When to feed dogs in kennels

[Keeper]

Thanks everyone.. I will bring all the info to our group. The biggest problem is we are all volunteers and there isn't someone there all day. Plus it takes at least 3-4 hours sometimes longer to feed and clean all the kennels as it is usually just one person doing it. Right now we have over 50 dogs (18 are puppies) and 15 cats. The biggest problem is the kennels don't drain properly so they have to be dried too. I am sure there is a better way to do this but we are a small town and just trying to get money from them to feed the dogs was a fight. It is a lofty goal to not have to put dogs down just because they haven't been adopted within 10 days.

Does anyone use the wysiwash system? A local kennel owner told me about it and it seems like something we should use.

[Mike in TN]

I think the difference between what we do at home and what to be done at the kennel is more about time and manpower and opposed to what's better for the dogs.

Personally, I feed my after a morning walk and after some play time in the evening. I always thought of it as they have to earn it. But, there were really good points brought up so maybe I'll try feeding before the walk in the morning. He always goes twice on our morning walks, with the second being...let's just say not as firm as the first. Maybe if I feed before he'll only go once?

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Keeper

Thanks everyone.. I will bring all the info to our group. The biggest problem is we are all volunteers and there isn't someone there all day. Plus it takes at least 3-4 hours sometimes longer to feed and clean all the kennels as it is usually just one person doing it. Right now we have over 50 dogs (18 are puppies) and 15 cats. The biggest problem is the kennels don't drain properly so they have to be dried too. I am sure there is a better way to do this but we are a small town and just trying to get money from them to feed the dogs was a fight. It is a lofty goal to not have to put dogs down just because they haven't been adopted within 10 days.

Does anyone use the wysiwash system? A local kennel owner told me about it and it seems like something we should use.

yes! Wysiwash is great stuff if the volunteers are not manhandling the device. We use these at work as well. In fact just got my shipment of tablets in as thye've been on sale

[riveree]

Originally Posted by riveree

Also, I mentioned on another thread about my vet telling me to continue wetting the kibble. By wetting it, you reduce the risk for bloat even more. He said this was a technique used a lot in kennels. Just something to consider.

I forgot to add, that the reason my vet said this technique is commonly used in kennels is because when you have a lot of dogs eating together/near each other, they can get competitive and eat too quickly.

I noticed this once we added another female into the house. Prior to that, my older female did not eat as quickly, but once we added the new one, she inhales her food. She's okay, there are no issues, but it's just a difference I've noticed.

As pointed out, you'll have limitations in what you can do in a kennel/shelter situation, but if you can exercise the dogs both before AND after eating, that would probably be ideal....just may not be possible .