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Piecing Together the Pet Insurance Puzzle

Pet Insurance - YES - this is a real thing, and a very important one at that!  However, we have found that researching the topic and finding a reputable company with a product that is right for you can be overwhelming.  There are so many companies touting that they are “the best,” “the most economical,” or “the most trusted.” But how can we be sure these claims are true?  Which company is the best for you and your fur baby? If you have ever dealt with a “human” insurance company, you know how complicated things can be. Without proper research and guidance, you may end up with too little coverage OR paying too much for coverage you do not need.  

First things first - any type of Pet Insurance does provide you with the peace of mind that your pet is protected should the unexpected happen.   All pet owners know that things can go wrong at a moment’s notice. We can all easily picture any of the following common scenarios - Fluffy jumps off the bed and now she is limping, she sticks her nose in a beehive, she eats a bone off the street etc., etc.…   Suddenly you are rushing your precious baby to the Veterinary Emergency Room and if you don’t have pet insurance, you better be ready to whip out your credit card because MRIs, X-Rays, IVs and Oxygen Cage Care will cost a pretty penny. However, no price is too high for your best friend who you can not imagine letting go of and we all want to be able to make a humane decision for their care based on what is best for Fluffy and not how much it costs.

As we shared earlier, when we researched pet insurance plans, we found an overwhelming number to choose from and the language was often intimidating and confusing.  Because we know the value and importance of a good pet insurance plan, we are going to try to simplify some of this information for you. The bright side of having to sift through so many dog insurance plans on the market is that there IS a plan to suit your needs and budget, provided that you can make heads and tails of the plethora of information.  In addition to standard routine care plans, there are even plans that cover accidents, illnesses and advanced medical care for things such as cancer - so a good insurance plan can give owners much relief.

As with most purchases, the first thing to consider when signing up for pet insurance is your budget.  Unfortunately, this is a not as straightforward as it seems. The cost of pet insurance varies depending on what is included in a policy, co-payment and deductible as well as gender, age and breed of your pet.  Policies can also factor in your geographical location and the cost of veterinary care within your region. Thus, what you really need to consider is what you are paying now for care or what expenses can come up in the future (i.e. surgery, medication) vs. what you would pay for a monthly premium.   

We have found that the best way to educate yourself is to visit a pet insurance plan website and input different scenarios to determine what the overall costs might be.  Let’s use Eva’s boy Oliver as an example. We arbitrarily picked Trupanion Insurance Company and input the following description – male, Labrador retriever, 8 years old and living in the 11215 zip code (Park Slope and surrounding area in Brooklyn New York).  We then got three different quotes depending on our preferred deductible.  For a $0 deductible, the monthly premium is $379. However, if we were willing and able to pay the first $200 of the vet bill, the price decreased to $219 per month.  For a $700 deductible, the monthly cost for Oliver would be $120 per month.

We then manipulated the quote by using a different zip code and the prices completely  changed. For example, when we input our Countryside Dog Camp zip code for Union Dale, PA (which is located in Northeast Pennsylvania - literally in the middle of nowhere) and kept all other variables the same, monthly cost with a $0 deductible dropped from $379 to $257 per month.  For a $200 deductible the premium decreased from $219/month to $149/month and for a $700 deductible it went from $120/month to $82/month. By the same token, if we could magically make Oliver younger, the monthly premium was less expensive. Likewise, if he was a different breed, the monthly cost would also decrease since Labradors are known to have certain health concerns such as hip issues and seizure conditions.  

We hope that our exercise was helpful for you to understand how and why the cost of pet health insurance can vary.  Now the question is - what company has the best ratings and anecdotal evidence proving follow through and pay-out when your furry child ends up with a hefty veterinary bill?

Looking at ratings of various companies according to  Consumers Advocate and Pet Insurance Review, Healthy Paws has the highest ratings.  This information coincides with reviews from a sizeable closed dog owners Facebook group that Eva belongs to.  Many dog owners in this closed adoption group have Healthy Paws Insurance for their dogs and they are satisfied with the coverage, cost and service.  According to this group and to online reviews, Healthy Paws responds quickly to claims and pays out fast and without much fuss.  The rates are reasonable - even better than several of its competitors - and the coverage is generous. Available plans cover most situations except for pre-existing conditions, preventative or routine care, spay/neuter and office visits/examination fees.  Petplan, Nationwide and Petfirst are other insurance companies that rank high both according to Consumer Advocate and the closed dog owner Facebook group.   

In closing, the best advice that we can give is to visit the websites of these top ranking insurance companies and input different scenarios for your pet as we did.  Do your research, ask questions, read reviews and then sign up for pet insurance! It will give you great peace of mind and financial relief should the worst happen.

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Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pup

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Pup

With the crisp chill of winter in the air and Christmas carols on the radio, the holidays are upon us - and with them the need to keep a close eye on our fur babies.  Changes in routine, human foods and decorations are just a few of the things which can lead to your pup falling ill or getting hurt. Fido should be able to enjoy the holidays with just as much cheer and contentment as the rest of the family - so keep these few tips in mind to keep your furry friend safe.

Oh Tannenbaum

One of the holiday staple decorations is, of course, the Christmas tree.  With its prominent placement in your home, your pooch is left to combat against the dangers that it poses.  Here are some helpful hints:

Make sure to secure your tree, perhaps in the corner of the room, to prevent the likelihood of your playful pup knocking it over.

Keep an eye on the water at the base of your tree, as it may contain fertilizers or bacteria.  Allowing your dog to drink it may cause gastrointestinal issues.

