Pet Boarding and Daycare July August 2019

VOL 9 • ED 4

JULY / AUG 2019

WWW.PETBOARDINGANDDAYCARE.COM

and daycare magazine

STEPS TO

PROMOTE

POSITIVE SPECIES–TYPICAL

BEHAVIOR WITH

ENRICHMENT

HOW TO USE

CROSS-PROMOTION TO STREAMLINE

YOUR MARKETING

Profile of Success

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M1112 Rev. 04/19

I N N OVAT I V E O P T I O N S F O R B OA R D I N G

YOU DREAM IT. WE CAN BUILD IT. Here are some ideas in use around the country.

Add smaller play areas for dog aggressive/selective or fragile pets.

Provide a large play area for boarding cats.

This is especially helpful for bonded groups.

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Run several transfer doors in a row to give bonded groups of little dogs room to roam.

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SINCE 1927

IT’S NOT JUST A LICK It could make your customers disappear

Do you protect your business by requiring Bordetella vaccination? What about Dog Flu? Both diseases are highly contagious and could harm your facility’s reputation.

Protect your business from Bordetella and Dog Flu. Require both vaccinations.

4

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

Copyright © 2019 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc. All rights reserved.

US/NCI/0219/0009

STAFF PUBLISHER Barkleigh Productions, Inc.

and daycare magazine

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Rebecca Shipman ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington

J U LY / AU G U ST 2 0 1 9

CONTENTS

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Thomas

JILLS PET RESORT

WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth PRESIDENT Todd Shelly VICE PRESIDENT Gwen Shelly CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr

28

CREATING HAPPY OWNERS & TAIL—WAGGING PETS

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs

4

ADMIN / MARKETING ASSISTANT Karin Grottola

REASONS G R E AT M A N A G E M E N T

MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson SOCIAL MEDIA / PR COORDINATOR Evan Gummo CONTACT

General: (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com Editorial: rebecca@barkleigh.com

(717) 691-3388 (ext. 225) Advertising: james@barkleigh.com

(717) 691-3388 (ext. 224)

Copyright July 2019. Pet Boarding & Daycare is published bimonthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Pet Boarding & Daycare c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

G R E AT M A N A G E M E N T

22

MAT TERS

Animal Behavior 6

3 Steps to Promote Positive Species– Typical Behavior with Enrichment

Business 14

18

How to Use Cross–Promotion To Streamline Your Marketing 3 Ways to Make Your Pet Care Website Stand Out From the Rest

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

BUT MY DOG

DOESN’T HAVE

FLEAS

KNOW THE FACTS OF FAD (FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS)

48

By Colleen Mendelsohn, DVM

Facility 36

40

What to Look for When Hiring a Professional Dog Trainer for Your Business Making Animal Welfare a Priority

by Incorporating UV-C Technology

Industry News 54

New Products

5

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

SPECIES–TYPICAL

By Teena Patel

T

rue enrichment is vital.

Enrichment can be defined by breaking down the term into three parts: en–rich–ment. The prefix “en” is a unit of measurement. “Rich” means abundant. And the suffix “ment,” for our purposes, means “expressing the means or a result of a species–typical behavior in a way to strengthen behavior.” All three aspects are important when it comes to understanding enrichment as a whole.

Canine enrichment is any intervention or arrangement of conditions in a dog’s environment that influences a positive behavior change, specifically one that is species–typical for dogs and measurably more abundant—either more frequent, more prolonged, observably higher quality or more holistically engaging to the dog.

In practice, enrichment can include a wide variety of things: devices, diets,

6

sensory experiences, procedures, relationships, games or any number of other ways a dog’s habitat can be altered. Environment not only encompasses physical space, but also mental, emotional and social space as well. Enrichment is vital because it stems from an understanding of a dog’s whole, lived experience, and thus has the power to make his life better.

A Picture of Enrichment For example, let’s talk about using food to create an enrichment experience.

The species–typical behavior a caretaker might look for in a dog could be ripping, tearing, shredding, chewing, pulling, shaking or burying the food, in the same way dogs interact with food naturally.

There are different methods to deliver food, and the food itself can improve in quality. There are a lot of different

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

things the dog parents could try to make meals an enriched experience, rather than meeting the dog’s nutritional needs in the most minimal way. They could offer different kinds of food, for instance, or set up a scene where the dog can forage for the meal.

In order to see which changes provide the most enrichment, the dog parents will have to observe whether or not their dog’s positive species–typical behavior measurably differs after a change is implemented. Eating can be observed to be a rich behavioral and sensory experience, one in which a dog appears to be intimate with its food.

When this happens, one can observe the dog’s engagement to be more prolonged, enthusiastic and wholly active.

It’s also important to observe if any other positive species–typical behaviors

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

7

quality of life shoots up. That’s the best possible execution of food enrichment.

They’re simply food dispensing tools, commonly referred to as interactive food toys. are engaged when the food is delivered.

For dogs, this could be things like foraging, exploring, burying or even an experience that produces a behavior that mimics social hunting with other dogs.

When a food delivery method is able to engage multiple positive species–typical behaviors with more frequency, the dog’s

Some Things Aren’t Enrichment They’re simply food dispensing tools, commonly referred to as interactive food toys.

Many elements in most dogs’ environments aren’t enriching their lives. In fact, so much of a dog’s environment is filled with “no!” things; things they’re reprimanded for chewing on or interacting with in the way that’s actually the most healthy for them.

Beyond that, most products and practices are just neutral, not enrichment, designed to keep dogs away from what we don’t want them to interact with.

Some products and practices actually deplete a dog’s quality of life.

The problem is, there are a lot of products that are fun, attractive and easy to implement; it’s the easiness that makes them so appealing. But, the

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shift in a dog’s behavioral health and wellbeing is minimal after the product is used. The function of these products is to distract the dog, or exhaust him, rather than improve his quality of life and empower him to be his best self.

It’s not that there’s anything inherently wrong with a toy or game that’s just “fun”. But, if it has no measurable impact of a dog’s species–typical behavior, then it isn’t enrichment; neither is an exercise routine that a dog enjoys but doesn’t engage him holistically.

So, how can a thoughtful caretaker sort out real enrichment from fads and trends slapped with an “enrichment” label?

Step One: Get to Know Dogs with Science First, seek out accurate, evidence– based information to understand which behaviors are typical for happy, healthy dogs. When a caretaker is gathering this information, it’s important to keep mental and emotional health in mind, as well as physical health.

Fortunately for us, there’s a wealth of information out there. For decades, animal behaviorists have studied the behaviors of dogs in particular, so all of us can find the results of observational and experimental studies that give us accurate data on how dogs behave when they’re doing well.

