Dogs Need Vacations Too!

Check out this fun home made promo video.

Located near the Space Needle in downtown Seattle, Woof! Play & Stay offers luxury dog boarding, premium dog daycare, expert dog training and professional dog walking.

Dog Boarding: How to Minimize the Stress Away from the Home

Leaving your best friend behind can be the hardest part of preparing for vacation. Take these extra steps to help the transition from home to boarding kennel go smoothly.

Do a Test Run: It’s good to know your dog will adapt to a specific boarding facility before you’re 1,000 miles away. Putting them up for a night of boarding a few days before you leave will help them get used to new surroundings and assure them that you’ll come back soon. If you have any questions about the facility or the daily activities there, ask if you can take a tour or interview the current dogs.

Pack Mementos: Dogs find comfort in the familiar, so bring anything along that might remind them of home during lonely afternoons. A T-shirt you’ve recently worn, for example, will retain your scent, easing separation anxiety. A favorite chew toy will both remind dogs of playtime at home and help relieve stress naturally through the act of chewing.

Pay Your Vet a Visit: Most dog-boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations before your dog can stay there. Ask which ones are required and have them done in advance of your dog’s stay. 

Write a Note for the Staff: If your dog has special needs—such as a sensitive stomach averse to certain treats—the staff should be aware of it ahead of time. Jot down any specifics, such as how much food your dog gets at each feeding, how often your dog takes medication, and any other important information that will help them care for your pet.

Don’t Freak Out: When leaving your dog, it’s important not to make a big deal out of your departure or to cry into their kibble. Your dog can sense your stress, which could lead them to think something’s wrong. If you stay upbeat about the impending vacation, chances are your dog will, too.

This blog post is sponsored by Woof! Play and Stay urban dog resort.  Located in downtown Seattle near the Space Needle, Woof offers luxury dog boarding, premium dog daycare, expert dog training and professional dog walking.

Giardia In Dogs

This Parasite is lurking EVERYWHERE in Seattle

If you have a dog in Seattle it's not a question of IF your dog will catch Giardia, it's only a question of WHEN your dog will catch it, and how many times.

When Francis, the Flying Standard Poodle 
of Woof Play and Stay, was 4 months old he contracted Giardia.  After several days of progressively runny stools, without any change of diet, I became suspicious. So I took a Fecal sample to Northwest Veterinary Hospital in Wallingford.  KA-CHING!  The next day the Vet called and informed me that Francis had hit the Giardia Jackpot.  Shit, shit, SHIT I thought, pun very much intended.  How could that be?  He had not been around very many other dogs and he had not been to any dog parks either- he just went for walks, mostly in our neighborhood.

That was in April of 2016. I had studied Giardia, Bordetella and a whole bunch of other nasty canine pathogens, and how to control them in a dog boarding and daycare environment.  I was opening Woof! in a few months and I knew I had to be prepared.  But when Francis caught the bug I realized I didn't know shit about Giardia (yes, this awful pun may be repeated multiple times throughout this post, so brace yourself).  As the future owner of a dog daycare and boarding center in downtown Seattle, I knew I had to get my shit together, and REALLY know it as well.  Funny, the more I learn the less I know.  But I digress.

I was stunned when Dr. Mark Donavan, Francis's Vet and Woof's Veterinarian consultant, told me how prevalent Giardia was in Seattle.  But I was shocked when he said "living in Seattle Francis will likely contract it at least couple of more times in his lifetime".  So then I asked him the obvious question "what can I do to prevent him from catching it again?".  He replied "nothing, really, unless you put Francis in a bubble".  I went from shocked to absolutely flabbergasted. 

Don't Panic


I knew how to significantly reduce the risk of dogs spreading Giardia and other contagious dog bugs in controlled environments, such as veterinarian clinics, dog daycare centers and boarding facilities, but what can you do out in the cold cruel world to reduce risk?  Actually, quit a lot I learned. This post is not all gloom and doom and we will explore precautions you can take to fight Giardia, and cut the chances your pup catches that nasty shit whenever you venture beyond the four walls of your domain.  But first lets get to know that little shit better.  It will be well worth the effort, especially if you're an urban dog owner living in Seattle.