Keep ornaments and string lights off the bottom branches to stop your pup from grabbing at them and knocking them off.  String lights may give your dog a nasty shock that may even be life-threatening, while ornaments can break and cut his or her mouth, esophagus or paws.

Avoid tinsel if possible.  Tinsel may look like a tasty treat for Fido but can obstruct the intestinal tract and even lead to needing surgery.  

Most importantly, for the safety of all family members – human and furry alike – never leave your tree lights on while you are not home or while you are sleeping.

Other Poisonous Perpetrators

Christmas trees aren’t the only holiday plants that can harm your pup.  When eaten, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular issues.  Likewise, holly can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Also, poinsettias can be irritating to a dog’s mouth and stomach, sometimes causing vomiting.  Perhaps the best idea if you have a four-legged friend in your home is to restrict your holiday flora to the artificial variety.

The most common of holiday household items are bound to intrigue a curious canine and also are liable to end up in your pups mouth - or worse - belly.  Random items such as ribbons, batteries, potpourri, ornament hooks, loose bits from toys and pine needles can all block your pet’s intestinal tract and result in serious injury.  Be cautious of what you leave laying around the house that may look like a tasty treat.

Food, Glorious Food!

What would the holidays be without food - lots and lots of delightfully delicious food?!?  However, as we all know, you should avoid giving your dog certain “human” foods to keep them from having any kind of reaction or getting seriously ill.  Problem foods such as chocolate, alcohol and anything flavored with xylitol are the most dangerous, even deadly to dogs.

We also strongly recommend asking your guests not to feed your pets from the table.  This will ensure that fatty or spicy foods, turkey bones, grapes and any other foods which are dangerous to your pet’s health don’t make it into their mouths.  It is also a good idea to feed your pup before you and your guests have dinner to lessen the chance they try to beg at the table. You can also use the “place” command during dinner to keep your pooch at bay.  Check out our article on Counter Surfing for more tips and tricks on using “place.”

More is Not Always Merrier for Fido

Remember that while you might love the holiday social scene and being surrounded by family and friends, you pup might not be so open to such merriment.  A crowded home filled with chatter might be overwhelming for your pooch. Small children may be irritating to your dog, especially if he/she is older. Loud noises such as champagne popping or fireworks on New Year's Eve can also upset or frighten your pooch.  They might try to hide or even run away if they are stressed enough. It is best to give your fur baby a safe and quiet place away from the hustle and bustle where they can relax.

Each one of us knows our best furry friends better than anyone and it is up to us to anticipate how much holiday cheer they can handle.  Arranging a pet sitter or overnight boarding might be the best option to keep your pup safe, calm and happy. If this is the best option for you and your pup, as always, remember to book well in advance as kennels can fill up quickly for the holidays.  

So while you are decorating, cooking or celebrating this holiday season, remember to give your dog’s welfare some careful consideration.  Keep them safe and happy so they can wear that Santa hat and smile for next year’s Christmas card!

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Frolic and Play - The Countryside Camp Way!

Frolic and Play - The Countryside Camp Way!

What makes pups happier than frollicing freely through the woods and playing with fellow pups for hours on end? Nothing of course! And with 56 acres full of forests, fields and adventures for our campers to discover, there's never a dull moment!

As you can see, we just love running and hiking in the snow here at camp! Eva's Play Pups Countryside Dog Camp offers endless outdoor fun for your pooch while giving you peace of mind that your pet is in safe and reliable hands while you are away. Our Canine Counselors are always on their toes making sure that your pups are happy and safe! So what are you waiting for? Give your pup the gift of FUN this holiday season!

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There's Always More to Explore!

There's Always More to Explore!

This week's Countryside Dog Camp Photo of the Week is Camp Counselor Tiffany cuddling with a pack of our medium campers. All of our Canine Camp Counselors love to hike through the woods with the pups. On this day, Tiffany and the pack headed down to our own little “Fern Gully” with Camp Counselor Matt, who captured this nice moment. They all had a great day frolicking through the snow and exploring the trees and rocks with their camp friends!

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Introducing...The One...The Only...Eva!

Meet Eva! - The Heart and Soul of Eva’s Play Pups!

Eva grew up near her grandparents farm in Sweden raising dogs, cats, chicken, cows, pigs, and horses. She developed an understanding of and love for animals at an early age. She graduated from Hunter College and began her career at a political research company—soon realizing that wasn't the path for her. Instead, she trained as a veterinary technician at an animal hospital and discovered caring for animals was her true calling.

In 2000, Eva founded Eva’s Play Pups dog walking services, providing dog walking and cat sitting to Park Slope residents and their pets. Today, Eva's Play Pups has evolved to her incredible 56 acre Countryside Dog Boarding Camp at a farm in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

Eva is very passionate about her job and loves spending time with the dogs outdoors at the farm, working side by side with the camp staff.  She also takes pride in consistently building on her vision for the future. Providing continuing education and training for the Canine Counselors as well as planning new and fun adventures for the Furry Campers are just a few things that Eva does to make Countryside Camp even more incredible.

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Stop Counter Surfing for Good!

How to End Your Pup’s Counter Surfing Once and for All!

The day before Thanksgiving, one of our most loyal clients cancelled their reservation because their dog had gotten a hold of a box of chocolates of the counter.  Unfortunately, Baxter (Bax as we lovingly call him here at camp) needed veterinary care as a result. All of us here at camp were very worried for him but we are happy to report that Bax has recovered 100%.  We were excited to have him stay at camp soon after Thanksgiving and based on his energy level, we knew he was right back to his old self.