The scientific journal Nature is an amazing resource, with articles explaining attachment behavior in dogs, the negative species–typical behavior of dogs (and humans) that precedes dog bites, and the range of positive, species–typical behavior among dogs due to their unique personalities, among other things.

The journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology connects dogs’ unique behaviors with their overall wellbeing, and has many articles articulating which behaviors correlate with various aspects of a dog’s personal biology and which ones are strongly impacted by the environment.

Regardless of which resource someone chooses, the main thing to

In some shelters, dogs are encouraged to rest while others are up and around, or even to sleep up to sixteen hours a day. This behavior isn’t species–typical; nor an indication of happiness and good health. remember is that positive species–typical behavior will vary among species. So, a behavior that seems unusual to us humans isn’t necessarily unhealthy in dogs. Conversely, some behaviors that seem good to us aren’t actually great to encourage in dogs. Because in dogs, these behaviors indicate health issues like stress, frustration or depression.

One example is prolonged rest. Resting is relaxing, so it makes sense to assume that it’s wise to encourage dogs to rest as much as possible. Unfortunately, that assumption is off–base.

According to veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates, dogs are social sleepers. So, if a dog seems sleepy and is resting while other dogs are awake and people are

active, it’s a sign that the dog is over–tired, not sleeping deeply enough or even has learned some level of helplessness. This is different from humans, as it’s speciestypical for humans to sleep eight hours at once, and primarily at night, rather than adjusting their internal clocks to the people around them.

In essence, the problem is, we’ve demoted movement and activity, because resting dogs are easier to keep track of.

We’ve also created environments that are over-stimulating for the dogs, or places that are too static, stagnant and sterile to truly engage dogs holistically as they would be in an environment that was designed to suit their own needs.

In some shelters, dogs are encouraged

to rest while others are up and around, or even to sleep up to sixteen hours a day. This behavior isn’t species-typical; nor an indication of happiness and good health. Therefore, if an intervention of some kind is implemented to encourage this kind of sleep pattern in dogs—something that induces over-exertion and then tiredness—that intervention isn’t enrichment, because the intervention encourages non–typical behavior which indicates stress.

The intervention may well be necessary, as it can be the best of several less–than– stellar options available if a kennel is over–crowded, but it isn’t enrichment.

That’s why, if possible, these kinds of interventions aren’t enough; it’d be

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better to stick with calling them games or activities, not enrichment. This inconsistency can cause problems when the dog goes home, so it’s something to consider when implementing changes.

Understanding enrichment is important and is hugely beneficial because its results are long–lasting and observable long after the experience, hence transformative. So, what’s the second step?

When looking for

Step Two: Seek Out Leaders and Teachers Who See Dogs as Whole Beings When looking for methods, objects or other interventions to enrich a dog’s life, seek out leaders who value dogs as full beings, deserving of respect and care. Those leaders are more likely to come up with genuinely enriching ideas and strategies. They’ll discard ideas that they know don’t make sense from a dog’s point of view, no matter how cute

methods, objects or other interventions to enrich a dog’s life, seek out leaders who value dogs as full beings, deserving of respect and care.

or helpful they seem from a human perspective. This way, a higher percentage of the ideas they do pursue will turn out to be genuinely enriching.

Learning effective enrichment methods from others can be really helpful. It can also spark a caretaker’s own imagination, and empower them to come up with their own interventions drawn from observations and life experiences.

While species–typical behavior for dogs and humans diverges pretty widely, it can still be helpful to think in broad strokes about things that have enriched their own life.

They might ask themselves: What changes to my own diet, home or social life improved my mood for the better?

What made my good habits more frequent? What made me more engaged in my best behaviors? Exploring these questions can be a source of inspiration for new enrichment ideas.

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But, these first two steps aren’t enough on their own. After someone understands what behaviors are species–typical for happy, healthy dogs, and they’ve got some ideas from decent sources on how to encourage those behaviors, the final step is implementation.

Step Three: Keep Track of How the Dog’s Behavior Changes

(Or Doesn’t) After the Intervention When implementing a new, potentially enriching intervention, make sure to keep track of both quantifiable and qualitative changes in the dog’s behavior for a decent amount of time afterwards.

If a positive species–typical behavior is encouraged—great! That means the element the caretaker introduced is a legitimately enriching intervention. On the flip side, if the canine–typical behavior is unchanged, decreases or if the intervention leads to an increase in non-typical behavior, then the element isn’t enrichment. You

can always try again with something else.

Thomas Edison learned 1,000 ways to not make a light–bulb before he finally figured out one that worked; now, a century–and–a–half later, we all use lights every day! The same is true of enrichment.

It’s great to experiment with a lot of toys, foods and other potential interventions to your dog’s environment, even if a lot of them don’t pan out. Because, when you find something that works—when you figure out something that brings true enrichment to a dog’s life—the positive change is immensely rewarding.

And, if you create something that provides genuine enrichment to dogs by this metric, then that intervention won’t be just a fad or short–lived trend. True enrichment has such an impact, that when we learn how to do it—how to do something, or make something, that observably results in making dogs’ lives better—that intervention will catch on for the long haul.

What Enrichment Means For Us Today Enrichment is a process that we can all discover as we explore new ideas and designs in dog care. When we do it right, we know it works. And knowing it works is what lets us build on one another’s wisdom and leap from one discovery to the next.

By understanding the definition of the word “enrichment”, you can create a comprehensive set of conditions, each of which are intentionally designed to increase a behavior that you’ve learned from your research which is positive and typical for healthy dogs in their most natural spaces.

These environmental elements should be drawn from an understanding that dogs have a whole body, and all senses have the potential to engage a dog fully and deeply into the experience of their life, creating a degree of joy and engagement that’s easily observable and measurable.

Enrichment has the potential to revitalize our dogs and revolutionize our relationships with them. The future can be a place that is so much better for dogs and for those of us who care about them. But that only happens if we keep ourselves honest and protect the true, usable definition of enrichment.

If we dilute the meaning of enrichment until it includes every dog-related thing out there, then we dilute enrichment’s incredible, transformative potential. Enrichment, by this definition, is vital, useful and wise. Let’s keep it that way. Let’s use it to make something amazing.

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BUSINESS

April

By Jen Phillips

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C

ross–promotion is a cost– effective way for a brick and mortar business to market. Not only does it offer endless opportunities for social media visibility, but it also promotes relationship–building that’s essential to any business.

Imagine solidifying your pet boarding business in the community so that when people think “doggie care” or “overnight boarding”, you’re the first one they think of. That’s what can happen when you market smart.

At its basic, cross–promotion is the idea of coordinating with someone else to promote two or more businesses. For example, hosting a weekly dog grooming session offers you the opportunity to make grooming more convenient for your busy clients and gives both your facility and the groomer another excuse to post pet photos.

Which of these resonate with your business?