What Exactly is Giardia?

Guardia is a microscopic single cell protozoa parasite.  Guardia cysts are passed though feces and thrive in wet, damp and muddy areas.  When ingested they will cause an infection of the small intestine, a condition called Giardiasis.  Guardia are hardy little shits that can survive in the wild up to 7 weeks, just waiting to viciously infect their next victim.


How Contagious is Giardia?

Very.  Infected dogs can shed billions of cysts in a single poop, yet only a few need to be ingested to become infected.  Literally, one sniff of a few cysts and it's over.  Guardia really is that contagious.


How Does a Dog "Catch" Giardia?

Giardiasis can be contracted when a dog eats, drinks, sniffs or licks something , anything, contaminated with Giardia cysts.  This includes, but is not limited to, drinking contaminated water, licking contaminated mud and sniffing an infected dogs butt.  A dog can even catch Giardia by sniffing the bare ground that was contaminated two weeks ago!

Where Can a Dog Catch  Giardia?

Anywhere.  A hike in the woods, a dog park, a dog-friendly establishment- even a walk around the block.  Can a dog catch Giardia at a dog boarding or daycare facility?  Yes, of course.  But at a well maintained facility with an effective infection control plan, it is less likely for a dog to contract Giardia there than out on the streets or in the woods.

At Woof Play and Stay dog daycare center we take specific precautions to minimize the risk of contagious disease  transmission.  Whenever a dog goes potty on our specially designed flooring, the area is immediately cleaned and disinfected.  Additionally we vacuum, clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with the dogs every evening.  I've never seen a human disinfect the sidewalk after picking up their dog's poop, so it stands to reason that a reputable dog daycare facility is a lower risk bet.

What are the Symptoms of a Giardia Infection

Guardia is a tricky little shit.  Some dogs can be totally asymptomatic (without any noticeable symptoms) and appear to be perfectly healthy, yet sheding billions of cysts with every poop.  Clues can be found, however, in the frequency and attributes of a dog's poop- but not always.  Dogs infected with Giardia often develop diarrhea, which can be mild or explosive.  The stool can be more foul smelling than usual, liquidy or soft.  Additionally, it can appear pale, be loaded with mucus, or even contain blood.   The net - net is that if your dog has unusual smelling or looking poop for more than a couple of days in a row, a trip to the Vet is definitely in order.

In addition to persistently unusual stools, other symptoms may include any, all or none of the following:

• Change in behavior- such as lethargy or listlessness
• Apparent pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• Gas (extra stinky farts)
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

If your dog has an immune disorder or a secondary infection the symptoms are often much more intense.

How is Giardiasis Diagnosed?

Did I say that Giardia was a tricky little shit?  Well, it REALLY is!  That's because infected dogs shed cysts intermittently.  That means some poops contain cysts, while others may not.  So a negative fecal sample is not a guarantee that you dog is Giardia free.

Guardia is typically diagnosed by some combination of medical history, clinical symptoms and lab tests.  I won't bore you with the details of the various fecal lab tests, but some are more accurate than others.  In some cases an accurate lab diagnosis may require 3 or more fecal samples in the span of one week.

What is the Treatment for Giardia?

The treatment of Giardia is dependent upon the severity of the infection and symptoms.  If the dog is dehydrated and week, supportive therapy  (IV's etc.) to nurse it back to a better level of health may be prescribed before beginning an anti Giardia drug regime.

An antibiotic called Metronidazole is the most common first line drug used to rid a dog of Giardia.  Fenbendazole, an antiparasitic drug can also be effective and many Vets use the two drugs in combination.  A course of treatment typically lasts 7-10 days.  Keep in mind there are drug resistant stains of Giardia.  While Giardia can run it's course and resolve on it's own, a dog with long term untreated Giardai can experience severe health issues and damage to the GI tract.

