Good Overnight Boarding/Advice for Stay in Coronado

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Hi All,

We just secured a lovely home rental on Coronado for the month of July where the owners were kind enough to forgo their "no pets" policy as I told them we had a labradoodle - they understood she is non-shedding so we got the green light!  I'm excited at the prospect of taking Coby for the month BUT a little concerned as we'll have to make arrangements for one anticipated overnight trip.  I'd like to find out about reputable, clean (of course) accommodations in the area and where else to research than with my doodle loving friends in the area?

ALSO - since our renters have been so accommodating, what can I do to ensure that we don't introduce any unwelcome guests into their home by way of…..fleas? We generally don't encounter that out here in AZ but I understand that can be an issue on the beaches of So Cal. I plan on talking to my vet soon but again, any advice from those in the area would be most welcome!

Susan & Coby

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

What area are you talking about? Did you check bringfido.com?

[Sheree Small]

Yep, we have a house in AZ and one in So Cal. No fleas in AZ but yea in Cali. We sprinkle borax on the carpet for a couple of days then vacuum it up. Seems to take care of the Inside issues. As far as boarding no help. Good luck. Sheree

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Thanks Helga and Sheree!  Helga, I think I corresponded with you earlier in the year when we went to Malibu ?? I'd gotten a dog sitter a couple of nights when we stayed there. I will def. check bringfido.com this time around.  Sheree, what do you mean about springing borax on the carpet? Does that prevent or treat fleas?   I really want to be certain we don't introduce anything into the house, esp. the bedding areas. 

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

Yes, we did talk when you were in Malibu. I don't get it. I thought you were staying in Coronado? Where are you looking to spend the night?

If it's in the general area, I'd be happy to have you.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

HI Helga,  We're renting a house in Coronado for the month of July - during our time there we want to attend the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach where we were advised to spend the night so it's probably best to board Coby somewhere reputable/reliable.  You have been so helpful - I really appreciate it!  

Coby is a bit on the shy side around other people - so unusual for an ALD, but she LOVES other dogs -- that's why eventually I'd like to add a "sibling" for her. How do you find it with two to care for?  And what's your experience been like with fleas in the beach areas?  

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

I don't really have any flea issues. Nimbus had a single flea on two occasions. Once I managed to squish it and the 2nd time I treated both dogs with first shield, which is supposed to be less aggressive than Frontline or advantage. I go to the beach occasionally but haven't been since we got Sierra.
Having 2 dogs? I love it! It's so much fun to watch the two of them play. I definitely think that it's a good thing that Nimbus is still very young. Otherwise Sierra would drive an older dog crazy.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

How old was Nimbus when Sierra arrived? were they from the same breeder?

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

He was not quite 15 months. And yes, they are from the same breeder. In fact, they share one grandmother. So technically they're cousins.

[Helen & Kirby]

For the fleas....Talk to your vet about Frontline or Revolution. (or something like that)   I use Revolution and have never had a flea on Kirby!  My groomer does some limited boarding but she is in Anaheim.  Let us know when you are in town!

[Sheree Small]

Susan, the thing about going to the beach, or even being in the beach area in San Diego is that fleas are almost inevitable. If one gets in the house, you can have a lot.... We use advantage pretty much year round, but there are other options (check with the vet). In addition, in case any get in the house, we. Put the 20 mule train Borax on the carpet. It's safe and seems to work. We use the advantage because sometimes the fleas are so persistent we need to apply every two weeks and it's one of the types you can do this with. Others you have to wait the full month.

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

Yikes. It's one thing to have it on my own dog and have to treat my own house but I'm so concerned about someone else's home and this home we're renting is absolutely pristine. I used the word "meticulous" to describe it to my son, who was the salutatorian of his HS class and I'm embarrassed to say he asked, "What's that mean?" (and here I *thought* OUR house was!!) so I'm keeping track of all these suggestions and will most definitely talk to my vet.  That commercial is coming to mind - where the family keeps their dog in that plexiglass tube! 

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

If you are looking to board your dog my sister swears by Dogvacay.com it's a website to private homes.  I've heard a lot of good reviews.  If you are looking for a place to stay with your dog definitely bringfido.com. 

They say diatomaceous earth and/or borax are good for killing fleas, it dries them out but if you are only staying there for a short time you won't be around to know if anyone was left behind inside!  A good vacuum will only help!  Growing up we didn't have a flea problem until we came home from vacation!  We'd draw straws to see who walked in first (in white socks), as a kid I always lost (not sure I actually drew the short straw either??). 

If you are at the beach I would recommend bathing the dog before entering the house that way you can wash off any fleas on his/her body?  IMO, sand fleas are far worse than house fleas!

You might also after a good vacuum before leaving sprinkle the diatomaceous earth and/or borax and work it into the carpet and leave it (just don't leave evidence).  That way it'll be killing whoever didn't get sucked up by the vacuum and will most likely die/dry out before the next tenants. 

Last I've been seeing talk lately about Capstar, it's supposed to kill adult fleas on your pets almost instantly??  I know nothing about it but I am intrigued. If your pet has a flea problem it sounds like the perfect solution but that doesn't help the home environment.  So far the spot flea stuff isn't working on my girls??

Good luck.