Sponsor a Booth at a Community Event From art days to pet rescue fundraisers, Spring through Fall is chock full of family–friendly weekend events around the country. Community events are an excellent way to connect with present and future customers. Why? Because you’re showing up where your customers are showing up—and it’s likely that many of them will have their dogs with them.

How do you pick the best event for your facility? Make a list of the top 3–5 events in your area. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and/or Tourist Board for ideas if you don’t already know of any. Then, ask your best clients which ones they like to attend. If you find there are several mentions for a particular event, then

that one is likely worth your consideration because it will probably attract similar people.

Not ready to sponsor a booth? Maybe you can pass out a coupon or some type of swag through the crowd, or at least show up wearing branded attire with a

well–behaved dog to attract dog lovers.

Host a Little League Team Who goes to Little League games?

Families with kids and dogs. Having your logo on the back of a t–shirt that’s seen by a few dozen people at every game is great

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visibility. It reminds people that you exist and are available for their dogs.

Plus, it shows that you’re community–minded. This makes the most sense if you have a child playing Little League which will allow you to build more connections through other parents. Make sure to post pictures of the team shirt on your social media!

Refer Other Pet Professionals If you partner with a veterinarian, a dog trainer or a dog groomer, you can easily refer one another to your clients.

Chances are, you get asked for recommendations all the time—as do they— so why not refer each other? You can also share the other businesses’ social media posts and even offer shout-outs in newsletters for added visibility.

Social Media Contests Why not take that partnering a step

further and encourage your customers to post pictures of their pets on your social media channels? It’s a great way to involve them and increase your visibility at the same time. For example, if they go to the dog groomer next door and post a picture of the freshly groomed pooch with a specific branded hashtag (that you create), they can be entered into a drawing.

Host an Event But enlist another business to help!

Whether it’s a meet and greet with a local dog trainer or a monthly Yappy Hour at your facility or local dog park, hosting events is a great way to build a loyal community of pet lovers.

They don’t have to be big to–do’s either. Consider who’s in your circle.

What type of event do you think your clients would appreciate? If you want to have food/drink, are there local

businesses who could be a good fit?

For example, a local brewery may be happy to donate a few cases for recognition, or a restaurant may donate a snack tray. Be creative!

None of these are difficult to implement, and if you pick one or two and do them consistently, you’ll see the snowball effect over time. Plus, each of them gives plenty of fodder for your social media—and you know how important it is to stay engaged through digital channels!

Hopefully this has inspired you to brainstorm some interesting cross-promotion strategies you can implement for your dog boarding and doggie daycare business. Which of them will you put into play?

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3 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PET CARE WEBSITE

STAND OUT FROM THE REST

By Alain Parcan

When it comes to getting your

—great, you’ve passed step one! But if

customers researching

you’re going to stand out among the

companies online

pack, it’s going to take some added effort.

business in front of

before hiring them, any company that’s

potential customers

credibility to add new customers—and

in your service area, a Website is an essential piece of the puzzle.

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W

ith more and more

missing a Website lacks the necessary ends up missing out on new business.

Here are three ways to make your pet care Website stand out from the rest:

In one noteworthy report1, researchers found 63% of consumers primarily use

Provide Educational Content.

a business’s Website to find and engage

There’s a lot on a customer’s

with a local service.

So if your company has a Website

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

mind when they search for a local pet care company. They want to know if

Not everyone is familiar with why leaving your pets at home all day is a bad idea, but you can break the mold and list some information on your Website that explains why pets tend to thrive in more active and social environments. you without any sales pitches

they can trust you, if you know what

but you can break the mold and list

you’re doing and if your business can

some information on your Website that

properly care for pets. This is where it

explains why pets tend to thrive in more

empowered decision they can

helps to host educational content about

active and social environments.

feel good about, rather than a

your industry.

Even if the consumer doesn’t end up

Your content can take the form of

making a deal with you, featuring this

blog posts, FAQs or pages with detailed

educational material on your Website

information about your services. This

will do the following:

helps win over smart shoppers who like to know as much as they can about a topic before they close on a deal. Not

• Help customers make an

skeptical choice stemming from sales tactics • Increase the chance your website is shown for relevant searches

• Establish your company as an

on Google.

industry expert • Create a relationship between

everyone is familiar with why leaving

the customer and your business

your pets at home all day is a bad idea,

where they know they can trust

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visual content that is unique, personal-

video for your Website. According to

ized and high quality. When perusing a

Google , about half of Internet users

series of pet care sites, there are two ends

look for videos related to a service

see the different boarding packages

of the spectrum Websites tend to fall

before contacting the company. Video

you offer. If so, you should feature a

in. On one end, there are the sites with

content is an awesome way to explain

noticeable button that says “View Our

low–quality images taken from a cell

to your audience who you are and what

Boarding Services!” that is easy to find

phone. On the other end, you’ll find sites

you do. Sure, your Website is able to do

on the Home page. Once you link this

that showcase the same stock images as

that as well, but a personalized video

button to your Boarding page, you’ve

dozens of other companies. The key is

will be able to do so in a way that is

effectively made the user experience

to find a spot in the middle ground that

quick, fun and convenient for your

friendlier for the potential customer.

combines quality with personalization.

Website visitors.

To seal the deal, place another CTA

2

Website’s visitors through your site.

Maybe you want your visitors to

on the Portfolio page saying “Schedule

Enlisting the help of a professional photographer (or even someone with

Give Calls–To–Action. If you’ve

Reservation,” which links out to your

a great camera) to take some photos of

followed the first two steps, you’re

Contact page. From a marketing

your team and facility is a great way to

on your way to a great site that is sure

standpoint, you’ve strategically laid out

let your customers know they’re dealing

to stand out! There’s more to a quality

a path that converts curious shoppers

with real people. Customers will have

Website than great content, however.

to interested leads.

an easier time trusting a company with

User experience should always be the

personalized media than they will with

first thing on your mind when designing

a cookie–cutter template site.

a site, which is why it’s key to include

quality design and content will yield no-

a Call–To–Action (CTA). Typically in

ticeable results in the long run. It’s not

the form of a button, CTAs guide your

enough to simply exist online anymore;

Push it a step further and have a professional put together a company

When it comes to your Website,

you also have to be able to stand out.

And there’s no better way to stand out

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References 1. https://www.lsainsider.com/ the-digital-consumer-exploringdigital-media-usage-in-u-s-cities/ archives#sthash.aOqNLzD6.dpbs 2. https://think.storage.googleapis. com/docs/shopping-micromoments-mobile-trends.pdf Alain Parcan, Director of Marketing for Market Hardware, Inc., brings nearly 10 years of experience in educating businesses so they can market themselves more effectively. Market Hardware helps small businesses compete on the Web

C1964

and offers special discounts for pet care

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4

REASONS

G R E AT M A N A G E M E N T

MAT TERS

By Laura Laaman

When most owners open a pet care facility, they abandon a previous career with the hope of being paid for playing with puppies, having exchanges with their lovely owners - and maybe hiring a few fabulous employees.

