Little Leaguers at Fenway Bark - Please Read

On Saturday we learned that one of our Little League dogs was diagnosed with canine papilloma virus.  This is a highly contagious virus that can only be passed from dog to dog, not dog to human.  The virus causes dog warts and is not believed to be harmful in any way except when a particularly bad case develops that causes eating and swallowing to be painful.

We don't know of any other cases of canine papilloma virus within the guests of Fenway Bark but we ask you to be on the lookout for signs of the virus, particularly if your dog is in our Little League AND is either a puppy or immuno-compromised in some way which puts them at greater risk (e.g., elderly, under cancer treatment).  Adult dogs with normal immunity are at much less risk. Should a dog develop canine papilloma virus, they need to be segregated from daycare for up to 5 months while the warts disappear and as their individual immunity becomes stronger.

If you see your dog has dog warts, please seek the advice of your regular veterinarian.  It is not, however, a medical emergency.  Until then, do not let your dog share toys, food, or water bowls with another dog.  Additionally, if you are a client of Fenway Bark, please let us know if your dog has dog warts.

Dog daycare is not unlike child daycare where being combined into one cohort, they can pick up each others viruses.  Inasmuch as we try to prevent such things from happening, the incubation period for things like canine papilloma virus is quite long, up to 2 months, and it would be impossible to screen for such things with no symptomology present before a dog can begin to transmit it.  We do everything in our power to stop the transmission of diseases including keeping water bowls, rooms, and kennels sanitized, among other measures.  All of our surfaces were selected with the ability to sanitize in mind.  We also have a more stringent set of health requirements than many other facilities including documented evidence of up to date vaccines and a negative fecal float (that includes testing for giardia)  to minimize the risk of transmission of intestinal parasites in a group setting.

It is through the thoughtful notification of families like the one who notified us about their dog's CPV infection, that we can reduce the chances of another dog being infected.  We appreciate everyone who has recognized when their dog has a virus and keeps them home to keep all other dogs from being exposed.  We have wonderful pet families who recognize the importance of keeping all the dogs as safe as possible.

Jane