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Safe boarding for your older or special needs dog.

Lonsdale Grove is the ideal place for your older or special needs small dog or cat

 With good veterinary care, quality foods, and focus on our dogs and cats as full-fledged members of the household, our pets are living longer and healthier lives.  Smaller dogs live generally longer lives than large breeds.  In many cases, toy dogs and cats are living well into their early 20s.  But just like their human companions, senior dogs and cats have a host of issues that they potentially have to deal with, and require a variety of accommodations and adaptations to keep them happy and comfortable well into their retirement.  A recent extended stay of a lovely senior canine couple in one of our larger senior suites highlights how Lonsdale Grove is ideally suited to care for special-needs, and senior canine and feline guests. 

There are many common health issues that develop in geriatric dogs and cats, and they tend to be very similar to our own older age issues.  A partial list would include:

Osteoarthritis

Vision loss

Hearing loss

Changes in body weight: Obesity or weight loss

Cancer

Dental disease

Intestinal issues

Kidney and liver issues

Bladder incontinence

Cognitive dysfunction

 

We recommend making more frequent wellness visits to your veterinarian once your pet is over the age of 10.  In a generally healthy senior pet, that may be every 6 months.  It will certainly be more frequent for seniors with specific health issues. 

 

While we care for our senior pet as part of the family, business and other trips often preclude bringing our older family members along.  Additionally, some trips that were fun for the whole family when our pet was young are just no longer safe for our older or special needs animal.  Lonsdale Grove is here to provide the best care possible to your senior small dog or cat while you are away. 

 

Senior dogs and cats enjoy a quiet and relaxing environment, without the chaos of large kennel operations typified by noisy pens and many large dogs of varying temperaments.  Seniors, and all guests at Lonsdale Grove, enjoy quiet private suites with in suite tvs and soft music to create a relaxing, calm environment. 

 

Older guests are particularly susceptible to illness, and the sealed-drain, private suites, and hospital quality air cleaning at Lonsdale Grove prevent the spread of illnesses that may be rampant in facilities with chain link pens in barns with open troughs for waste.  Our suites are cleaned with Virox Accel® accelerated hydrogen peroxide cleaning products that are used in hospitals and veterinary clinics to sanitize and sterilize.  These products have the advantage that they kill bacteria and viruses rapidly, but break down quickly to oxygen and water, and thus do not leave dangerous residue or chemical films on our fully-tiled suites that could sicken our guests. 

 

Senior dogs and cats tend to have more difficulty regulating their body temperature, are more susceptible to temperature extremes, and may have respiratory issues making poor air quality or high temperatures dangerous.  Lonsdale Grove is equipped with the best in climate and air quality control systems.  We will describe in a later post the details of our stellar air quality system, but for now we will point out that it filters and UV treats the air to ensure that pathogens and allergens are removed for the protection of your pet.  We feature heated floors and central air conditioning to always keep your pet comfortable and happy.  Our senior guests enjoy lounging on our heated floors in the cooler months and relaxing on them in air conditioned comfort in the summer.  We feature high quality low raised beds that are easy to step onto for arthritic dogs, and comfortable blankets for those with arthritis or other joint issues, and all guests to enjoy. 

 

We can have a private exercise time in our fully-fenced and grassed play yard for our older canine guests, to avoid the upset of playful young ones, which is a particular concern for our older guests who may be losing vision and hearing and find it startling for other dogs to sneak up on them.  Exercise time can be shorter and less stressful for senior dogs who may be less active due to osteoarthritis or other issues. 

 

Older cats and dogs often require special diets, supplements and/or medications to keep them healthy.  We provide high-quality grain-free dog foods, but we highly suggest that you use a senior dog food specific to your pet’s needs.  Your veterinarian can recommend a food for your animal, and we encourage you to bring their usual diet when staying at Lonsdale Grove to minimize upset stomachs, which can happen easily with older pets.  Your vet may also recommend supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, or vitamins such as C and E.  Be sure to consult your veterinarian before adding any supplement to your pet’s diet.  We will follow your regular feeding schedule and supplement and medication administration schedule for each animal that stays with us.  Please provide all supplements with clear instructions and each medication with complete veterinary dosage and administration instructions.  Older adults tend to do better when fed twice per day or are left with free food, rather than a once-per-day feeding schedule.  Our small facility allows us to provide individual attention to each animal and provide care specific to their needs and as close to their usual routine as possible.  This will help you avoid the stress of worrying about whether they are getting their medications on time and at the correct dose while you are away. 

