult to treat. It is also difficult to detect, as many of the symptoms are also symptoms of much less serious conditions.

If you think GDV is occuring you should get your dog to veterinary hospital immediately.

The most obvious signs of GDV are:

• Distention and swelling of the abdominal cavity as the stomach expands
• Assuming an unnatural body posture, standing with the head and neck extended

Signs of GDV include:

• Vomiting
• Dry heaves
• Salivation
• Restlessness, pacing

Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, is very common, but most cases are not serious, resolving on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. However, some dogs develop life- threatening complications (generally animals with preexisting health issues that compromise an animal’s immune system).

The primary sign of kennel cough is a dry-sounding, spasmodic cough; at the end of a coughing spell dogs often retch and cough up a white foamy discharge. Treatment will usually involve an antibiotic and a cough supressant.

If you think your dog may have kennel cough you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Learn more about kennel cough.

Hot spots on a dog are a result of a skin condition called pyotraumatic dermatitis. It is a bacterial infection that develops and rapidly spreads in the skin. A tiny scratch, an insect bite, gnawing at an itchy spot or even rough play between two sharp toothed puppies can be the beginning of a hotspot. They are most common in dogs with thick coats such as Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and German Shepherds. However, hot spots can occur in any breed.

Your dog can develop a very serious hotspot within minutes from itching or scratching an aggravated skin site. If you think your dog has a hotspot you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Learn more about hotspots on dogs.

Yes. You will be required to provide proof of the following vaccinations, performed within the last year. We will be happy to administer any missing vaccinations. Please call our office to schedule an appointment prior to your boarding start date to avoid complications or delays. Unvaccinated animals may be able to utilize hospital boarding, where possible, but it is more expensive than our normal rates.

DOGS

• Distemper/Parvo combo
• Rabies
• Bordatella
• Heartworm test within last year
• On heartworm preventative
• Fecal exam within last 6 months
• Influenza Vaccine

CATS

• Distemper
• Rabies
• Feline Leukemia
• Felv/Fiv Test

Pets with serious medical conditions may need medical boarding. There are other health concerns/conditions that are allowable in general boarding.

Pricing varies for general vs medical boarding; additional charges may also apply, depending on your pet’s needs. Please call to discuss the details of your pet’s health and what type of boarding would be best.

All of our grooming locations have cleanliness protocols that are strict and never deviated from, for the health and well-being of all of our guests. In boarding your pet at a Callanan Veterinary Group facility, you can be assured that your pet will be housed in a comfortable and clean environment, including sleeping, play and socializing areas.

Methods for cleanliness and prevention of common medical concerns include:

• Appropriate and recent vaccinations of all guests
• Well circulated air through air-handling systems
• Disinfection of all kennels before and after use
• Maintaining a dry kennel floor
• Isolation and treatment of guests with known conditions

All of our boarding facilities have appropriate fencing, electronic surveillance, to include both video and motion sensors which are active 24 hours per day.

Exercise requirements for dogs differs from cats. All animals are screened for temperment, and will be engaged in age-appropriate exercise through one-on-one and group play. Additional exercise opportunities are available for both individual and group play.