What is the Prognosis for Giardia

Finally, a ray of light and good news in this dark and gloomy shit storm!  The prognosis is good for a majority of otherwise healthy dogs who are diagnosed and treated for Guardia.  Unfortunately, however, not so good for geriatric dogs, sickly dogs and dogs with compromised immune disorders.  They're at much greater risk for serious complications up to and including death.

Can Giardia be Prevented?

No, but the risk of infection can be minimized.  Here are some measures you can take in the battle against Giardia:

• Have have your dog's feces tested every 6 months. That way if she or he does contract Giardia you will catch it early and reduce the possibility of complications.
• Avoid wet or muddy areas that may be contaminated by animal feces (like in many of Seattle's dog parks).
• Don't allow your dog to drink from water sources that may have been directly or indirectly contaminated by animal feces.
• Promptly pick up and dispose of your dogs feces after it poops.
• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently.

This blog is sponsored by Woof! Play & Stay, a dog daycare and dog boarding center that focuses on the fitness and well being of dogs.  Located in downtown Seattle, Woof also offers dog training, dog walking and in-home pet care services available 24/7/365.

CANINE FITNESS SERIES

Part 1

10 Amazing Ways 

Exercise Helps Your Dog

Exercise plays a vital role in fitness and just about every average Sue or Joe knows it's good for them.  But what about dogs?  As you might imagine, dogs can reap most of the same benefits from exercise that people do.  Simply put, exercise generally equals better health and better health can lower doctor (and Vet) bills.

In this post we will outline 10 key ways exercise can benefit your dog. Future posts will take a deeper look into each benefit.  So here they are in no particular order:

1.  Removes toxins

2.  Slows aging

3.  Enhances the senses

4.  Improves behavior

5.  Eases skin conditions

6.  Promotes weight management

7.  Boosts the brain

8.  Strengthens bones, muscles and tendons

9.Helps prevent disease

10.Super charges the immune system

and, as a bonus, enhances the human - dog bond.

How do you start an exercise program for your dog?  Just get out there and do it!  A game of tug-o-war, keep away, fetch  or a jog around the block are all great ways to clear the cob webs.  A trip to the outdoor dog park a couple of times a week is another way to  keep your dog on an exercise routine- but beware.  Some dog parks are like the wild west.  Dog daycare is another option, and while it's not free, it is generally a safer environment than the rough and tumble anything goes dog park.

This blog is sponsored by Woof Play and Stay, an urban dog resort that focuses on the fitness and well being of dogs. In addition to dog daycare and dog boarding, Woof! also offers programs to help keep your dog fit and healthy. Woof Play and Stay is located in beautiful downtown Seattle near the space needle.

Chic Human-Dog Lobby & Lounge with free refreshments for all

Woof Play & Stay is now 75% Booked for the 2016/2017 Holiday Season

Only a few spots left at downtown Seattle's Luxury Dog Boarding & Daycare Center

Forget about old school dog boarding, Woof! Play & Stay has a five star dog hotel in downtown Seattle with lots of fun activities!

Woof's overnight guests enjoy a full day of Resort Play Care plus all the amenities you might expect from a Boutique Dog Hotel.

• • Luxury Suites, Private Dens, or dormitory style sleeping accommodations
• • Turn down service with a bed-time treat
• • 24 Hour Concierge
• • Meal service
• • Relaxing Chill Music
• • Aromatherapy
• • Optional Fitness and VIP activities

Indoor Dog Park Playground

Dogs Have More Fun at Woof!

Dogs checked into overnight boarding for short or extended stays enjoy their days woofing it up at the ultimate urban dog resort.  Dog boarding in Seattle has never been so much fun!  Woof! features a brand new 2000 SF Indoor Dog Park with all of the amenities our VIP (Very Important Pooch) guests might expect.