After this incident, we realized that counter surfing and stealing human food is a common problem for our clients.  We also know that it can unfortunately lead to life threatening health issues and huge vet bills. In order to try to help our clients be proactive and prevent any incidents (especially during the holidays when food is abound), we decided to put together some ideas on how to avoid this problematic behavior in our furry friends.

The Obvious

Of course the easiest and most foolproof way to prevent counter surfing is - of course - removing all food items from counters and table tops.  We also recommend wiping surfaces clean of crumbs and smears. This will eventually lead to a dog losing interest in surfing for food as there are no tempting traces in sight (or sent) range.  Quite simply, if there is never any food to be found on the counter, the dog will stop sniffing for goodies and - PRESTO - no more counter surfing!

If you find that you absolutely need to put food items out (perhaps while preparing for a big dinner for family and friends), keep your fur baby out of the area.  Close the door or put up a temporary baby gate. Trust us - investing in a baby gate is much less expensive and stressful than spending Christmas Eve at the Emergency Vet Clinic.  

The “Place” To Be

There is nothing quite like the “place” command to solve a multitude of behavior problems.  If a dog is in place command on a dog bed, he/she can not be causing trouble around the house.  No counter surfing, no charging the door at incoming guests and no chewing up your sofa! Hallelujah!  

To teach your pup the place command, simply put him on a trailing leash, lead him to a dog bed and calmly say “place.”  Once there, reward with a calm “good job” or “good place.” It is important to keep your voice calm and even. If you start celebrating his place with a happy upbeat voice, your dog will most likely become excited.  He will want to stand up and wag his tail to show just how happy he is that he did what was asked - but in essence - he is then breaking the place command.

It is also a good idea to slowly increase the distance between you and your dog after putting him in place.  At first, you should stay close and hold onto the leash so you can put him right back on the dog bed when/if he breaks the command.  Breaking the command is actually a wonderful teaching moment - so don’t get frustrated. Just keep putting him back calmly and repeating, “No. Place.”  Once your pup starts getting the hang of it, you can then start increasing the distance. Pretty soon, you will be able to calmly work at the kitchen counter or stove while your well behaved pooch stays in place at the other end of the room.  He or she will be content to watch you work instead of looking for food. Hopefully he will eventually relax - perhaps even take a snooze!

Stay the Course

Learning the place command will take some time and patience.  Try not to get frustrated when your best buddy breaks the command over and over.  Stay calm and be persistent. Simply continue to put your pup back in place and praise him calmly until he begins to learn what you are asking of him.  

You can further condition your dog to stay on the dog bed by giving treats while he/she is staying in place.  He will soon realize that there are more goodies coming his way while staying on the dog bed as opposed to upsetting mommy and daddy by stealing the family dinner of the table.  It’s a win-win for everyone and will make for much safer and happier Christmas Dinner!

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! Woof!

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Winter Wonderland

“Over the ground lies a mantle of white.

A heaven of diamonds shine down through the night.

Our hearts are thrilling….

In spite of the chill in the weather”

Canine Counselor Joella frolics with a group of happy campers in the powdery white snow here at countryside dog camp. Joella and company really enjoyed their pre-breakfast sunrise walk this past weekend. Yes…we know. Many folks enjoy sleeping in on the weekends - especially on a cold winter's morning. However, here in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, it is really nice to enjoy the sunrise with a pack of happy pups!

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Holiday Travel with FIDO

Holiday Travel with FIDO... How to travel well with your furry friend.

The holiday season is upon us!  Although Eva’s Play Pups Countryside Dog Camp offers boarding services and our staff loves to care for your pup, we recognize that many dog owners prefer to take their furry children with them on their holiday travels to see friends and family. Road tripping with your dog is fun, but it can also become stressful if you are not well prepared. Here are some tips for stress free and safe holiday travel with your pooch from the Eva’s Play Pups staff. We all love to travel with our pups and we would like to share our safe and stress free travel trips with our clientele.

Use Safe Walking Gear Properly

It is so important to make sure that you have safe dog walking gear on your pup.  We can not stress the importance of this enough. The last thing you ever want to happen is to have your best friend slip the collar in a rest stop along a busy highway, hours from your home!

So what is “safe gear” and how do you use it?   

Use a FLAT collar with your pups ID tags on it.  Be sure to include your cell phone numbers on the ID!

Hook your pup to a well fitted martingale collar or a harness IN ADDITION TO the flat collar.  Should your dog get out of martingale or harness, at least there are proper ID tags on the flat collar.  

Make sure your dog is microchipped and that the microchip information is up to date with proper contact phone numbers.  We don’t like to think about it but if the worst should happen and your poor pooch gets lost, whoever finds your best buddy can get in contact with you and return your BFF.

Consider a GPS collar and plan.  It is a really cool option - especially for a dog parent with an escape artist for a dog.  We highly recommend a GPS collar for those types of pups but it is great even for dogs who normally do not leave their owners side.  You never know how a pup will react to changes in their environment during travel and even the calmest and most loyal furry companion, could suddenly get stressed and run away from his/her owner.   However, If you have a GPS collar on your pooch, you can simply use your Smartphone to track down your furry friend. What a relief!

Print Those Adorable Photos

It is a great idea to bring a couple of good clear photos of Fido with you should something unexpected happen and you need to make a “Lost Dog” flyer.  We always think “it won’t happen to me” - but you just never know - and if it does, you want to be prepared to take action quickly!

Keep It Current!

