Does your pet get bored sitting at home all day? Unfortunately, work often requires pet owners to be gone for long periods during the day, leaving your furry friend all alone. Luckily, doggy day care can be a great way to add some excitement to your pet’s routine. Doggy daycare provides many benefits for your pet’s physical and mental wellbeing. 

In this article, we’ll discuss a few of the benefits of doggy daycare and how you can help prepare your pup! 

The Benefits of Doggy Daycare

While doggy daycare can be a fun adventure, there are also many benefits for your pet’s physical and mental health. Pets who spend all day at home are more likely to get bored and lonely. As a result, these pets may start to exhibit destructive behavior or develop separation anxiety. 

Taking your dog to doggy daycare allows your pup to socialize and provides essential mental stimulation. Not only is this great for your pet’s mental health, but it can also increase physical activity and provide a safe outlet to burn off excess energy. 

How to Prepare Your Pup

If your dog is new to doggy daycare, here are a few things to keep in mind to make your pup’s experience as safe and fun as possible. 

  • Research Different Facilities 

Many facilities offer doggy daycare services. However, it’s essential to do some research and find the best fit for your pet. Your dog’s health and safety should always be a top priority, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you know what safety protocols are in place and how your dog will be monitored throughout the day. 

  • Consider Your Pet’s Comfort Level

It’s important to remember that not all pets thrive in large social gatherings. If your dog gets stressed or anxious around other pets, doggy daycare may not be the best choice. Consider your dog’s personality and comfort level when making decisions about daycare. Additionally, many facilities recommend a meet and greet to identify behavior issues and ensure your pet is comfortable socializing in large group settings.

  • Start Slow 

Even if your pet enjoys meeting new friends, it may take them some time to get comfortable attending daycare. The excitement can be overwhelming, so it’s important to start slow and give your dog some time to adjust. Consider dropping your pup off for a half day and see how they do. As your dog gets more comfortable, you can increase the amount of time and frequency they attend. 

  • Make Sure Your Dog is Vaccinated

Vaccines are essential for protecting your pet from infectious diseases. Before attending daycare, it’s critical to ensure your dog is up to date on their vaccines. Your doggy daycare should require all dogs to show proof of vaccination. Double check with your facility to see which vaccines are required and ensure your dog is protected.

  • Don’t Forget About Preventatives! 

While doggy daycare can be an excellent opportunity for your pup to make new friends, it can also increase their likelihood of being exposed to fleas and other parasites. To keep your dog happy and healthy, make sure they are up to date on their parasite prevention. 

Final Thoughts

Doggy daycare can be an excellent way to add fun and excitement to your pet’s routine. Our team at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic is here to ensure your pet enjoys a safe and fun daycare experience. 

If you have any additional questions or need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 651-202-3388. We look forward to seeing you and hearing about your pup’s fun new adventures! 

 

 

 

Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / Daisia Grafton