Nittany Baker, DOTW for 2/20-2/24!

Nittany Baker is the DOTW for the week of 2/20-2/24! Nittany is a tiny little thing, a 10 month old Shih-poo. She's been coming to Dog Days since she was 5 months old, so we've watched her grow, both physically (just a little) and emotionally (alot). She started off pretty shy at first and just watched all of the other little dogs play, but has blossomed into a really sweet and playful little girl. But she always has time to snuggle, if that's what you're looking for. We try really hard not to spoil her too much, but with that face, it's pretty tough. :) Congratulations to you, little lady!

How cute is that face?

Nittany with Ollie

Nittany (foreground) with some of the other small dogs in the background

Some updates on Vaccinations

At Dog Days Playcare, as at most of the other daycares and boarding kennels in the area, we require the standard vaccines: Rabies, the Distemper combo (which usually includes a few other things such as hepatitis and parainfluenza) and the Bordetella (or kennel cough) vaccine. Recently, we've had some of our clients come in for a boarding stay, and they haven't gotten an update on their Distemper vaccine. When we called the vet to get the update, the vet told us that, because the dog has received 3 Distemper vaccines over the course of his life, he should be adequately covered and doesn't need any more Distemper vaccines. This has happened twice in the last 6 months, with 2 dogs, both of whom are 7 years old.

As a dog OWNER, I really like the idea of not over-vaccinating my dogs. Most dogs have ample protection against Rabies and Distemper, if they've kept up with their vaccinations. However, as a dog daycare owner, I need proof. I have no control over any of our clients' dogs - I don't know where they are when they're not with us, and what they might come in contact with. So I have to require proof that the dog is appropriately protected against these two diseases, and therefore that they can't pass along those diseases to any of our other clients' dogs.

So if your vet suggests that, because of your dog's age, he doesn't need any more vaccines, make sure you inform the vet if you have plans to take your dog to a daycare or boarding kennel. At that point, your vet will probably suggest either the vaccine or a titer. A titer is a blood test which checks the level of antibodies against a particular disease. If that antibody number is high enough, the dog doesn't need a vaccine, because he's already protected against the disease.

At Dog Days Playcare, we accept titers for the Distemper vaccine. A couple of things you should know about titers is that the titer should be repeated every year, and they are more expensive than a vaccine (sometimes quite a bit more expensive).

I currently vaccinate my two dogs, Murphy and Leeloo; however, both are fairly young dogs - Murphy is 7 and Leeloo is 3.5. But because Murphy and Leeloo come with me every day to the daycare, I'm more comfortable vaccinating them. And because most vets in northern VA will do a 3-year Distemper vaccine, I am willing to continue to vaccinate them every 3 years. Perhaps when Murphy is 10, I'll opt to do a titer.

I suggest that each dog owner do some research about vaccinations and titers, and make your own mind up. Your vet will do either, and we will accept either. So continue to be your dog's guardian, and do what's best for your dog.

Jewelle Bug Mein-Kratochwill, DOTW for 2/13-2/17!

Jewelle Bug Mein-Kratochwill is the DOTW for the week of 2/13-2/17! Jewelle Bug (or Jewelle, or Julie to us!) is an almost 8 year old Lab/hound mix. Jewelle has been coming to Dog Days for almost 3 years, and is the queen bee on the days she's here. She makes sure that all of the dogs in the play area are behaving appropriately, and helps us maintain control over the crazy pups. Jewelle likes the dogs okay, but really loves her people. One of the first things she does when she arrives is plant her head between your knees. Jewelle has also perfected the sad hound face, I think in an attempt to get treats from us. We love having Jewelle visit with us, and are happy to make her DOTW this week. You go, Jewelle!

Hoping for a cookie or a piece of pizza crust...

Dare DeNicola is the DOTW for the week of 2/6-2/10! Dare (pronounced Dari) is a 1.5 year old Chihuahua mix who's a fairly recent addition to the Dog Days small dog area. Dare likes to play a good game of tug o' war (he sounds like he's killing the other dog though, with his ferocious growls), and Brutus is usually willing to oblige. Dare also likes to do a lot of face-chewing (on Buddy H.) and running. He always livens up the play area when he's here. He does eventually get tired, but it takes a while. Way to go Dare for making DOTW this week! 

Dare, with Zuzu and Bunny

Taking a break from playing ball

Bailey Barr, DOTW for 1/30-2/3!

Bailey Barr is the DOTW for the week of 1/30-2/3! Bailey is a 4.5 year old Golden Doodle who joined her brother Cooper at Dog Days when she was only 4 months old, in 2007. Bailey and Cooper are really comfortable here and always enjoy themselves when they come to visit. When Bailey was a bit younger, she played with almost everybody in the play area. Now that she's more mature, she mainly plays with her brother. But she's a very social girl, and she loves her people a lot. We love Bailey right back, and are happy to make her the DOTW this week! Congratulations, Bailey!

Bailey wonders why Luna is sniffing her face...

Bailey as a puppy