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T

his idealistic picture is sometimes also filled with rainbows and butterflies.

Then they open the doors and reality hits in a hundred hard ways…

• Employee challenges arise.

Some common employee issues include reliability, poor work ethic, scheduling demands, tasks not being performed the right way, human resource compliance regulations and increased wages, just to name a few.

• Customer challenges, including complaints, are at an all–time high. Yelp!, Google, Facebook and other review options implore, enable and encourage the

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

slightest issue to be magnified into a negative review. In today’s highly competitive market, someone needs to ensure exemplary customer service. Exceptional customer service requires good hiring protocols, training, motivation and a positive work environment.

• Pet care standards are prioritized. Owners naturally feel an ethical responsibility to ensure each pet in their care receives the same level of care they would want a friend’s pet to receive when staying at their home. Someone (or many people) needs to ensure all care tasks are being done properly and consistently.

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Feeding, cleaning, activities, medication and watching for irregularities are just some of these important tasks.

These require organized, documented and systematic training procedures including checklists, shadowing, verification, and complements as well as coaching and counseling.

• You are filling your boarding and daycare building. Competition is at a frenzied pitch. Friends, family, chains and the in–home networks like Rover.com, Wag and Care.com make it more challenging than ever to achieve high occupancy. Marketing inquiries need to be adequate, measured and effectively handled to ensure profitability.

Great phone procedures, tours, form responses and customer service needs to be executed exceptionally if there is going to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The above lists are not exhaustive by any means. We could go on and on.

One person (even a superhero–like owner) cannot possibly do it all—and certainly not well. If they even try, they’ll burnout sooner, not later. This business is so emotionally, intellectually, financially and physically demanding if you don’t have proper help. But exactly how can a manager help?

A manager’s function is to make the business more successful than it was before they came aboard. Success can and should be measured. Here are some specific ways a manager can improve the business.

1. Frees up owner’s time for other important things.

No matter who or where you are, you Streamlines have 86,4002.seconds everycommunication day. How you andprecious expectations. handle these seconds makes the difference between struggling and thriving. When the owner’s running all 3. Creates advancement aspects of the business, it’s easy to get beopportunities. hind or buried, leading to mistakes and missed opportunities. Having a manager (or several4. managers) liftsbusiness some or a lot Helps the function independently.

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

The most productive owners commit and carve out time to work “on” their business less than “in” it—giving them a chance to step back and ensure the critical “big picture” aspects of the business are being implemented. of this burden, giving hours of your day back to you—and those hours add up fast.

What are some of the responsibilities managers can potentially take off your plate?

• Being your eyes and ears in the facility to ensure an excellent level of care and organization.

• Scheduling employees and handling requests for time–off.

• Helping find and screen employee candidates.

• Providing proactive feedback to employees and even disciplining when necessary.

The most productive owners commit and carve out time to work “on”

their business less than “in” it—giving them a chance to step back and ensure the critical “big picture” aspects of the business are being implemented.

So, what should you do with your newfound time? Certain areas of the business require the owner’s attention more than others. These are the critical factors that determine the overall health and, hopefully, continued growth of your business. Here are some the priorities owners should focus on: • Providing quality pet care.

• Providing excellent (human) customer service.

• Ensure financial metrics are being met.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

• Maintain effective employee staffing.

• Nurture a positive work environment and high employee morale.

Frees up owner’s time • Ensure1.exceptional phone and for other important things. tour procedures.

2. Streamlines communication and expectations.

Depending on the size of your busi3. Creates advancement ness, effective management structure opportunities. often means having levels between the owner, management and pet care staff.

This might mean having more than one 4. Helps the business manager, or a manger and an assistant function independently. manager, or whatever structure works best for the size of your company.

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1. Frees up owner’s time for other important things.

It’s one thing to have a manager, but it’s another thing to have a set of management roles that cooperate and complement each other. These systems typically include Managers, Assistant Managers, and Supervisors/Leads. The benefits of this structure include: • Creates accountability. When you have managers responsible for a certain set of people or duties, it’s much easier for the business to operate as intended. It removes ambiguity about responsibilities and promotes productivity and teamwork.

• Improves communication. One person can’t always be the touch–point for employee–related matters. Having a manager (or managers) greatly improves your team’s ability to communicate, learn and identify weak points.

• Clarifies expectations. Another main function of managers is to act as the ideal role models for your team.

Owners should still provide feedback to their employees, but manages can provide day–to-day feedback, both positive and constructive.

• Reduces vulnerability. Having only one manager is problematic if (and when) something happens to impair their ability to perform for your company.

Many pet care owners who initially felt

relieved to have a manager to lean on 2. Streamlines communication felt lost, frustrated and overwhelmed and expectations. when that person fell off the radar.

3. Creates advancement opportunities.

Among the most important factors job seekers4. want in athe newbusiness employer is Helps function independently. advancement opportunities. It’s also an important ticket to retaining quality staff. This industry is filled with employees who aren’t career–minded. Offering advancement opportunities creates a more motivated and ambitious work environment, affecting not only productivity, but also employee morale. Opportunities for career advancement gives quality employees a reason to stay and grow with the company rather than move on. Plus, employees promoted to management from within can be an invaluable asset; having hands–on experience with your business and customers.

In the pet care industry, we rely on our people. Your employees are often the first point–of–contact for your customers, as well as the first impression of your brand. The emotional nature of caring for pets creates an environment where excellent customer service is

2. Streamlines communication and expectations.

critical. Fostering a positive, cohesive Creates staff goes a 3. long way inadvancement maintaining opportunities. quality customer relationships.

4. Helps the business function independently.

Managers make it possible for your business to operate at high efficiency around the clock, every day. A healthy business isn’t dependent on its owner.

In fact, the most successful business can operate effectively regardless of the owner, due in no small part to well-implemented management structures. In the words of author and business expert Michael Gerber, “If your business depends on you, you don’t own a business—you have a job.”

Eventually, you’re likely going to sell your business. Investors are getting more and more selective as the market grows more competitive every year. Potential buyers won’t even consider purchasing a business that’s dependent on one or two individuals. To get what you deserve out of your business, it’s imperative that ownership can be smoothly transitioned with minimal disruption.

Even if you can’t imagine selling your business, if you have systems and a team of well–performing employees—not just you—you’ll be able to step back, smell the roses and enjoy your business even more.

Owners should take the time to list their daily tasks and ask themselves, “Can someone else do this?” In many cases, the answer is likely, yes. Who you choose as a manager is just as important as making the decision to hire one. It takes an excellent candidate with a positive attitude to move your business to a higher level.