Luxury Dog Boarding Sleep Suites

Check out what Woof's Resort Guests enjoy every day:

• Fresh filtered water
• Tasty organic treats
• Climate controlled environment
• Sparkling clean facilities
• Attentive & loving care
• Supervised off-leash group play
• Healthy exercise
• Socialization
• Super fun Indoor Dog Park
• An amazing experience

When you board dogs at Woof! it's like you're sending them on their very own doggie vacation.  No, we don't have doggy Jet Skies or Mountain Biking, but we do have fitness and agility classes, play workshops and group training sessions. The only problem is your pampered pup just might not want to go home.

Need Dog Boarding for the Holidays?  Book Now!

Going out of town but cant take your 4 legged Best Friend with you?  Regardless of whether your leaving to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or The Winter Solstice-  visiting family or friends- going skiing- or whatever- No worries we've got your tail covered, but you need to book soon.  If you need dog boarding in the downtown Seattle area you can check availability by calling 206-397-4225.

Holiday Home Dog Care

If our Dog Boarding sign has switched from "Vacancy" to "No Vacancy" we might still be able to help.  We can care for your dog in home by making four 20 minute visits per day. However we currently have limited availability for this service and we can't guarantee it until you request it and we confirm it.  Learn more by clicking here Holiday Home Dog Care.

To check availability of any of Woof Play and Stay's services please call:

206-397-4225

www.woofplayandstay.com

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL CONFIRMED

Happy Holidays
&
Season's Greetings

From Brad @ Woof Play & Stay!

Francis the Flying Standard Poodle

Francis flies through the air at Woof Play & Stay Dog Boarding and daycare center in downtown Seattle.

Bedtime for Fido or Fidolina

Which is Better:              Cage Free boarding or a Private Sleep Suite?

Dog Boarding at a Daycare Facility

Most dog daycare centers in urban areas offer some form of overnight dog boarding.  Some offer a cage free "Dormitory" setting while others provide a private kennel.  A few have both options available, such as Woof! Play & Stay in downtown Seattle.

Which form of dog boarding is better; cage free or private suite?  The answer depends upon several factors, including the temperament of the dog.  In most cases my personal opinion leans toward the private suites.

For short stays of 1 or 2 nights, "Dorm" style dog boarding is usually an acceptable option and is typically $10 - $20 less expensive than a private suite or den.  Boarding for anything longer than a couple of days I believe a private suite (kennel) or private den (an extra large fancy crate) is usually better for most, but not all dogs.  Heres why:

Off-leash Group Play is Fun...And VERY Tiring 

Dogs boarded at a daycare facility typically spend the day totally cage free in an indoor dog park, off leash and hard at play.  Reputable daycare centers will provide dogs with "timeouts" for rest, water and/or food.  Still, most dogs are exhausted after a half day of dog daycare, even more after a full day.  Dogs typically go home from daycare much more mellow than they were going in. That's a real benefit to most busy urban dog owners as "a tired dog is a well behaved dog".

Overnight Dogs Don't Go Home

Dogs boarding at a dog daycare center don 't get to go home for for some chill time of rest and relaxation.  Thats why I believe that a private suite or den is the best alternative for the health and well being of the dog.  A private suite or den affords the four legged guest some alone time away from the pack.  They can enjoy a room service dinner and cuddle up in a blanket in their own personal space.  They can de-stress, have a moment of Zen and recharge for the next fun-filled indoor dog park play day.

Exceptions to Every Rule

All that said, there are, of course, exceptions to every rule.  For example, some dogs HATE confined spaces, no matter how comfy.  Others can't stand to be alone from either human or canine companionship. In these cases "Dorm" style cage free group boarding is likely the better option.  On the other hand, some dogs LOVE a cozy little private den or suite, especially those that have been crate trained.  These dogs get a sense of security and safety and need alone time in their own private enclosed space.

Woof Play and Stay is a luxury dog daycare and dog boarding facility in beautiful downtown Seattle. A fitness and dog activity center, Woof also offers dog training, walking and in-home pet care services.