 

The ASPCA has some helpful suggestions for caring for your older pet.  We at Lonsdale Grove are happy to provide a tour and discuss with you how we can make your senior pet’s stay a happy, safe and healthy vacation.  Visit our website and Facebook page for more information, or give us a call at (519) 648-3311.

Planning a flight?  Book a stay for your cat or dog at Lonsdale Grove!

Are you planning a flight for a business trip or vacation?  Your feline family member or canine companion under 30 lbs deserves a pampered vacation too!  Fortunately if you are flying from the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF; www.waterlooairport.ca), Lonsdale Grove is only a couple of minutes away from the airport terminal building.  Drop your furry friend for a safe and fun stay in a facility dedicated to your small pet and enjoy your trip without the added stress of worrying whether your pet will be safe and happy while you are away.  Departures and arrivals are simple and stress-free in the smaller facilities of the local Waterloo Region airport.  And due to our proximity to the airport, upon your return you can be quickly reunited with your pet, without the hassle of a special trip to pick them up.  We are open for drop-off before each flight and pick-up after your flight lands so no need to pay for an extra day and make a special trip ahead of your travel. 

Private Dog Suite

• Private room with tiled and decorated walls.
• Heated porcelain floors.
• Large dog-eye level window for natural sunlight.
• Private outside patio for fresh air and leisure.
• Air conditioning climate control.
• In suite LED Television.
• In suite music.
• Fresh air and heat exchange filtration.
• Raised bed.
• Quality blankets and pillows.
• Stainless steel clean dishes.
• and more…

The regional airport offers flights from 3 major airlines with connections across North America. 

American Airlines provides non-stop daily jet service between Waterloo Region and Chicago O'Hare International Airport with connections to over 250 cities in over 40 countries worldwide.

WestJet provides non-stop daily service between Waterloo Region and Calgary, with connections to Vancouver, Victoria, Abbotsford, Kelowna, Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon. 

For those seeking the warmth of southern destinations in the winter months:

Non-stop weekly service between Waterloo Region and Orlando is available from WestJet on Thursdays beginning December 10, 2015.

Also Sunwing Airlines is offering weekly direct flights between Waterloo Region and Cayo Santa Maria (Santa Clara), Cuba beginning on December 24, 2015 and running through March of 2016.  Sunwing Vacations offers a variety of packages at 9 resorts in the beautiful Santa Clara region of Cuba with ratings from 4 to 5 stars. 

Not flying from the local airport?  No problem.  Lonsdale Grove is local and central to the Guelph/Cambridge/Kitchener-Waterloo/Breslau area and is conveniently located close to major roads and Hwy 401.  We are only about an hour from the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (http://flyhamilton.ca/), and Pearson International Airport (Toronto; http://torontopearson.com/ ), so you can drop your special friend on your way out of the region and pick them up on your way back home guilt-free, and rest assured that they had a safe, relaxing and fun-filled vacation too! 

Hallowe'en Safety for your Pet

Hallowe’en Safety for your Pet

 

Hallowe’en can be a fun and happy time for kids and pets alike.  Here at Lonsdale Grove we wanted to draw your attention to some Hallowe’en safety tips to keep your furry family members safe and happy, and avoid a scare during the spookiest night of the year!

Hallowe’en costumes:

Kids costumes can have strings and plastic parts that curious dogs and cats will chew or swallow.  Kids will be happier without a chewed costume, and pets will be safer if costumes are kept out of their reach.  There are many cute Hallowe’en costumes for pets.  Be sure if you are going to dress up your furry friend that your pet likes to wear clothing.  Some pets love coats, hats and boots of various sorts, while others can’t stand to wear anything other than their natural coat.  Dressing up a dog or cat that doesn’t enjoy it can cause a great deal of stress, or a struggle and fight to get out of it. 