Outstanding Pet Care guarantees to substantially increase the revenues of clients with its proven services. If you’re interested in growing your revenues, schedule an individual consultation with Laura Laaman or one of her team members. Call Outstanding Pet Care at 1-888-735-5667 or go to www.OutstandingPetCare.com.

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PROFILE OF SUCCESS

JILLS PET RESORT

Photos provided by Jill’s Pet Resort

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CREATING HAPPY OWNERS

TAIL WAGGING PETS

By Kathy Hosler

W

hen my husband, Donald, and I decided to build a luxury pet resort, we knew that we wanted our facility to be a jaw–dropping showplace," says Jill Nobles.

"And, we wanted it to have a homelike atmosphere where every pet enjoys their stay, and the owner can enjoy their own vacation knowing that their pet is getting the best of care."

When Jill was seventeen, she became a bather in a grooming salon, and later she apprenticed and became a groomer.

After working for others, then managing the grooming department for a veterinary practice, she opened her own grooming shop. That expanded into a boarding

facility which became so successful she outgrew it.

Three years ago, Jill and Donald Nobles built a new facility on twelve spacious acres in New Bern, North Carolina.

"We drew on our own experience, did a lot of research, went to pet boarding expos and networked with others to get ideas," says Donald. "We planned everything down to the last detail, then began construction."

Their main building is over 10,000 sq. ft. and has 80 pet suites. Their Classic, Deluxe and Grand Luxury suites are constructed of stainless steel and glass and were all designed for the dogs’ comfort and safety.

Their Grand Luxury Suites are located in a

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

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GRAND LUXURY SUITES Each suite has a flat screen TV for the dog to watch, and a 24–hour web–cam so the owners can watch their dog. They also have resting benches and luxury bedding.

relaxing, quiet area of the building. Each suite has a flat screen TV for the dog to watch, and a 24–hour web–cam so the owners can watch their dog. They also have resting benches and luxury bedding.

There are lots of additional options available for boarding guests—day play, night walks, one–on–one time with a staff member, pool time and more. They can also enjoy freshly baked “pupcakes” and other special snacks. Jill's mother owned a bakery and she lovingly prepares the treats.

The resort also has a beautiful cattery that is outfitted with 2'x2'x6' four–story cat condos. It is located in a quiet area away from the dogs. Two large picture windows allow the felines to see into the yards and the park area. The cats get time out of their condos, one cat family at a time, in the cattery play area.

"Safety was one of the foremost concerns when we were designing our facility," Donald says. "All of our buildings are equipped with smoke, carbon 30

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

31

OUTDOOR YARDS

Most of the outdoor yards have sun shade awnings that let filtered sunlight through, yet help keep the grass cool.

monoxide and heat detectors that are linked directly to the local fire and police departments. The resort has a UV light air filtration system. And, there are more than thirty webcams that we can access at any time, even from our home."

In addition to boarding, they average fifty to sixty dogs per day in their day play program. Ten acres of the property is fenced. All of the outdoor areas are covered with K9Grass or real grass and there are gorgeous plantings throughout the property. They have small and large agility yards and a 1/2 acre walking trail with play equipment for the dogs. Most of the outdoor yards have sun shade awnings that let filtered sunlight through, yet help keep the grass cool. They are so well built that they have withstood hurricanes.

There are also indoor air conditioned play rooms and webcams in all

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They have a beautiful bone–shaped

POOL with a sandy, beach–like entry that deepens to five feet at the far end.

The shallow end has many water features, such as mushrooms that squirt water and different sprays for the dogs to play and cool off in.

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the day play areas which allow owners to watch their dogs.

They have a beautiful bone–shaped pool with a sandy, beach–like entry that deepens to five feet at the far end. The shallow end has many water features, such as mushrooms that squirt water and different sprays for the dogs to play and cool off in.

They can also provide daycare to dogs that do not play well with others.

"We have sixteen outdoor walking yards and other grass yards on the outskirts of the property," says Jill. "The non–social dogs can stay through the day and be individually walked and played with by a staff member."

Of course, the resort also has a stateof–the–art grooming salon. They have nine groomers on staff that can give breed specific grooms or customize a hairstyle to the owner’s desires. They offer creative finishing touches such as hair coloring, and average more than fifty grooms a day.

"You can't do all of this without a

They have just added a beautiful new 8,000 sq. ft. building to accommodate more boarding suites and day play activities.

wonderful staff," says Jill. "We have 32 employees, some of them have been with me for more than 12 years. My staff is one of the biggest blessings we have. That's where we stand heads and shoulders above our competitors."

Their website, www.jillspetresort.com, has been a big part of the huge growth of Jill's Pet Resort. Owners can make online reservations, grooming appointments, see the facility and all the services they offer, and watch the webcams.

"We send out report cards for the pets who are here for daycare and boarding," says Jill. "It's a real hit with the owners.

It makes their Mommas and Daddies happy. We try to send owners a couple of pictures of each pet during their stay and also pictures of them during day play."

Social media also plays a huge part in the resort's success. "We are Facebook and Twitter nuts here," says Jill with an infectious smile. "People love to see their babies and share them with others."

When Jill and Donald were designing their new facility, they made sure to plan for future expansion. They have just added a beautiful new 8,000 sq. ft. building to accommodate more boarding suites and day play activities. The building has an open floor plan that allows them to hold agility, obedience and other training classes—and additional

activities in air–conditioned comfort.

And, they just opened a spectacular members only dog park. Each member has their own access card that allows them entry to the park. It has lots of room for the dogs to freely enjoy all the park's amenities, and is a safe place for members to bring their pets. The park includes a beautiful second outdoor swimming pool. The pool house is where the dogs and their owners check in. The owners can relax there and

socialize with other pet parents while their dogs romp and swim with their friends.

"No people in the pool please," says Donald with a hearty laugh. "The pool is for dogs only."

"Our new dog park is exploding with events and activities." says Jill.

"Donald and I are thrilled with the incredible success our resort is experiencing. We are surrounded by happy owners and tail-wagging pets."

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FACILITY

PROFESSIONAL

FOR YOUR BUSINESS

By Steven Appelbaum

36

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

O

ffering dog training services can create a real profit center for your boarding or daycare business. And board and train programs aren’t the only kind of training you can offer. If you have the room, why not offer group classes? Not only are classes a good business, they can also serve as an outstanding way for class participants not familiar with your facility and other services to learn about them.

If you are going to offer dog training, you must hire a good trainer.

Sounds obvious, right? So how do you know if the dog trainer you want to work with is qualified?

Here are a few tips: Match their experience to the types of programs you wish to promote.

If you are offering board and train programs, look for dog trainers with a minimum of 3–5 years’ experience teaching these types of courses.