Woof! Hosts Focus Pack of Undecided Voters

Canine Citizens Think 2016 Election has Gone to the Dogs

SEATTLE WA  Woof! Play and Stay, Seattle's luxury dog daycare and boarding center, borught together a diverse group breeds to watch the 3rd and final Presidential Debate and see if the proceedings might sway them to lift a leg towards a particular candidate.   It was a ruff night and there was a lot of drinking.  In the end many legs were lifted, even by a white female German Shepherd named Yuki.

The event was disrupted by a stray alley cat protesting Woof's dog only policy, but it was quickly eaten.  A 105 lb Akita was elected group leader, however Apollo, a Giant Schnauzer,  refused to accept the results of the packs election.  The group was loud and rowdy, erupting with barks and howls as the candidates engaged in the worst dog fight the pack had ever seen.  "Yeah, the fur was really flying" said Sam, a traditional Black Lab, "one of them was snorting like he just did a line of cocaine" he continued.

One pack member, a brainiac Australian Shepherd named Jasper, said with a disgusted look "I am sooo disappointed with the female and her lame email excuses, she's like saying 'the dog ate my  30,000 emails', still I'm going to vote for her because it's better than voting for a rabid dog". A lady mutt, who wants to remain anonymous, expressed an exact opposite point of view.  She said "I'm for the male all the way. You know that dog is god spelled backwards and god says females should be submissive."  Olive, a Feminist Labradoodle, overheard the submissive remark and quickly rolled the lady mutt firmly on her back and snarled.  While Woof! Play and Stay might agree with Olive, Woof! also believes in free speech so Olive was given a 10 minute time out.

At the end of the evening no consensus was reached and the entire pack was left scratching their ears.

Is Dog Daycare Right For All Dogs?

The short answer is no

The Benefits of Dog Daycare

Dog daycare can be an amazing experience for dogs with a compatible temperament. Moreover, it can offer lot of sweet benefits- for both dogs and their human owners. It provides dogs with boredom relief, a healthy outlet for pent-up energy, exercise, socialization and constructive interaction with humans.  Daycare can give busy human owners the peace of mind that comes with knowing their dog is well cared for while they are away at work or play.  Dog daycare can certainly provide relief from some of the many stresses that naturally come with urban dog ownership.

Good Dogs, Just Not Good For Daycare

Not all dogs, however, are good candidates for the doggy daycare scene. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy interacting with other dogs. Others may be too timid, fearful, or consistently exhibit behaviors that are not compatible with responsible off-leash group play. This does not, by any means, mean that they are “bad” dogs. It simply means that daycare is not a good idea for them.  Fortunately, there are other options for these dogs and their human owners, including home care services from Woof! Play & Stay, an urban dog resort in Seattle, Washington.

Temperament Tests and Trial Play Days

Reputable dog daycare centers screen all potential "guests" with some kind of Temperament Test. This provides a pretty good idea of whether or not the dog is a good candidate for doggy daycare, but is by no means definitive. That’s why new dogs should be carefully monitored as they interact with the daycare pack for the first time. The top priority for any dog daycare facility should be the safety, health, comfort and fun of all the dogs entrusted to their care. When it become apparent that off-leash group play isn’t working for a particular 4 legged guest, they should be separated them from the pack and provided individualized care. Depending upon the situation, this could be a short “time out” or for the rest of the day.  Dogs that misbehave often can even be "banned" from a daycare facility.

Alternatives to Dog Daycare - Paid Does Not Necessarily Equal Professional

If Dog Daycare in Seattle doesn't work out for your dog don't despair. Seattle has hundreds, and I literally mean hundreds, of dog walkers and home dog care services.  There are even technology companies that match dog owners with dog walkers and prices can vary wildly.  That said, great care should be given when selecting a dog walker or home care service.  If you want cheap, just about anyone can register with one of these tech companies and become a paid dog walker.  Notice I used the word paid, not professional.

Another option is On Demand Dog Care, Inc. which does business as Woof Play and Stay.  Located in beautiful downtown Seattle near the Space Needle, Woof offers truly professional dog walking services in addition to their dog daycare.  Not only does Woof play and Stay offer scheduled dog walking and home pet care, it offers these services On-demand 24/7/364.  The services are preformed by a trained uniformed professional that has passed a background check.