Make sure your pup is up to date on all vaccinations and bring the vet records along on the trip should you have to take him/her to see a vet during your travels.  Some veterinarians will not treat a dog unless they see that he/she is up to date on all vaccinations (especially Rabies).

It is also wise to make a note of the phone numbers and addresses for veterinary emergency hospitals along the route you are travelling (as well as at your destination) should a medical emergency arise.   You should also be sure to have your regular veterinarian’s name and phone number stored in your phone. This way, should your pup need medical care during your trip, you are prepared with necessary information readily on hand.

Bring a Crate

Some dogs love to travel in cars  while others get very stressed and move around way to much. For safety reasons, should your pooch fall into the “stressed” category of furry travelers, a crate makes for much safer driving.  You don’t want Fido to jump in your lap while you are on the NJ Turnpike!

In addition, a crate will also come in handy once you have reached your destination. For your pup’s sanity and safety, you will want to be able to put him/her in a crate away from the holiday madness.  Picture Christmas with the whole family, children hyped up on sugar tearing around the house, guests unknowingly leaving doors to the streets wide open and Uncle Larry who insists he knows how to train stubborn dogs and keeps pushing poor Fido’s butt to the ground while hollering “SIT!!”   YIKES!!! This could end badly in so many ways - so give your best furry friend a break and put him in a crate away from the lovely chaos that is holidays with the family!

Consider a Sitter

Should you pup not enjoy holidays with the family, find a trusted house sitter or kennel to care for your him/her.  This might be safest option for everyone, even though you will miss your pooch like crazy. However not having to worry about Fido getting lost, nipping at Uncle Larry or eating the holiday ham, might make for a less stressful Christmas for you and your fur baby.

Here’s some more advice from Eva’s Play Pups Staff when traveling by car with FIDO:

*If a shorter trip, avoid car sickness by having your dog travel on empty stomach.

*Cerenia is an excellent anti-nausea medication should your dog suffer from car sickness. It should be given one hour before travel.

*Make sure the car is well ventilated. Dogs can not sweat and cool down like humans. Warm temperatures that are comfortable for us, might be too hot for your dog.  Put on an extra layer of sweaters and let Fido ride in cool comfort.

*Make sure dog walking gear is safely attached to FIDO when stopping for potty breaks.

*Never ever leave you pup in a closed vehicle during summer season.  It might not seem so hot to us humans, but a car heats up faster than you would ever imagine in sunlight and, again, dogs don’t tolerate heat as well as humans do.

We hope you all enjoy your holiday travels with FIDO!

Happy Holidays from Eva and Staff!

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How Much Do Dogs Sleep?

We are very excited to present this article from our friends at Tuck.

“How Much Do Dogs Sleep”

If you’re a dog parent, you know they love to sleep. But why do they sleep so much, and are they really dreaming when you see their paws twitch in their sleep?

Keep reading to discover the answers to these questions and more.

How much do dogs sleep?

Do dogs experience the same sleep cycles as humans?

What does a day in the life of a dog look like?

When is my dog sleeping too much?

What are the common dog sleep positions?

How can I help my dog get better sleep?

How much do dogs sleep?

On average, dogs spend 12 to 14 hours per day sleeping. Your dog’s particular sleep needs may vary around that range, depending on his age, size, breed, activity level, and overall health:

Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds.

Working dogs with activity-filled days sleep less, while those who lead sedentary lives will sleep more.

Puppies can spend up to 20 hours sleeping a day. Growing and learning how to be a dog takes a lot of energy!

As dogs age into their senior years, they spend more time sleeping since they tire more easily.

Wild dogs and wolves may sleep even more than domesticated dogs. They have to hunt for their food, which expends more energy. When food is scarce, they need to conserve their energy. An expedient way to do that is by sleeping.

Do dogs experience the same sleep cycles as humans?

Like humans and other mammals, dogs progress through different stages of sleep. Also like us, dogs experience REM sleep.

The main difference between dog sleep and human sleep is how much time they spend in the different stages, as well as a dog’s tendency to sleep in bursts throughout the day. Dogs tend to experience sleep-wake cycles of 16 minutes asleep, 5 minutes awake – quite the contrast with our typical sleep-wake cycle of 7 to 9 hours asleep, 15 to 17 hours awake.

When dogs fall asleep, they enter deep sleep. Their breathing and heart rate slow while their blood pressure drops. About 10 minutes in, they enter REM sleep and dream like humans. You can often identify this stage because their eyes roll under their eyelids, and they may start twitching in their sleep as they dream of chasing after squirrels.

Since dogs are always on the alert to protect their pack from intruders, they’re able to wake more easily. It’s common for them to wake up before completing a full sleep-wake cycle, from deep to REM sleep. As a result, scientists estimate they need to sleep more often overall in order to get their sufficient amount of REM.

What does a day in the life of a dog look like?

The typical dog spends half of his day asleep, and nearly a third of his day just lying around. The rest of his day is reserved for playing, using the restroom, and begging for treats.

Dogs are flexible sleepers. They have no problem adjusting their sleep schedule to their owner’s needs. If you work a 9 to 5 job, your dog may adapt to spend more of the daytime sleeping, so he can be awake and available to play with you when you get home at night. Working dogs like police or service dogs have more energy, and can stay awake for longer stretches of time performing their important duties.

Dogs don’t sleep as deeply as we do. That’s why they can wake up immediately if necessary and bound out of bed to raise the alarm for an intruder or gobble up the kibble as you pour it.

When is my dog sleeping too much?

