My shih-tzu has weepy eyes and they have to have a drop or two of eye wash every day to help clean up the mucus. She also needs her face around her eyes cleaned with a cotton ball and warm water. When I have her boarded for a week, am I right to expect her to get that extra care to keep her eyes clean and can I trust them to do a good job?

I would expect proper hygiene for my dog as well, but I would really suggest having a chat with the different kennels in your area and gauge their reactions to your request.

I have only had to board my dogs a few times, but I have done some temp work at kennels, and they always showed the dogs the care and compassion they would treat their own dogs with.

Agree. It depends on the kennel really, some simply feed and water the dogs, others provide more specific care.

The kennels where I board my dogs have a vet nurse on site who checks all the dogs daily.

Thank you for your answers. I do have a kennel that I have always been pleased with but I have only boarded my mini-schnauzers there and they always have had excellent care. I don't board my dogs often, maybe once every 1 1/2 years and I am nervous about the care that my shih tzu needs. She is higher maintenance that most dogs. I am going to go talk to the people at the kennel in person after the first of the year. We will be boarding in February.

You have a dog with a foreshortened face. AS such, there are frequently eye problems that can be traced to facial hairs rubbing on the eyeball. This also usually causes rubbing of the face with the feet, or on the floor.

Have this checked by your vet before embarking on prolonged, ineffective medications. Additionally, prolong irritation of the cornea can produce additional problems such as corneal ulcers. If so, you will have to correct the cause for them before they will heal, too. May be able to do this with a visit first... two problems with one stone?

Thanks, I know about the hairs rubbing on the eyeball. She has been checked by the vet and she said there is no problem. Between my groomer and myself we keep her hair around her eyes trim very close and it helps. I am going to take her in for a bordetella vaccine after Christmas and I am going to have her rechecked, just to make sure.