Investing in Dog Training

Is the ROI Worth it?

Proper training is essential for the fitness and well being of dogs.  It's even more important for the sanity of owners, especially when they live in the city.  Not only will training strengthen the human-dog bond, it will open up a world of opportunities not available to those with ill-mannered mutts.  Simply put, Urban dog owners with well behaved dogs have so much more fun.

Yes, we love all dogs, including ill-mannered mutts.  But why live with one if you don't have to?  With time, patience and proper training, almost any unruly four-legged devil can be transformed into a charming canine companion that you'd be proud to take anywhere.  To places like TEKU Tavern, a dog friendly establishment in Seattle (Denny Way @ Taylor Ave N) with over 50 beers on tap.

Seattle has over 200 dog friendly establishments and attractions, including bars, cafes, restaurants, parks and hotels.  Why miss out on them?  If you have an unmannered pup it seems to me that it would be well worth dropping some coin and time to invest in training.  You can buy a book or watch some online videos if you want to do it yourself.  Or you could get a little help from a professional trainer and speed up the process.

Many reputable dog trainers and businesses call Seattle home.  One such establishment is Woof Play and Stay.  And they have just brought on board a brand new Director of Dog Training and Behavior, Kelly Morrisroe.  While Kelly's going to keep her day job as a Research Scientist at the University of Washington, she is going to enhance, direct and administer Woof Play & Stay's Dog Training Program.

Kelly has been training animals professionally for over 25 years, including dogs and a variety of exotic species such as horses, monkeys and parrots. She lectures on the cognitive development of animals and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree as well as a Certificate of Animal Behavior from UW.

Kelly's passion has always been working with dogs and has competed in AKC and UKC obedience, agility and rally events earning multiple titles. In addition to competitive dog sports, she has also trained many dogs for service and therapy work.

Woof! is excited to have Kelly share her experience with Woof! Dog Club Members and help people develop happy snd dynamic relationships with their dog(s).

While Woof! currently offers basic obedience, agility and fitness training for dogs, we will launch our expanded services, including evening and weekend group classes, on November 15th 2016.  For reactive dogs and dogs with special issues, Woof! will offer a free consultation with Kelly and develop customized in-home training programs.

Woof! Play and Stay is an urban dog resort focused on the fitness and well being of dogs. In addition to offering premium dog daycare in downtown Seattle, Woof! also offers dog boarding, training and in-home pet care services available 24/7/365.

You're Invited!

Downtown Seattle
Indoor Dog Park Play Day- It's Free!

Stop by Woof! Play and Stay Saturday October 22nd anytime from 10am - 3pm and hang out with your four legged best friend at our ultra-clean and modern indoor dog park. Meet other dog lovers in the neighborhood while your VIP (Very Important Pooch) gets some exercise and quality play time.

Owners must accompany and supervise their dog(s) at all times (and clean up after them if necessary). Oh yeah, we will have free refreshments too. Like Mimosas for human guests over 21.

For the safety and health of all our guests, humans must complete and sign a membership application & agreement and provide proof their dog is current on all vaccinations. Dogs must pass a brief temperament check and have no history of attacking humans or other dogs.

Join Our Meet-up Group

Woof Play and Stay is sponsoring a monthly Meetup group.  On the first Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 3:00pm we will host an Indoor Dog Park Play Day exclusively for members of Cub Woof.  Free admission and free refreshments.  Check out our Meetup website page by clicking here.

Welcome to the first post of Brad's Dog Blog!

Storefront of Woof! Play & Stay

I am pleased to announce the opening of Woof! Play & Stay, an urban dog resort.  In addition to providing the best dog daycare, dog boarding, dog training and dog walking in Seattle, we also provide home care for pets 24/7/365,

This blog is about all things dogs, especially as they relate to the safety, health comfort and fun of our four legged best friends.  Welcome to our first post.