If you note drastic changes in the amount of time your dog spends sleeping, or he seems excessively lethargic, it could be indicative of a larger problem. Lethargy is a common symptom of diabetes, parvovirus, Lyme disease, depression, and hypothyroidism in dogs.

If a major upset occurs in the life of your dog, such as the death of a loved one or a big move, he may sleep more or less than usual. This is a normal reaction, as dogs find comfort in routine and a major change affects their emotional wellbeing, but keep an eye out if their sleep doesn’t return to normal within a reasonable amount of time.

Some dogs with shorter noses are also at risk for sleep apnea, which can make your dog more tired during the day due to experiencing less restful sleep.

What are the common dog sleep positions?

Does your dog have a favorite sleeping position? Dogs tend to sleep in one of three positions, and they have a reason why for each.

On their side with four legs stretched out: This is a comfortable position for your dog when he’s feeling very relaxed. It also exposes some of his belly to the air which can help him cool down.

On their back with all four paws in the air: When a dog is in this position, he’s at his most vulnerable. It’s the toughest for him to get up from and it exposes his neck and belly. If you catch him in this position, you know that he feels safe and secure. It’s also a good way for him to cool down since his belly is exposed.

Curled in a ball: This is the least comfortable position for a dog to sleep in, as it requires them to use their muscles to stay curled up. However, it is the easiest for them to spring up upon waking, making it a defensive position. Dogs who have been abused or are unsure of their environment often sleep in this position. However, sometimes dogs sleep curled up simply to keep warm.

Your dog may sleep in any of these positions with their back to you, or another human or animal member of the pack. In dog packs, dogs sleep to each other for comfort and safety, so consider this a high honor. Your dog views you as part of the pack!

How can I help my dog get better sleep?

Follow these tips to give your pup more restful shuteye.

Give your dog plenty of exercise and playtime during the day to stimulate his mind and tire him out by bedtime.

Feed your dog well. Some pet foods contain fewer nutrients than others, which can lower your dog’s energy during the day.

Don’t miss your vet check-ups. These regular appointments are a good way to identify any health conditions early on.

Give your dog a comfortable place to sleep.

chose to share your bed with your dog, like nearly half of dog owners do, make sure you get a mattress that’s big enough for everyone to fit, and offers excellent motion isolation so you’re not woken up by them moving around. Memory foam and latex mattresses are good options for pet owners.

If you prefer your dog sleeps in a kennel or dog bed, make it cozy like a den would be in the wild. Give them a blanket or even a dirty old t-shirt that smells like you to provide comfort. There are various dog beds available to suit your dog’s favorite sleep positions – big ones made for stretching out vs. small nesting beds for those who like to curl up.

“Tuck is a community devoted to improving sleep hygiene, health and wellness through the creation and dissemination of comprehensive, unbiased, free web-based resources. Tuck has been featured on NBC News, NPR, Lifehacker, and Radiolab and is referenced by many colleges/universities and sleep organizations across the web.”

Learn more from Tuck and see the original post HERE or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tucksleep.

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Summer Fun 2017 via NEPA Drone

Summer lovin' and we're havin' a blast!  Hiking, playing, swimming and soaking up the glorious sunshine makes our canine campers happy as can be!   Click below to view this amazing video shot and produced by NEPA Drone!   Also...stay tuned for our fall edition...COMING SOON!

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Bordetella - a.k.a. Kennel Cough What you NEED to Know!

Bordetella, the scary, infinitely mispronounced canine ailment otherwise known as kennel cough, comes in just like it goes out; quickly and swiftly.

Kennel cough is not unlike the common cold amongst humans, but as most any vet will tell you this upper respiratory infection is classified as a virus and bacterial infection.  It causes the trachea & bronchi to become inflamed making for a potentially stuffed-up and coughing doggy.  It is also highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated dogs, senior dogs and puppies.  Dogs can contract kennel cough from another dog's infected bodily secretions like drinking from the same water bowl or drooling while wrestling with each other.  It can also be contracted simply from microscopic droplets coughed into the air by an infected dog and then breathed in by another dog (just like humans transmit the common cold or the flu to each other).

 While it can be obvious a dog is ill due to a loud barking cough, lack of appetite, mucus discharge from nose or mouth, goopy eyes etc., at times the infection can go undetected for days while the dog is still spreading the disease. As a matter of fact, silent carriers of kennel cough make it hard to eradicate the disease in today's kennel environment where most dogs interact and play together. By the time it is noticed that a dog is coughing, he might have been a silent carrier for days and already infected many of his playmates.  Many owners bring their dogs to dog parks and day cares while the pooch is spreading the illness, not because they are careless, but because they are simply unaware.    

The symptoms of kennel cough can be all or some of the following: Coughing (quiet hardly noticeable coughing or loud barky type coughs) Gagging/Reverse Sneeze (almost as if they are trying to clear their throat) Discharge from nose (clear to green) Crusty eyes Lethargy Loss of appetite Possible fever  Another reason kennel cough is so difficult to contain is that the virus mutates all the time.  This year's vaccinations might not cover all the new strains that have developed in the last 6 months. The most common vaccines only cover against parainfluenza 2, Bordetella bronchiseptica and occasionally canine adenovirus type 2. Vaccines do not cover against any of the other infectious agents that are known to cause or contribute to kennel cough. However, having your dog's kennel cough vaccinations up to date is important because it will protect your dog against the most common strains out there and potentially giving them partial protection against some newly mutated strains.

