FAQ's

A Day in the Life at The Long Dog Hotel

Our dedicated volunteer carers, Uncle Stephen and Uncle Simon, are on hand to help look after and care for the pups. Please read our Terms & Conditions enrichment section for further information.

We try to go for a walk during your pup(s) stay, but this depends on the time of year, how many pups are here, the weather, or any medical issues. We prioritise the safety and well-being of all our guests, so walks are dependent on these factors. We mainly spend our time at the hotel enjoying the facilities.
Pups have access to our fully enclosed front and back gardens, including a woodland corner. We also engage them with a variety of toys, puzzles, a ball pit, and a water sprinkler in the summer for those who love to splash!
We provide enrichment through activities like scatter feeding on different surfaces, using licky mats, and offering natural soft chews and pup lick cups.
We have the TV and radio on during the day to help soothe any anxiety. Cuddles are on offer 24/7. Pups also like to nap a lot during a typical day, and we offer comfy day beds and blankets for their naps. We can also offer lots of cuddles and a warm hot water bottle to ease any uncomfortable stiffness, especially for our senior or IVDD pups.
Pet Parents are typically given pup-dates daily Monday through Friday around 4-5 pm. We take a break from social media on Saturdays and Sundays, except for pups staying with us over the weekend or during special holiday periods.

How many dogs do you take?

We are licensed to have a maximum of 8 dog guests, plus our two resident Dachshunds (Dolly & Millie Moo), who are very much part of the family.

Where will my dog sleep?

All dogs sleep upstairs in our bedroom with us, the Directors (Dolly & Millie Moo), and the rest of our doggy family, ensuring a safe and comfortable night's sleep

What does my dog need to pack?

To ensure your pup has a comfortable and enjoyable stay, please bring the following items:

Bed, crate, or blanket for sleeping
A familiar-smelling item, such as a t-shirt or toy, to help your pup relax
Feeding bowl
Measuring cup (if applicable)
Harness for walks
Please bring your pup's own food to minimize any stomach upsets
If your pup has any special dietary requirements, please bring their specific food, treats, and chews
If your pup is an IVDD survivor, please bring any necessary medications, supplements, supportive equipment (e.g., wheelchair, harness), or other items they use daily.

If you forget anything, don't worry! We have many supplies on hand, so just let us know, and we'll do our best to accommodate your pup's needs.

What if my dog lives with another breed?

We are happy to welcome very small dogs and mixed Dachshund breeds alongside your Dachshund, creating a diverse and happy pack.

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 or are recovering well from IVDD, surgery, or other medical procedures.

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 pens) available for pups who may need a quiet space to relax or who require restricted movement for medical reasons

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. Please refer to the IVDD Prices page to understand the different levels of care and any potential price adjustments that may apply.

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 or other medical conditions. 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. Therefore, the IVDD pricing structure may apply, even if your pup is currently stable. Please refer to our IVDD Prices page to determine the appropriate care level and associated pricing based on your pup's individual needs. This will 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 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.