GENERAL OPERATION
Good management, including accurate record keeping, is essential for a successful kennel operation. The primary purpose of any record system is to correctly record needed information in the simplest form possible. Registration forms or information cards for a breeding kennel should contain:
- Dog's age
- Dog's ancestry
- Registration or identification number
- Breeding and whelping dates - health and/or dietary information
For boarding, the dog's age, health and/or dietary information, the owner's address and phone number, and the veterinarian's phone number should be recorded. This need not involve an elaborate record-keeping system, but kennel managers should establish certain guidelines to maintain accurate records of kennel dogs.
Accurate health information should be maintained for kennel populations including a record of:
- Vaccinations
- Physical examinations
- Routine parasite checks
- Treatments and other health information for each dog
Some method of permanent identification (such as a tattoo) is recommended and is used by many individual dog owners and organizations. Over 30,000 dogs have been either ear or flank tattooed at the Purina Pet Care Center, to ensure accurate identification and record keeping.
PARASITE CONTROL
To prevent the spread of parasitic infections in kennels, preventive measures include strict sanitation procedures coupled with preventive and control measures for internal parasites.
Your veterinarian will probably suggest that your dogs be checked and treated (if necessary) for internal parasites at least as often as they are vaccinated. Work with your veterinarian to develop a program for routinely checking your dog's fecal samples for parasites.
A preventive program for heartworm on a year-round basis in milder climates or during the mosquito season is essential. However, a veterinarian must check dogs to be certain they are free of heartworm before a preventive program can begin.
To help puppies get their best possible start, treat the dam for internal parasites before she is bred. Despite this precaution, roundworms and hookworms may pass through the placenta of the bitch to the developing pups, so puppies should be checked for parasites as soon as possible.
There are different types of mange mites and each can cause serious infections if not treated promptly. Typically, mange begins as a red or crusty patch on the skin which can spread rapidly. It is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Kennels and kennel runs that are unsanitary or in poor repair give dogs a greater chance of reinfestation because cracks and dirt buildup can harbor parasites' eggs.
Good sanitation is also essential in the control of external parasites. Many commercial preparations are effective in controlling fleas, ticks and lice. A veterinarian should be consulted if they persist.
A portable power sprayer cleans larger kennel facilities rapidly and efficiently.
An effective cleaning system adheres to the following procedure: withdrawal of dogs from the kennels to be cleaned, removal of all solid debris followed by a detergent application, thorough rinse, disinfectant application, thorough rinse (as appropriate), drying and replacing the dogs.
Internal Parasite Control
Dogs of all ages should be checked and treated, if necessary, for internal parasites. This should include checks for roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms and other species. Roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted from the pregnant bitch to developing puppies, which may then be infested at birth. For this reason, a worming program for breeding females is recommended.
Your veterinarian can develop a program for checking fecal samples on a regular basis and for proper treatment of dogs with internal parasites. It is important that the kennel facilities, including run areas, be maintained in sanitary condition to help minimize infestation problems.
Heartworm checks are performed twice a year at the Purina Pet Care Center as part of our preventive medicine program. In many areas of the country, veterinarians may also recommend giving dogs a preventive medication for heartworms from early spring to fall, depending upon the mosquito season.
External Parasite Control
The use of chemical agents to control external parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice, as well as proper treatment of the kennel areas, will help provide effective external parasite control. Consult your veterinarian for specific treatments and products for controlling external parasites. Make certain when using medications with dogs that the instructions are read and followed.
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