IVDD FAQ's

At The Long Dog Hotel, we specialise in caring for pups who have experienced IVDD. As our own Dachshunds, Millie Moo (who has undergone four surgeries and crate rest) and Dolly (who has been on crate rest), have experienced this firsthand, we understand how stressful and heartbreaking it can be. They require ongoing care due to their history. With over eight years of experience caring for Dachshunds with IVDD, we understand the importance of recognising the signs and providing appropriate care. We strive to keep our guests happy and active while being mindful that IVDD can occur at any time. For helpful resources and equipment recommendations, please visit Dedicated to Dachshunds https://dedicatedtodachshunds.co.uk

How will you care for my pup?

As Dachshund specialists, we understand the unique needs of pups who have experienced IVDD. While we are not a rehabilitation center, we offer a peaceful and comfortable home-away-from-home experience for dogs who have recovered well from IVDD.

Our home is designed to be accessible and safe for all our guests, with:

Baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs
A full ramp to our back garden, and a step-free downstairs area
We have washable rugs and non-slip mats on the floors to provide secure footing
We have a buggy from the IVDD charity (Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD) for walks when appropriate and beneficial for our guests
We also have two types of safe and comfortable rest areas (soft-sided and metal pen) available for pups who may need a quiet space to relax

Our goal is to provide a loving and supportive environment where your pup can enjoy their stay and receive the specific care they need

What if my pup suffers an IVDD espiode at the hotel?

We understand that the possibility of an IVDD episode can be concerning. In the unlikely event that your pup experiences any health issues during their stay, including an IVDD episode, we will take immediate action to ensure their well-being. We will immediately provide first aid and contact you (or your emergency contact) to discuss the situation and determine the best course of action. If, despite our best efforts, we are unable to reach you, we will contact your nominated emergency contact, who will be authorised to make decisions on your behalf. Once the veterinarian has assessed your pup and recommended a treatment plan, we will discuss the options with you (or your emergency contact) so you can decide what is in your pup's best interest.

While we will provide the utmost care for your pup, it's important to understand that we cannot be held responsible for any injury, illness, death, or IVDD episode unless deemed to be a direct result of gross negligence on our part. For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

We paid our deposit and my pup now has IVDD, can you still take my pup?

We understand that a new IVDD diagnosis can be a stressful and worrying time. As stated in our T&Cs, all payments are made at your own risk. We appreciate that unforeseen circumstances, such as an IVDD episode or illness close to your booking date, are outside of your control. We also have business obligations and should not be expected to bear the financial loss. Therefore, we regret that we are generally unable to offer refunds on payments already made.

However, we understand this is a difficult situation, and we will make every effort to rebook your pup's space. If we are successful in doing so, we may be able to offer a partial refund, depending on how close to your holiday date the cancellation occurs.

If your pup experiences an IVDD episode less than three months before your scheduled holiday and their pain is not manageable by the time your final payment is due, we will be unable to care for them until they are comfortable. In such cases, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options. We can then assess your pup's current needs and determine if we can provide appropriate care and any price adjustments.

My pup had IVDD/a twinge/medical issue in the past but has recovered/nothing came of it. Do the IVDD/medical charges still apply?

We understand that you may have questions about pricing if your pup has a history of IVDD or other medical issues, even if they have recovered. Transparency about your pup's medical history, both past and present, is essential for us to provide the best possible care.

Because we specialise in a calm, home-from-home environment and do not accept boisterous dogs, our pricing structure reflects the specific needs of pups who have experienced IVDD. These pups often require additional attention, which can include:

Administering medication
Providing extra human interaction and supervision
Monitoring for any changes in their condition
Managing potential medical emergencies

While your pup may have recovered well, these factors still influence the level of care we provide. We need to ensure that we can provide the safest and most appropriate care while you're away, giving you peace of mind.

What if my dog is on medication?

We are experienced in administering various types of medications and are happy to accommodate pups who require them. If your pup is on any prescribed or non-prescribed medication, creams, sprays, injections, shampoos, etc., we will adhere to their regular medication schedule and ensure they receive their medications as prescribed. Please provide us with detailed instructions for each medication, including dosage, frequency, and method of administration.

My pup is on wheels and/or needs expressing can you assist?

We're happy to discuss the specific needs of pups who are on wheels or require expressing. We do have some experience expressing pups who require this service, but because each pup's anatomy and routine are unique, we require a demonstration from you to ensure we can provide this care safely and effectively. We kindly request that you bring your dog in for a short session to show us your specific technique for expressing.

We are experienced in caring for pups who use wheelchairs/carts and will ensure they are comfortable and safe during their stay.

My pup does physio/hydro every week, can they continue?

While we are not a rehabilitation boarding facility, we can arrange for your pup to receive specialised care from Emma, a highly qualified local Clinical Canine Conditioning and Canine Massage Therapist. Emma is fully qualified with the Canine Massage Guild and requires consent from your current vet/physio, as well as an initial consultation with you to discuss your pup's ongoing needs. She can visit The Long Dog Hotel during your pup's stay. For more information, please visit her website: https://www.kismetholistic.co.uk. Costs are £40 per session.

While we can facilitate these appointments, please note that the services provided by any third-party therapist are independent of The Long Dog Hotel. It is your responsibility to ensure that the services are suitable for your dog, and we are not liable for any services provided by them.

In addition to these professional services, we can also provide plenty of cuddles and a warm hot water bottle to ease any muscle stiffness or discomfort your pup may experience after their sessions.

How much will it cost?

Prices are on application depending on level of care:

£45-£80 per night for Boarding/£35-£70 for Daycare.

Additional costs: Bank Holidays/Christmas/New Year/Early pick ups & drop offs/Out of hours