As strange as it might seem, some dog trainers are actually better instructors than trainers. These folks are great at teaching owners in group classes but may not be nearly as effective in your business actually training the dogs boarded there.

Conversely, I’ve seen trainers who were fabulously gifted in teaching dogs that couldn’t communicate with people without confusing or irritating them.

Since every dog in your facility belongs to someone, it is vital for the person who trained them to be able to effectively instruct the owners how to get a similar response. In short, you are looking for both a good dog trainer and instructor.

Interview trainers and put them through a few basic tests.

The first test I like to give is what I call the “teach me” test. I usually break this into two parts. The first is a problem solution. Give all applicants a simple dog problem story and ask them for a solution. Something like this: “Since many of the clients that board their dogs here are going to want tips to address pesky behavior challenges at home, imagine that I am a dog owner and have the following problem: My dog is super excited to see me whenever I come home and jumps all over me.

I tell her ‘no’ but she keeps jumping.

My kids are afraid she will knock them down. What can I do?”

Listen to the answer. Does it make sense? Is it laced with behavioral jargon and only semi understandable? Is it delivered in an open, friendly fashion that you believe will resonate with your hardearned clients? Is the solution positive?

If you are going to offer dog training, you must hire a good trainer.

Sounds obvious, right?

So how do you know if the dog trainer you want to work with is qualified?

Check references and social media reputation.

Dog training is a service profession, and good trainers are also well–versed in keeping clients happy. While it is not reasonable to expect an established trainer to have zero complaints on social media, you can tell a lot by the types and frequency of the complaints.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

37

If they are obviously familiar with the motions of what they want to teach, it will show. If they are patient, gentle and focused, that will stand out as well.

While it is normal for trainers to be nervous if you put them on the spot like this, an experienced trainer should have little problem giving you an easy to understand answer with real tips for addressing what is a very common problem.

The second part of the “teach me” test involves having the trainer show you how to work with a dog. Use a friendly, well–socialized dog (with owner permission). Let the trainer work with the dog for a few minutes teaching or reviewing a simple cue. ‘Sit’ or ‘Sit/ Stay’ are usually pretty good ones.

Watch the trainer. Is she/he gentle?

Patient? We are not looking for miracles. It’s actually less relevant how well a

trainer can get a totally unfamiliar dog to respond than it is seeing how they go about it. Common sense should prevail.

If they are obviously familiar with the motions of what they want to teach, it will show. If they are patient, gentle and focused, that will stand out as well.

After a few minutes, ask the trainer to walk you through the motions of what they are trying to teach. Can they easily articulate what they are doing and show you how to try the same thing?

As mentioned earlier, some trainers are gifted at getting a response but can’t explain how they did it. Others can talk about it all day long but can’t actually do it. You are looking for both.

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Dog trainer certifications are important.

As of this writing, there is no pet dog training certification that is recognized by any state or federal government. That doesn’t mean certification is meaningless!

It means that certifications are simply proof that a trainer has fulfilled certain prerequisites and passed an examination proving their mastery of specific topics.

Some certifications are awarded by dog training schools and others are given by trainer groups. Here are a few resources for certified trainers you might find helpful: • https://apps.apdt.com/ eweb/DynamicPage. aspx?webcode=TrainerSearch • https://iaabc.org/consultants • https://karenpryoracademy.com/ find-a-trainer/#!directory/map • https://www.animalbehaviorcollege. com/professional-dog-trainers/ Good luck in your search!

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Steven Appelbaum is a professional dog trainer and founder of Animal Behavior College (ABC), a vocational school specializing in animal career training programs. ABC offers pet grooming, dog training, cat training and veterinary assistance programs and will be launching an aquatics management and zookeeper assistant program in 2019. The school also offers a variety of continuing education programs on subjects including; pet nutrition, pet massage, dog walking, pet sitting and training shelter dogs. Aside from managing ABC, Appelbaum works as a freelance author, lecturer and pet business consultant.

For more information about Animal Behavior College, please visit the website at www.animalbehaviorcollege.com

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MAKING

ANIMAL WELFARE A PRIORITY BY INCORPORATING

TECHNOLOGY

By Daniel Jones

W

e do everything possible to safeguard the health and safety of our guests,” says pet daycare owner Josh Donahue, who recently added hospital–grade, infection–control fixtures throughout his family’s 5,000–square–foot facility.

“If animals get sick under our watch, no one will care a lick about our outstanding care and years of industry expertise,” says Josh who, together with his wife, Mandy, opened Audrey’s Barkyard in November 2017 in suburban Wake Forest, North Carolina. “A sick pet means we’ve broken our customer’s bond–of–trust and lost any hope of future referrals that drive 90 percent of our business.”

So, when they learned the business could affordably

40

incorporate protection against airborne pathogens, the couple jumped at the chance to offer this extra safeguard—both for the animals and their community reputation. Mandy explains that, in some sense, pet care is about providing owners with the peace of mind that their animal will be treated like family.

“We already had a pretty extensive nightly sterilization routine, where we apply a hospital– grade disinfectant on kennels, floors, yard and surfaces,” she recalls of their premier pet boarding, daycare and grooming facility. “But so many diseases are spread through the air, Josh and I quickly realized there was a gap in our infection-control strategy—we needed a means of killing the bacteria in the air.”

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

GERMICIDAL TREATMENT The couple turned to air systems specialist Jess Kota for recommendations on how to supplement the pet care’s existing disinfection procedures. Kota recommended the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI or UV-C) technology that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet energy—similar to sun rays—to kill or inactivate airborne and surface-bound microbes.

Kota suggested two separate means of applying UV–C technology in order to ensure the greatest practical control of microbes and airborne microorganisms: 1) upper–room UV–C disinfection units in pet common areas and the building lobby, and 2) UV–C fixtures in the building’s HVAC supply air units to clean airstreams and cooling coils.

UV ENERGY EXPLAINED Unlike the UV-A and UV-B wavelengths, the UV-C band has more than twice the electron volt energy (eV) as UV-A, and it is well absorbed (not reflected) by organic substances, adding to its destructiveness.

WHAT IS UV–C ENERGY? UV light comprises a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum between 400 and 100 nm, corresponding to photon energies from 3 to 124 eV. The UV segment has four wavelengths, labeled: UV–A (400 to 315 nm); UV–B (315 to 280 nm); very high energy and destructive UV–C (280 to 200 nm); and vacuum UV. Most of us are familiar with the harmful effects of UV energy transmitted by sunlight in the UV–A and UV–B wavelengths, giving rise to UV “sunburn” inhibitors, or blocking agents, which are found in glasses and lotions. We are also familiar with products engineered to withstand the effects of UV radiation, such as plastics, paints and rubbers.

