Just like we wheeze and sneeze from allergies – so do our four-legged friends. Allergies can affect us and our animals year round, and can be problematic whether they are inhaled, ingested, or in contact with skin. Any breed can develop allergies in their lifetime, and as kennel owners, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and treat them swiftly.

Recognizing the difference between a cold and allergies is the first step to assessing the problem. General symptoms of allergies in dogs can include increased scratching, runny eyes, itchy ears, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, snoring due to an inflamed throat and constant licking. This can be more prevalent in boarding facilities because animals are exposed to many different types of allergens that they are not used to and don’t have in their own home. A different environment can mean new food, new shampoos and other new objects that could cause allergies. A good way to avoid this is to ask for allergy information for first-time boarders.

To accurately plan for instances where a dog may need medication, staff members at kennels should know the proper usage of OTC Benadryl to control pet allergies. Kennel owners should always have some over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl on hand, but should never administer any medication without first consulting a vet. It’s important to always have a good relationship with a nearby vet so they can help determine how much medication a dog should receive prior to administering and to answer any questions about the medication.

If a dog seems to be bothered by allergies, be sure to check for “hot spots.” Hot spots are the most common manifestation of allergies besides telltale signs like a runny nose and watery eyes. They are irritated spots on the skin which can be very itchy and uncomfortable for an animal. In a facility, there are more airborne allergens and more freedom for dogs to lick and scratch these irritated areas overnight without constant supervision. In a moist environment, these hot spots can become infected more easily and can become very painful for the animal, which is why it is important to recognize the signs early and be equipped to treat the animal promptly. If you notice a hot spot, treatment is usually a topical medicated ointment and antibiotics, as needed.

To be proactive and prepared for a dog with allergies, boarding facilities should keep a special hypoallergenic bathing shampoo on hand for dogs with sensitive skin to ensure the soap does not cause a reaction when bathing.

Lastly, make sure to be prepared and well trained in how to determine the causes of allergies. Allergies can come from food ingredients, such as gluten or wheat, or can be seasonal. Many dog owners have switched their pet’s diet, opting for a gluten-free and wheat-free regimen with great success. Kennels can try switching to a total gluten-free diet for allergy-sensitive dogs.

Being proactive is the best defense for such situations. Make sure all staff is educated on symptoms, treatments, and has a trusted veterinarian on call for emergency situations.

K-9 RESORTS DAYCARE & LUXURY HOTEL was founded in 2005 by brothers Steven and Jason Parker in Fanwood, N.J. When in their early teens, their parents denied them a dog of their own, so the entrepreneurial pair opened a professional pet-sitting business to prove they were not only willing, but ready to care for a dog. That business not only became a highly profitable enterprise that they sold for a six-figure sum in 2006, that revenue became the expansion fuel for their burgeoning K-9 Resorts business. The business, which is the only facility in New Jersey to have been rated Number 1 by multiple major publications, is a luxury pet care franchise with locations throughout the East Coast of the U.S. K-9 Resorts was ranked Number 1 in its category by the Courier News and by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. To learn more about K-9 Resorts Daycare & Luxury Hotel and potential franchise opportunities, visit the company’s website www.k9resorts.com.

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