If your pooch is showing signs of an upper respiratory infection it is always best to bring them to the vet, especially brachycephalic breeds (flat-nosed breeds) like Bulldogs or Boston Terriers who already have a harder time breathing.  As stated previously, kennel cough is a coupling of a bacterial infection and a virus, and as we know - there is no "cure" for a virus.  Many veterinarians will recommend rest and watching for symptoms like a green or yellow discharge from nose and/or mouth and fever before they prescribe antibiotics hoping the dog's own immune system will clear up the viral infection. However, if the dog develops fever, yellow or green discharge and/or lack of appetite, a vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics to make sure any bacterial complications are eradicated swiftly.     At Eva's Play Pups Countryside Dog Camp, we make sure that all our clients have received a Bordetella vaccination in the last 12 months (according to Pennsylvania law).  However, most of our clients actually give their dogs this vaccination every 6 months since they attend doggy daycares in New York City where the Department of Health requires dogs entering daycares and boarding facilities to be given this vaccine every 6 months. Still, there are so many new and mutated strains out there and an outbreak is always possible.  The risk is especially high during boarding season like summer, Thanksgiving and Christmas when most boarding kennels and doggy daycares are filled to the brim with dogs while their owners are travelling.  Viruses are very opportunistic organisms that rely on population density to spread from individual to individual.  If that happens, we know that the outbreak is likely a strain that the most common and current Bordetella vaccinations on the market do not vaccinate against (although we can always hope that it gives partial protection against a new strain and therefore a milder version of the disease.)

We do encounter some cases of kennel cough throughout the year.  Interestingly enough, it is common that the dogs falling ill are dogs that do not frequent doggy daycares or boarding facilities. NYC dogs attending such establishments seem to have grown immune to the Bordetella virus.  This is most likely from having been exposed to small doses of it for years while playing with their furry friends at daycares and dog parks.  However, dogs who are new to the social dog scene, young puppies (under 1 year old) who have not yet developed a strong immune system, older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems due to disease or stress (perhaps from being away from home) are the most likely to develop kennel cough.    What do we do at our country camp when we encounter kennel cough cases among our boarding guests? We are fortunate to have several buildings away from the main part of the property where we can house a dog with kennel cough symptoms. These building have heat and A/C and are surrounded by beautiful woods and fields and have the 6ft tall and 2ft folded fence just like the main part of the property so that the dog with the cough can still enjoy outdoor fun in the Endless Mountains in a safe space.   We take every client dog to see a veterinarian if we believe they have contracted kennel cough.  We then watch the dog closely, administer prescribed medication if necessary and give moderate levels of exercise so that the dog has energy to heal.  Running and playing at full speed and swimming is not conducive to ridding the body of a virus.  Just list humans, rest, plenty of fluid and nutritious food will do the trick.   Should you notice any signs of kennel cough after your dog has been with us at camp, please let us know at once. It is important we are aware so we can look out for campers still in our care as well as alert campers who played with your dog at camp since they have most likely been exposed to the virus. Keep in mind symptoms such as decreased energy level and decrease in appetite can be a little tricky since all dog owners report a decrease in energy level for 5-6 days after returning from camp and at times also a decrease in appetite (perhaps from being tired.) However, should your dog also have a cough, discharge from nose or mouth etc. it is most likely kennel cough and you should consult your veterinarian to see what actions he/she recommends.

 Most importantly, please keep your dog away from other dogs for at least 2 weeks and until coughing is completely gone. At camp we keep any coughing dog isolated for 2 weeks and 4 days after last cough to make sure no other dog is infected. It is also very important you disinfect your hands and clothing after having handled a dog with kennel cough and before touching another dog. It is a very contagious disease.   At camp we still believe in the power of keeping your dog well socialized. In most cases, kennel cough is not worse than the average cold for humans contract and not a reason to isolate your dog from its playmates and fun times in dog parks and daycares. In the long run, a well socialized dog that contracts the occasional kennel cough is better than a dog being kept away from its own kind. Fun times keep us all healthy and happy!

[evasplaypups]

Giardia - A Small Pest with Big Problems

Mud season is upon us so we wanted to give you some information on a pesky microscopic protozoa that lurks in the mud and standing water  -  Giardia. 

Giardia can live for months in standing water and mud. Prolonged freezing temperatures will kill most or all Giardia but as soon as temperatures warm up in spring, Giardia survival rates will increase. You can understand how warmer weather, muddy dog runs and dog parks and dogs congregating en masse day in and day out, some of them silent carriers of Giardia, creates perfect breeding grounds for the protozoa. There is simply no way around it. It will always be present in city dog parks, dog runs and here at camp.  Dogs can ingest the Giardia cyst by drinking infected water, eating mud or feces or just stepping in it then licking their paw.

Once the Giardia enters the dogs body, several things can happen:

1.   The dog's immune system will eliminate the protozoan from the body on its own. Puppies in general will not have an immune system strong enough to do this but are more likely to develop active Giardia.

2.   The protozoa enters the dog's small intestine and starts to reproduce Giardia cysts that can then infect other dogs/cats/humans.

3.   The dog might or might not show symptoms of infection. The dog can become a silent carrier, infecting other dogs, not showing any symptoms OR the dog can become ill, be taken to the veterinarian, diagnosed and treated for Giardia. Note that having once been infected with Giardia does not guard against future infections.

A dog suffering from active Giardia might have diarrhea (smelly and mucusy stool) vomiting, dull coat and weight loss. Many dogs though, will test positive for Giardia but never show any of the above symptoms. Also, some dogs can be infected and not show symptoms for years but a sudden stress on the immune system can bring out the active disease. In general, the incubation period for Giardia is 7 days to 3 weeks (showing symptoms or not.)