However, unlike the UV–A and UV–B wavelengths, the UV–C band has more than twice the electron volt energy (eV) as UV–A, and it is well absorbed (not reflected) by organic substances, adding to its destructiveness.

UV-C’s germicidal or germ-killing effects are well proven. The UV-C wavelength owes these destructive effects to the biocidal features of ionizing radiation; or, more simply, UV-C does far more damage to molecules in biological systems than temperature alone can.

Sunburn, compared to the sensation of warmth, is one example of that damage.

Sunburn is caused by sunlight striking and killing living cells in the epidermis; the resulting redness from a sunburn reflects the increased capillary action and blood flow that allow white blood cells to remove the dead cells.

It is this ionization function that drives UV–C’s power to alter chemical bonds. The 254 nm wavelength carries enough energy to excite doubly-bonded molecules into a permanent chemical rearrangement, causing lasting damage to DNA, ultimately killing the cell. Even a very brief exposure to UV–C can permanently eliminate microbial replication.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

41

UPPER–AIR UV–C FIXTURES Kill ratios over 99.9 percent on a first–pass basis have been modeled and, as air is recirculated, concentrations are further reduced by each subsequent pass (“multiple dosing”).

HOW TO APPLY GERMICIDAL TECHNOLOGY There are multiple approaches to using UV–C to ensure the greatest practical control of microbes and airborne microorganisms in communal spaces, including: • Upper-Air Disinfection: The primary objective of upper–air UV–C

germicidal fixtures is to interrupt the transmission of airborne infectious diseases in communal spaces (e.g., waiting areas, cafeterias, sports facilities, etc.).

Airborne droplets containing infectious agents can remain in room air for 6 minutes and longer. Upper–Air UV–C fixtures can destroy those microbes in a matter

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of seconds. Kill ratios over 99.9 percent on a first–pass basis have been modeled and, as air is recirculated, concentrations are further reduced by each subsequent pass (“multiple dosing”).

• HVAC Surface Cleaning: Surfacecleaning UV–C systems provide 24/7 irradiation of HVAC/R components to destroy bacteria, viruses and mold that settle and proliferate on HVAC coils, air filters, ducts and drain pans. UV–C prevents these areas from becoming microbial reservoirs for pathogen growth that will eventually spread into air– streams. A system installed for surface irradiation can also provide first–pass kill ratios of airborne pathogens of up to 30 percent with ancillary benefits of restored cleanliness, heat–exchange efficiency and energy use.

While ultraviolet technology (or electromagnetic energy in the 254–nm UV–C band) has been used by hospitals since the 1930’s to control airborne infectious diseases, its application in animal boarding and daycare facilities is rare, according to Mandy.

After examining the pet care facility

HVAC SOLUTIONS In addition to treating the building’s upper-room air, Kota also recommended adding germicidal fixtures to its HVAC system, where infectious agents can multiply year-round and allow viral agents to remain viable for much longer periods. and routine activities, Kota specified six wall–mounted, upper–room UV–C fixtures that reduce airborne microorganisms near a room’s ceiling. The high-output ultraviolet fixtures create an intense zone of invisible germicidal irradiation, while baffles on the fixture ensure no harmful UV irradiation reaches the lower occupied space. Then, as natural convection or mechanical air currents lift the airborne infectious agents into the room’s upper–air region, they are exposed

to the UV–C wavelength, which breaks the bacteria or virus DNA chain, rendering them incapable of reproducing.

In addition to treating the building’s upper–room air, Kota also recommended adding germicidal fixtures to its HVAC system, where infectious agents can multiply year-round and allow viral agents to remain viable for much longer periods.

Kota addressed these areas by installing two 17-inch UV-C fixtures in each of the pet care facility’s three HVAC systems

to destroy microbes in supply air and on cooling coils, drain and duct surfaces.

Both the wall–mounted upper-air UV–C fixture and the 17–inch single-ended UV–C fixtures installed in the building’s HVAC systems are designed to efficiently inactivate airborne-transmitted pathogens, as well as destroy surface microbes and degrade organic materials that impede HVAC system efficiency. In addition to inactivating pathogens on HVAC surfaces, installing the UV fixture

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“Animals can acquire some upper respiratory infections by simply passing one another on the sidewalk, yet symptoms may not appear for up to five days.”

– Mandy Donahue, Co–Owner Audrey’s Barkyard

in an air handler, Kota notes, can kill up to 35 percent of infectious agents moving through the air.

REDUCING DISEASE TRANSMISSION Like most facilities, Audrey’s Barkyard requires clients to be up–to–date with vaccinations, including those covering rabies, distemper and Bordetella. While vaccines can lessen the severity or prevent certain diseases altogether, Josh acknowledges the ease which airborne pathogens can be spread from animal to animal—a bit like how the common cold is spread among children in elementary schools.

“Animals can acquire some upper respiratory infections by simply passing one another on the sidewalk, yet symptoms may not appear for up to five days,” continues Mandy. “That means animals can spread a disease before anyone knows they are contagious and, more importantly, before anyone can take preventative precautions.”

Staff at Audrey’s Barkyard were already using a medical–grade, broad–spectrum disinfectant on all animal equipment and 44

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

45

In addition to safeguarding animals, the added infection control procedures also offer pet owners confidence in their choice to entrust their pet to Audrey’s Barkyard.

facility surfaces (counters, walls, fixtures and floors). However, for bacterial strains that are spread via air, the UV-C technology would limit the ability for germs to infect multiple animals.

Josh points to a recent case in which a dog developed kennel cough after returning home from four days of boarding.

Despite close contact with 40–50 other dogs, there were no reports of other dogs getting sick after interacting with the highly contagious pet. This, he says, is the significant value of the germicidal technology: the ability to limit the spread of contagious diseases and bacteria.

CONTAINING DISEASE OUTBREAKS During peak enrollment periods at the facility—typically during holidays and school vacations—up to 80 animals can be in close contact, providing an opportunity for cross contamination.

“Because of the extended incubation period for some of these diseases, facility

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PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

operators may not even know about a problem until a customer calls to alert us to a potential problem,” states Mandy.

“Without a layered infection control strategy, large–scale outbreaks can quickly spread and take weeks before the contagion is completely eliminated.”

In addition to safeguarding animals, the added infection control procedures also offer pet owners confidence in their choice to entrust their pet to Audrey’s Barkyard. Like the facility’s four webcams where parents can see and check in on their pets, the additional infection–control measures are another competitive advantage, Josh believes. In the age of YELP and Facebook, poor reviews and word–of– mouth can make or break a local business, especially in a close–knit community where residents routinely look to social media for business endorsements.

“If your pet becomes sick at a new center, not only will you find another provider, but your impression of that facility will forever be negative,” he asserts. “Why wouldn’t a business invest in keeping customer pets safe and do everything possible to demonstrate its care and compassion?”

