There are many very affordable plans out there that can protect you against normal or catastrophic unexpected veterinary bills due to illness or injury. Pet insurance is especially affordable when you enroll your pet when he or she is still a puppy, before any health conditions develop.  We recommend all dogs have pet insurance, even ifyour dog is not social.

• Stitches for a minor laceration on a weekend- $550 at the emergency clinic
• Hip dysplasia surgery - $3,000-$5,000 per hip
• Intestinal blockage surgery - $2,500
• Decayed tooth removal - $1,000
• Bloat surgery - $2,500
• Torn cruciate ligament (back knee) $5,000
• Pneumonia - $1,000
• Broken leg - $1,000
• Cataracts - $1,200
• Emergency Clinic Visit - $100 minimum
• Accidentally being hit by a car  $$$$

Canine Cough (kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis) is an upper-respiratory infection that can be spread at dog parks, training classes, playgroups, neighborhoods, dog shows, kennels, and daycare.  It is typically seen around October and March in our area and is transmitted very quickly from dog to dog via air droplets. 

Often, Canine Cough will affect all the kennels and shelters in the area at once.  Symptoms include a dry or gagging-type cough that sounds like your dog has something stuck in his throat.  Besides the cough, most dogs will act completely normal.  Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.  A virus, bacteria, or both can cause Canine Cough.  

Sometimes, your dog's immune system will take care of Canine Cough.  However, there are some reasons why your dog should be seen by a veterinarian, including - if your dog is young or old, has other medical issues or breathing problems, or if you notice other symptoms besides the cough, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, worsening or deepening of the cough, excessive coughing or anything else that is not normal for your dog.  Your veterinarian can prescribe an antibiotic and a cough suppressant if needed. 

Yes, the Bordetella vaccination (just like the human flu shot) protects against some, but not all, strains of canine cough, so it is still possible for your dog to develop a cough even though they are up-to-date on their Bordetella vaccination. 

Although we make every effort possible to minimize the risk of illness (including extensive sanitation processes and supervision to watch for dogs who may be sick), it is essential to know that dogs can spread Canine Cough for 7-10 days before and several weeks after the cough is present, making it impossible for our staff to isolate dogs that may be carrying germs.   We do, however, immediately isolate any dog that is coughing. 

To assist you in making the best choices for your pet, we will notify you via email if we receive reports of cases of Canine Cough.  Jillian will gladly assist you if you have any further questions about Canine Cough.  (Staff Tip:  We have noticed that dogs who attend daycare regularly or have had Canine Cough before seem far less susceptible to contracting Canine Cough.)

If your dog becomes ill while you are gone, we will separate your dog from the group and contact you. We will provide care and transport your dog to a veterinarian if that becomes necessary.

Swimmer's Tail happens when a dog's tail gets strained or sprained by activities such as swimming or playing. The tail will be sore, and the dog may be unable to wag it or hold it up for a few days. This condition is most commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers, who often use their tails for swimming and wagging purposes. 

A few days' rest is the best treatment for Swimmer's Tail. Most cases resolve themselves within a few days. Your veterinarian may prescribe a pain or anti-inflammatory medication if your dog is uncomfortable.

Dogs with sensitive feet, a wild play style, particularly sensitive skin or those who are not accustomed to all day play can develop cracks or blisters on their pads. Even a tiny crack or blister can cause a dog to limp or lick their paw(s).

Progressively longer walks on rough surfaces such a pavement before extended playtimes can toughen up your dog's pads. Another option is to try a commercial product such as "Tuff Foot," which can be ordered online. 

Dogs with a history of cracks or blisters and dogs staying a week or more may receive a special nap time. We may also have your dog skip swim time to keep their feet from getting soft from swimming.

Gastrointestinal viruses are those that affect the stomach and intestines.  They are typically very contagious and are spread through dog-to-dog contact.  These viruses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and lack of appetite.  The viruses cause similar symptoms to the human "stomach flu bug."

Often, the symptoms last about 24 hours in healthy, middle-aged dogs. Dogs that are young, old, or have other health problems or suppressed immune systems may experience the symptoms longer, which may be more severe.

Since gastrointestinal virus symptoms can be very similar to other serious problems such as pancreatitis, intestinal blockages, digestive tract inflammation, poisoning, etc., we strongly encourage you to consult your veterinarian if your dog exhibits vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of appetite.  

Your veterinarian will check your dog to be sure a severe medical condition is not causing the symptoms. If your dog seems to have a virus, your veterinarian can provide you with anti-vomiting medication and supportive care, such as fluids, if needed. Depending on the dog and the particular virus, your dog may or may not need veterinary care.

Gastrointestinal viruses are typically spread at dog parks, training centers, boarding facilities, and daycares during winter.