If your dog has been diagnosed with Giardia, follow your veterinarian's instructions. Giardia is commonly treated with Panacure or Metronidazole. Wash bed linens and dog bed covers and use Clorox/bleach based products on surfaces to kill the microscopic protozoa. Wash your hands. Giardia can spread to humans BUT note that Eva herself has been working in vet's offices, ran a doggy daycare and dog camp and done tons and tons of dog rescue crawling around in dirty shelter pens for years and she has never contracted the disease. Of course wash your hands after handling dog feces!

The good thing is that, in general, Giardia is easy to treat (although some dogs can get stubborn cases), especially if the dog is healthy with a strong immune system and well cared for.  Typically, Giardia is NOT not detrimental to the dog's health.  It can however become annoying and expensive to keep treating your dog for Giardia AND some dogs seem to be more susceptible than others. It is of course a very different story with the dogs we rescue in Southern shelters. Being they are many times malnourished and stressed, Giardia can inflict real health concerns and sometimes even death in small, sickly puppies. Very sad!

So what does Giardia mean at dog camp and how do we handle it ? 

We will never be able to hinder dogs with Giardia to attend camp. We will not ask every client to do a Giardia test before coming to camp. It is not practical for any dog owner to bring their dog to the veterinarian for a fecal test every time they are about to board their dog at our dog camp or another boarding facility. Further, there will always be false negative tests as the swimming protozoa itself and the cyst containing the "egg" is not always present in every fecal sample depending on the protozoa life cycle. 

Here at camp, we disinfect all indoor surfaces and wash all dog bed covers and mutt mats on a daily basis and we pick up poop all day long.  We can not however, eradicate every puddle of water on 56 Acres or disinfect nature, which will invariably contain Giardia at times since city dogs is our lifeblood most likely bring in Giardia to camp now and then. Due to severe winters on our mountain, Giardia is not a problem year around at camp. It is a different story in where freezing temperatures can stay away for weeks even during the winter months.  However, as the temperatures continue to warm up in the Endless Mountains it will become activate at camp just as in the city and we will see cases increase.

What we do appreciate is when our clients tell us their dog has been diagnosed with Giardia so we can keep track of how common it is throughout the season. Communications and sharing of information is always best way to keep parasites at bay!

[evasplaypups]

There's Nothing More Irritating Than a Rash

While we are loving all of the beautiful signs of spring here at camp, it also means that "rash" season is upon us.  As you know, we are out hiking and playing in nature all day with the dogs so unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid certain flowers and plants that can irritate the skin. 

 While we do have many open fields, we also spend a good amount of time in wooded areas where pesky plants that can irritate the skin lurk and what plants are causing allergic reactions in our furry campers is next to impossible to discern. We have our most common and well known rash causing plants such as Poison Ivy, Nettles and Spurges.  We seldom see them (actually we have never come across Poison Ivy but we are always on the look out for this easily recognizable plant) and if we find any plants that give us pause, we remove it at once. However there are of course many rash causing plants mixed up in the lovely greenery at camp and it is impossible to eradicate all of them across our 56 Acres of natural environment.

Another reason that it is difficult to prevent rashes for our campers is that dogs (like humans) each have different allergies and are sensitive to different things.  A plant that may bother one dog may have no reaction on another.  Eva herself has two white pit bulls with the pink and sensitive skin that are more susceptible to a rash than any of her other dogs.  These two very dogs can be playing side by side all day - and one may contract a skin irritation and the other may be fine. The next day, it could be the dog that was spared a rash the day before actually contracting a rash while the other pup is just fine. 

We do our best to prevent rashes but more so are careful to keep an eye on the dogs and treat at the first sign of irritation. We look the dogs over daily and hose them off to remove normal pollen.  We also have a special shampoo that we can use to bathe a camper if we see signs of irritation.  With the owner's permission we may also administer Benadryl to keep symptoms at bay.  However, it is most helpful if the owners let us know beforehand if their dog has any allergies or is sensitive to any elements of nature.  Luckily, we rarely have to take a dog to the vet BUT if they are suffering or the rash is very bad we certainly would not hesitate to make an appointment and take a dog to be treated. 

We love our environment here at camp and have learned to accept all parts of nature even those that might be a little irritating.  Hiking and playing around in nature is a part of the camping experience and just like mosquito bites - rashes happen! 

[evasplaypups]

An Intro to Socialization with Chad Mackin & Jason Vasconi

Eva's Play Pups Countryside Dog Camp is so excited to announce that we have two renowned experts in dog socialization together for the first time!  Chad Mackin and Jason Vasconi are presenting this incredible workshop at our 52 acre farm located in the beautiful Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

In this 2 day, hands-on workshop, Chad & Jason will introduce what real dog socialization is about, and how it uses the dogs' naturally strong social behavior to reduce stress and fear, build confidence and language skills, allowing for many common behavior problems to slip away.   They will explain and show how they read dogs body language, what behaviors are acceptable and which behaviors are not to asses them for socials as well as during them. 

Jason will showcase how his large field socialization work and Chad will do the same with indoor socialization. Attendees will be able to experience both with their dogs in a workshop that has never been done before.

This workshop is valuable not only for dog trainers, but also would be great for anyone who is looking for a better understanding of how dogs communicate with people and each other. Dog walkers, doggie daycare owners and workers have benefitted from both of Chad & Jason's workshop as have veterinarians and everyday dog owners. 

The workshop will be entertaining  and jam packed with vital information, the first of it’s kind and is not to be missed! While we encourage students to bring a dog with them, those who attend without a dog will not miss out on any of the experience.