If your furry one does enjoy dress-up, be sure to choose a quality costume that is designed as pet safe.  Avoid costumes with parts that can easily be chewed off, and those that are too constricting or can be caught on trees, fences, etc.  Never dress a dog or cat in a costume that is tight around the neck, head, or body, or prevents easy breathing, or full sight lines.  A dog or cat that can’t see properly can easily be injured by trips, falls and cars.  And never leave a costume on a pet unattended. 

Treats: no Tricks:

Hallowe’en candy and treats can be fun for children and adults alike, but that tricky treat can become a danger if left in the reach of furry paws.  Cats, and dogs especially, love to eat anything that they can get their mouth around.  And just like people, most pets love the taste of sweets and will overindulge if given the chance.  Many treats or their packaging can quickly become choking hazards to cats and dogs.  Dogs especially should never eat chocolate.  Dark chocolate in particular can be quite toxic to our kids of canine variety.  Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener in candies that can be harmful to pets, too.  So keep that bowl of treats for the trick or treaters at your door well away from the tricky treaters on your floor.  Instead, stock up on some healthy pet treats, or try your hand at baking your own in Hallowe’en shapes!  Remember, only a few treats at a time for any of your little goblins, furry or otherwise, to avoid upset tummies. 

Devilish Decoration dangers:

Jack-o’-lanterns are a fun and festive way to celebrate All Hallows Eve, but burning candles can be a danger to our pets.  They pose the risk of burnt paws or mouths, and if knocked over can quickly cause a fire.  LED lights are a safer choice for everyone.  Pets have been known to gnaw on Jack-o’-lanterns, or eat the pumpkin guts you remove before carving.  Fortunately pumpkin is not harmful to dogs or cats, and a little cooked pumpkin puree and rice can be used to help calm an upset tummy.  However excessive amounts of pumpkin or pumpkin innards can do the opposite and give a bit of an upset stomach so it is best to keep your pumpkin out of reach of your pet.  Other decorations such as fake spider webs and rubber spiders, bats and ghosts can be chewed and eaten.  More dangerous are the electrical cords attached to animated decorations and Hallowe’en lights.  Be sure to keep cords out of reach.  And even for cords out of easy reach, we recommend wiping them with non-toxic dish soap or a bitter no chew product designed for cats and dogs, to further lower the risk of cuts, burns and electrocutions. 

Black cats and werewolves belong indoors:

 

The days before, and especially Hallowe’en night itself results in a lot more activity in neighbourhoods, including car traffic.  For your pet’s safety keep even cats comfortable with being outdoors safely inside.  There can be increased animal cruelty incidents, especially towards black cats around Hallowe’en.  Some shelters won’t adopt black cats around this time of year for their safety.  It is safest for everyone to keep your pets inside.  If you are taking your dressed up doggy ghoul out with your trick or treating, be sure to have a quality leash and keep them close and highly visible.  An LED light on the collar is a great idea.  Never take a dog out that is easily frightened.  There are many strange people, dressed in frightening ways, and many unusual sights and sounds on Hallowe’en night to upset a nervous dog. 

Ghouls at the door can be frightening indeed:

Door bells and visitors at the door can be very stressful to family pets.  Especially strangers, dressed in unusual or frightening costumes and making scary sounds can be frightening to animals.  It can be a highly stressful experience for all household pets.  Also some pets will take the opportunity of frequently opening doors to make an escape.  Keep household pets safely in a quiet and comfortable part of the house with no access to front door when trick or treaters are visiting.  A great idea is to stay outside the door if the weather is warm, or stay by the door, at the ready to greet trick or treaters as they walk up.  This will avoid repeated door bell rings and knocks on the door that can be quite upsetting to your furry ones. 

The ASPCA has more Hallowe’en tips for your pets here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/halloween-safety-tips.  With a little planning the whole family can have a happy and SAFE Hallowe’en. 

What to bring

Lonsdale Grove is a fully equipped luxury boutique boarding and grooming facility for dogs 30 lbs and under, and all cats.  We have everything needed to make our guests comfortable and happy during their stay! 

Guests can dine on our a la carte premium quality kibble—we use brands such as Blue Buffalo, Fromm and Acana, and selection varies from time to time—or bring their usual food in a non-breakable container to minimize stomach upset.  We also provide premium quality treats, and/or homemade dog and cat treats for our guests.  You are welcome to bring treats as well if you prefer that the guest have a particular kind. 