Daniel Jones is an expert in air and surface treatment with UV–C technology. He is a corresponding member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air– conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technical Committee 2.9 devoted to Ultraviolet Air and Surface Treatment and ASHRAE Standard Project Committee (SPC)–185.2, “Method of Testing Ultraviolet Lamps for Use in HVAC/R Units or Air Ducts to Inactivate Microorganisms on Irradiated Surfaces. Jones may be reached at 877–884–4822 or daniel.jones@uvresources.com.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

BUT MY DOG

DOESN’T HAVE

FLEAS

KNOW THE FACTS OF FAD (FLEA ALLERGY DERMATITIS)

By Colleen Mendelsohn, DVM

I

t may seem baffling to you that veterinarians will emphasize and re–emphasize flea bite prevention for pets when neither you nor the owners have ever noted the presence of fleas or “flea dirt”. It is sometimes difficult to convince pet owners to consider flea bite allergy as the primary trigger for their dog’s itching and hairloss on the rump or tail when owners insist that, “My pet doesn’t have fleas!”

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) results from a true hypersensitivity to flea salivary allergen, not from heavy flea infestations. If a client lives in a geographical area in which fleas are common or in home environments, apartments or condos that are flea infested and their pet is flea allergic, they are at increased risk of exhibiting

48

clinical signs of FAD. Flea allergic signs develop because of exposure to flea salivary allergen that is transmitted into the skin via the flea bite.

Fleas must take a blood meal, and while they are engorging on the blood of the pet, they are transmitting their saliva and the allergen directly into the pet. A single bite is generally not enough to initiate a flea bite hypersensitivity reaction; however, the length of time that a flea feeds and the number of fleas feeding will directly correlate with the amount of allergen to which the pet will be exposed.

Numerous fleas taking a blood meal (and dying) can be enough to start a reaction, despite a flea infestation never being established. In fact, infrequent or intermittent flea bites can perpetuate PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

severe symptoms. Additionally, FAD animals spend so much time chewing and grooming, they often remove fleas before you or the pet owner get the opportunity to see them.

There are numerous issues that owners and pet professionals need to consider in dealing with fleas and the problems that they create for flea allergic pets.

Problem Scenarios with Topical Treatments With recent advancements in flea/ tick preventative methods, which include oral and collar forms, topical treatments still remain the most common but must be applied according to product application directions. Here are some possible scenarios which may inhibit the efficacy of topical treatments

applied by pet owners: • Incorrect perception: If a pet owner is still seeing fleas just days after application of a product; that is actually expected and is not a result of the product “failing”. Fleas are still hatching in the environment and are expected to be present. Even if live fleas are found on the pet, in most cases the flea product will prevent prolonged feeding times which will result in an inability to reproduce and establish infestations.

• Additional Pets Not Being Treated: If a pet owner has other pets in the household that are not being treated, those pets are providing healthy blood meals for those fleas to continue to flourish in the environment and controlling the FAD patient will be more difficult.

• Bathing: If your clients are telling you that they are faithfully applying the topical flea bite prevention product but they still have signs attributed to flea bite allergy; it is time to examine how often the pets are being bathed. If a pet owner is applying topical therapy, depending on the shampoo, bathing will likely reduce the efficacy of the product. If the pet is being bathed more than monthly (which is absolutely necessary for almost all allergic patients) then consider recommending that they discuss with their veterinarian switching that pet to an oral product that is not affected by bathing.

• Repellents: Pyrethrins and Permethrins are not good options as a single treatment modality to prevent infestation—let alone treat FAD. However, they can be used if the pet owner knows in advance that their pet is going to be going into a potentially flea infested environment such as the dog park, walking in an area with a lot of feral cats, or even going to a grooming appointment or daycare.

• Product Doesn’t Last the Entire Month: Most flea products will have lessened efficacy as the next application–due time is approaching. This may mean that more fleas take blood meals PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

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(and then lay eggs) before they die. For FAD patients, this results in increased clinical signs, and because a flare of FAD can last weeks, it is hard to associate the worsening with the timing of product application. If this is a concern, pet owners should consider discussing using combination therapy for heightened flea bite prevention with their veterinarian.

• Inappropriate Application Method: This is the most common problem with the topically applied products. Mistakes often made include: incorrect dosing, accidentally wiping it off after application with halter collars or other clothing, applying to a wet animal or immediately after a bath, or simply not applying to the skin and leaving the bulk of the product in the hair coat.

Environmental Treatment Options Environmental controls and measures aimed at controlling all stages of the flea life cycle are numerous. These can be very important as the majority of flea

populations are the immature stages and live in your pet’s surroundings (unlike the adult that resides on the pet). Some options for client homes and facilities include: • Premise Spray Insecticides: These will be the most effective when combined with growth hormone regulators in order to kill both the adults as well as prevent juvenile forms (larvae) from maturing into adult fleas.

These are available through professional exterminators as well as at hardware stores for self application.

• Predatory Nematodes: These are microscopic “worms” that prey on numerous insect pests that have a larval stage in the soil. These are available for self–application from hardware stores and nurseries. However, these nematodes are very sensitive and have limited efficacy in most situations.

• Borate Powders: These powders are safely applied to indoor carpets.

They will result in an environment that will dehydrate fleas and other

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pests. These can be self–applied and professionally–applied.

• Yard Maintenance: Keep vegetation near the home or kennel mowed or clipped, also remove leaves and other organic debris covering moist ground to allow the ground to dry.

• Stray and Wild Animals: Keep the area free of carrier hosts such as free–roaming cats and dogs, raccoons, squirrels and opossums.

Making the Pet Comfortable The pruritus (itching) from a single flea bite hypersensitivity episode can take days to weeks to subside, even after the fleas are gone. Therefore some pets benefit from additional anti–inflammatory medications and owners should be encouraged to discuss this with their veterinarians.

If infection is present, treatment with antibiotics is also necessary.

Pruritus associated with infection is often underestimated and managing allergic skin disease generally requires a multi–modal approach.

Treating the pet and environment for fleas, as well as managing the skin of the pet to control both inflammation from the allergic response as well as any secondary infection, is critical for the best management of the flea allergic patient.

Dr. Mendelsohn is a 1997 graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and received Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2004. After graduation from UC Davis, Dr. Mendelsohn completed an internship with the Animal Emergency Clinic and Animal Specialty Group in San Diego. She later practiced general medicine before starting her residency with the Animal Dermatology Clinic in 2000. Her love and appreciation of the human-animal bond is what drew Dr. Mendelsohn to this specialty. Another opportunity that Dr. Mendelsohn enjoys is the training of veterinary students, helping these students appreciate the hidden complexities of dermatologic disease.

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE

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