Jason Vasconi has been training dogs for 28 years and holding large field dog socialization for 11 years. Jason’s large field socialization helps dogs become a better communicator with other dogs. It also hones their skills at impulse control, they learn how to better control their emotions, and how to make better decisions when stressed and under pressure. It is an efficient activity to fulfill dogs and bring trust and balance to their lives.

Watch what Jason’s Transform My Dog Large field socialization is all about here:

Chad Mackin has been training dogs for 22 years looking for the most fair, humane and effective training methodologies available which consistently produce reliable results in a reasonable amount of time. Chad started the “classic” Pack to Basics workshop, which has been incredibly successful and continues to grow in popularity each year. Having been presented in the US, Canada and the UK it has been extremely well-received. In this workshop he teaches how to use the dog’s natural instincts to alleviate and in many cases CURE anti-social and aggressive behavior in dogs. 

Here is video from a recent workshop of Chad’s Pack to Basics workshop in Baltimore:

**Due to the very high demand for attendance to this seminar, we are currently not accepting any more new applicants but have started a waiting list.  **

Fee: $400

Dates: Sat April 29 and Sunday April30th Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm each day

Location:  Eva's Play Pups Countryside Dog Camp 2342 Belmont Turnpike Union Dale, PA 18470

Learn more about Eva's at: http://www.countrysidedogcamppa.com/

Water & snacks provided.  All Breakfast & Lunches included | Saturday Group Dinner is an additional fee.

[evasplaypups]

Memorial Day 2017 is coming - Book your dog's camp stay early!

Dear Valued Clients:

Memorial Day 2017 is fast approaching and as most of you know by now, we fill up really fast for the holiday!  Please do not wait too long to set up your best furry friend's stay with us.  We always regret having to turn away a valued long-term client and friend due to lack of space! As a matter of fact, we love nothing more than spending time with old friends and making new ones.  However, for safety reasons, we have to limit the number of reservations that we can take.  This is why we are asking you to set up your holiday reservations early this year.

Holiday Van Schedule to NYC:  

Week BEFORE Memorial Day

Monday May 22, Tuesday May 23, Thursday May 25, Friday May 26

Week of Memorial Day

Tuesday May 30, Wednesday May 31, Thursday June 1, Friday June 2

We would also like to remind you to make sure that your pup's Rabies, DHPP and Bordatella vaccinations are up to date and that you have forwarded his/her vaccination records to us in advance of stay at camp.

As always, we are looking forward to providing your best buddy great fun at camp this holiday season!

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." ~ ~ Joseph Campbell ~ 

Thank you for your continued business!  

Best,

Eva and Staff 

[evasplaypups]

Winter 2016 at Camp - via NEPA DRONE!!!

Though the weather outside was frightful, camp was still delightful for our furry friends!  We bundled up and kept moving to stay warm and still had plenty of adventures outside during the winter months.  We are now so excited to share with you some footage from this past winter taken via Drone.  Thank you so much to John Lubeck of NEPA Drone!   Enjoy the show! 

[evasplaypups]

Investing in Your Pups' Stay with Us!

Dear Valued Clients:

As always and most importantly, THANK YOU for being valued and loyal clients. Many of you have entrusted us with caring for your four legged loved ones for years and others have recently become part of the Eva's Play Pups family.  Your continued support and patronage are the reason we are able to provide our one-of-a-kind Endless Mountains experience for your pets.  We want you to know how much we sincerely appreciate your business.

In order to ensure that we remain the Best Country Camp for dogs in the Northeast, we have invested heavily in additional features to further improve your dog's experience with us  -  from the time we pick your pooch up until the time he/she returns home from vacation.

State of the art transport vans:  Not one, but TWO, brand new, spacious, customized, transportation vehicles with ass-kicking A/C and heating systems.  These four wheeled vans are designed to keep your four legged fur babies calm and comfortable as they travel back and forth from the Endless Mountains. Look for our "Eva's Play Pups" vans on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan, or on the highways and hills that lead to and from Pennsylvania.

Additional hiking trails:  5 acres? 10 acres?  ................Not even close!  We have cleared and fenced in an additional 26 acres of wooded hiking trails and rambling paths for our campers to explore and enjoy with our camp counselors for a TOTAL of 56 Acres of fun!  We love hiking and having new adventures every day in this new magical wooded area.

Investing in our employees:  Last, but not least, we could not offer all this fun for your pooches if we were not able to hire and retain reliable, smart, hard-working, dog-loving staff! We are lucky to have had many of our staff members stay with us for years.   New this Spring, we will be hosting an amazing training event called An Intro to Socialization with Chad Mackin & Jason Vasconi.  Our staff will be able to attend this event free of charge and learn valuable information from these two renowned trainers! 

Those of you who own, manage and run a small business appreciate how important it is to hire and retain great staff.  There is nothing as disruptive to running a business as staff turnover - plus we want your pups to build relationships with our Canine Counselors!  In order to accomplish this, we pay a very competitive salary and offer financial rewards for a job well done. 

We are very proud of all these improvements and upgrades!  However, of course, all of the above come at a significant cost.  This is why we hope you will understand that in order to continue to offer your dogs a First Class experience, starting Spring 2017 we will be increasing the price for our countryside boarding facility to $60/night. The price increase will take effect beginning Wednesday, April 12th.

We love what we do. We love caring for your furry children, and we look forward to offering our unique transportation/camping experience to even more of our four legged friends for years to come!

Thank you for doing business with us! 

Best, Eva and Sofia