We recommend bringing a favourite furry or hard plastic toy and a favourite machine washable blanket with the familiar smells of home to help each guest feel comfortable and relax during their stay.  Guests can bring along a favourite DVD for movie time if desired.  We recommend bringing cats in a hard-walled cat carrier, and this is the best way to transport small dogs as well.  We suggest bringing your pet’s usual collar or harness, and leash.  Each suite is equipped with a storage cupboard for our guest’s small personal effects such as leashes, extra toys, food and treats. 

Please bring along up-to-date vaccination records and contact information for your regular veterinarian, or this information can be scanned and e-mailed to us in advance at info@lonsdalegrove.com to speed check-in.  If you do not have the documentation, a duplicate copy can be obtained from your veterinarian or sent to us at the above e-mail address directly from their office. 

Also provide a sufficient quantity of any medications the guest requires for the duration of the stay and the veterinarian’s dosing and administration instructions.  Medication will be stored in a secure location either refrigerated or at room temperature as required. 

What to leave at home

Please do not bring water or food bowls, or any item you do not wish to risk being chewed or damaged during the stay.  Animal bones, raw hide or any item that can be a choking hazard will not be provided to our guests for safety reasons.

Our guests enjoy indoor private suite time with raised beds, heated tile floors and air conditioning as needed, and dogs enjoy outdoor private patio time for leisure and sun.  Each guest receives personal one-on-one attention and affection, group play (for dogs, if desired) in our exercise yard, movie time with their own personal in suite television (shared tv for cat condos), and comforting soft music throughout the daytime hours.  Individual walks on our lovely grounds can be arranged. 

We are certain our guests will enjoy their stay, and you can enjoy your time away knowing that they are safe and secure, and having fun! 

Online booking available at www.lonsdalegrove.com, or 519- 648-3311.  Check out more photos and customer reviews on our Facebook page. 

See you soon in the Grove!

 

 

Welcome to Lonsdale Grove! Pet Hotel and Grooming Salon

Welcome to Lonsdale Grove!

Lonsdale Grove is a unique, boutique-style luxury grooming and boarding experience nestled in a Grove of trees near Breslau Ontario.  Lonsdale Grove is adjacent to the Waterloo International Airport and minutes from Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas, and about 1 hour from the GTA.  We welcome all dogs and cats as grooming clients and our expert groomers can provide a quick bath and nail trim in our well-equipped salon, a full range of spa services, or a full CKC breed standard show groom (select breeds, call or e-mail for pricing and details).  We also welcome cats and all dogs 30 lbs and under as boarding guests.  Cats stay in our private and quiet luxury cat condos, well away from our guests of the canine variety, while dogs stay in private luxury suites.  All guests enjoy heated tiled floors, air conditioning, raised beds and blankets, private drains in tiled suites with private in suite tvs (shared tv for cat condos), eye level windows, and much more.  Our junior dog suites for 1-2 from the same family provide over 75 square feet of space with a private outdoor patio for sun, fresh air and leisure, while our senior suites are ideal for our guests who enjoy more room, or for up to 3 members from the same family, with over 100 square feet of space. 

We uniquely cater to the luxury, small guest market, and everything is geared to providing your cat or dog under 30 lbs with the safest, most enjoyable visit possible.  While other facilities may permit small dogs and cats, we excel at providing individualized care for the smaller guest with unsurpassed facilities and attention to detail, and personal one-on-one care for each guest.  We are a small facility where each guest is known by name, individualized care is the focus, and no one gets lost in the crowd. 

The purpose of our new blog is to let you know about the features of Lonsdale Grove, keep you up-to-date on news and special events, and to provide you with useful information for anyone with a small dog or a cat in the family.  Future blog posts will include a discussion of health and safety when boarding a pet, what to look for (and avoid) in a boarding facility, tips for keeping the coat healthy, how to take your dog’s temperature, what to do if your dog swallows something she shouldn’t, healthy treat recipes, toxic plants to avoid in the house, and much more!

We hope you enjoy this blog and feel free to give us suggestions for future blog posts by contacting us at info@lonsdalegrove.com or 519-648-3311.  In the mean time, we encourage you to visit our website, www.lonsdalegrove.com, join our Facebook page to see more pictures and updates, or contact us!