Hey there, it’s Mr. Sue with some important info for all my paw-some friends and their humans! 🐾
At Peace, Love, and Paws, your dog’s health and safety are our top priorities. We’re serious about protecting every pup who walks through our doors because, trust me, we’ve seen firsthand how illnesses like canine influenza can turn lives upside down. That’s why we have strict vaccination and wellness policies in place. Let me break it down for you:
Vaccines We Require:
To keep everyone safe, we need proof of the following vaccinations:
• Rabies
• Distemper (DHPP or DAPP)
• Leptospirosis (Lepto) This may be included in your dogs Distemper combo (sometimes labeled as DHLPP or DA2PP+L) or given as a separate vaccine. Either option is fine, as long as Lepto is included and current.
• Canine Influenza
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Why These Vaccines Matter:
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) - This nasty virus is no joke. It’s highly contagious and spreads like wildfire in places where dogs hang out together, like daycare or boarding facilities. Symptoms include coughing, fever, runny noses, and exhaustion. It can even progress to pneumonia and, in severe cases, be life-threatening.
Here’s the kicker, dogs can spread it before they even show symptoms. That’s why we require the canine influenza vaccine for all our guests. It’s the best way to protect your pup and their buddies.
Quick fact: Parainfluenza isn’t the same as influenza. They’re both respiratory illnesses, but they’re caused by different viruses and require separate vaccines.
Kennel Cough (Bordetella) - Kennel cough is like the common cold of the dog world, but it’s way more contagious. While it’s often mild, it can hit puppies, senior dogs, or those with weak immune systems extra hard.
Since kennel cough evolves quickly, we require the Bordetella vaccine every 6 months to ensure every pup in our care is as protected as possible.
Rabies & Distemper/Lepto: Core Vaccines - We don’t mess around with these, either:
• Rabies: This deadly disease is a risk to both dogs and humans. Vaccinating your pup keeps everyone safe.
• Distemper: A serious virus that attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. It’s often fatal but totally preventable with the vaccine.
• Leptospirosis: A serious bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals, especially wildlife like raccoons, skunks, and rodents. Dogs can contract it from contaminated water, soil, or even puddles. It can lead to severe kidney or liver damage and is zoonotic, meaning it can spread to humans.
Wellness Matters: Keep Sick Dogs at Home:
Even with all these vaccines, germs can still sneak around. If your pup shows any of the following symptoms, please keep them home:
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Runny noses
Bringing a sick pup to daycare or boarding risks spreading illness to their furry friends. When in doubt, consult your vet and play it safe.
Why We’re So Strict
Listen, we get it, keeping up with vaccines and wellness checks can feel like a lot, especially on top of normal everyday life. But here’s the deal: We’ve seen firsthand what happens when illnesses like influenza or kennel cough spread. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s why we’ve made safety our mission.
Our facility was built for dogs, not tours or crowds, and we take every step possible to make it a happy, healthy place. By following these rules, you’re helping us maintain the safest environment possible for your pup and their pals.
Thanks for trusting us to care for your furry family member. Together, we’re making Peace, Love, and Paws the safest, happiest spot for all of us!
Paws and love,
Mr. Sue 🐾