Our staff monitors dogs for symptoms and will separate any dog that appears sick. Unfortunately, Gastrointestinal viruses are highly contagious. If we know that a virus is "going around" at Woof Dah!, we will notify you via email. Be sure you are on our emailing list to get these health alert notifications.

If your dog becomes ill while you are gone, we will separate your dog from the group and contact you.  We will provide care and transport your dog to a veterinarian in the unlikely event that that becomes necessary.

The Canine Papilloma virus causes puppy warts and is typically seen in dogs under two years of age.  The warts are generally located in the mouth or on the lips of affected dogs.  

Puppy warts generally fall off in 4-16 weeks.  No veterinary treatment is typically necessary.

Our staff will immediately separate any dog from the group that is found to have puppy warts. Unfortunately, puppy warts are contagious for up to three months before the warts form, so we cannot prevent the spread of the warts completely.

A dog can pick up a cough, cold, or other illness like child daycare. Most of these illnesses are mild and do not require any veterinary care. You will receive a brochure on your dog's orientation day that describes our health policies. For more information on doggie health issues, visit our "Health" tab.

If there seems to be an illness, we will notify you via email and post a notification on this website one this page.

Absolutely not. During playtime, it is not uncommon for a tail or piece of hair to accidentally brush the eye or even for a case of allergies to come up. In sensitive individuals, watering or a touch of "gunk" in the corner of the eye might result. This will usually clear up in two to three days or can be treated with a simple ophthalmic antibiotic ointment.

Although we always have lots of fresh water available for the puppies, some get too busy having fun to remember to drink enough water. If you are concerned, please send a meal or snack with your dog. 

That way, they'll have a few minutes of quiet time and a private bowl of water. Or, you can always ask our staff to give your dog a "water break" each visit when you drop them off.

When a dog enters the pack with a lot of energy (submissive, dominant, fearful, or wild), they will attract a lot of attention from the "pack." This is very common with dogs that have never been part of a pack. As your dog gains social skills and experience by visiting us, he will learn to enter the "pack" with a calm and submissive energy. 

This quiet and submissive energy will not attract attention from the other dogs. If you are interested in learning more about "pack" behavior, The "Dog Whisperer" (Cesar Milan) has some good information about pack dynamics that can be found online. Also, our experienced staff members would be happy to help you learn more about pack dynamics.

If your dog doesn't have much social experience, doesn't come often, is submissive, or doesn't like leaving his human family, they may be a bit nervous when you drop them off. The best thing you can do is stay calm, hug your dog, and send him into the playgroup immediately. 

In minutes, the anxiety will be replaced with rip-roaring fun playtime. If your dog isn't a big fan of baths or nail trims, skip these services so your dog doesn't associate daycare with something unpleasant. Remember, even if your dog has been to another daycare or is a frequent dog park visitor, he will still be "the new kid in school," at least for a few minutes.

Have your vet fax or email us a copy of your dog's vaccination record each time he has rabies, DHPP, or Bordetella vaccination boosters. We do not need records for any other vaccinations. Or, you may email a copy of his papers to us or upload them in your customer portal.

Bloat is a serious and sometimes fatal medical condition where the stomach fills with gas. To help prevent bloat, we recommend sending your dog two to three smaller meals per day instead of one large meal. This is especially important for large breeds and dogs who eat rapidly.

The one-week waiting period is for any of our required vaccinations that are "new" to your dog. This applies to puppies who are finishing up their puppy vaccinations and dogs who are getting the Bordetella vaccination or Bordetella series for the very first time. Also, if you have a dog whose vaccinations have lapsed for some time, they will be considered "new." You must update them within one week before your dog can visit us. We understand that vaccinations can sometimes be confusing, so please don't hesitate to contact us if you're unsure of your dog's vaccinations.

We will "expel" a dog who exhibits behaviors that we feel are dangerous or disruptive. Some examples are biting or trying to bite dogs or staff, being aggressive over resources such as toys or food, playing too roughly, being disrespectful of other dogs, and constant barking or destructive behaviors that pose a safety risk to dogs or staff.

If we determine that your dog's behavior is dangerous or disruptive, we will separate your dog from the group and notify you. If you are out of town, we will gladly provide the best care possible for your dog in an individual environment until you return.

If we believe your dog needs to see a veterinarian, we will contact you to determine what you would like us to do. We will be happy to take your dog to see a veterinarian if you feel it is necessary. If we cannot reach you promptly, we will act on your behalf and arrange for veterinary treatment if we believe it is required.

A flea and tick preventative such as Frontline should be applied year-round. Flea and tick collars won't be allowed during playtime as they are easily chewed off.