Doggy daycare is a fantastic way to socialize your dog without worry. Dog parents can feel guilty about leaving their pups home while they work or not giving them the attention they need during the day because they have tasks to accomplish.
What is doggy daycare?
Doggie daycare works a lot like daycare for children. You drop your dog off in the morning on the way to work. While you are gone, your dog will get plenty of attention.
Now that your dog’s first day at daycare is quickly approaching, let’s explore ways to prepare your dog for daycare. It will help make that first visit go smoothly.
3 Important Ways To Prepare Your Dog for Daycare
1. Plan a Trip to the Vet
Before you drop your pup off at doggy daycare, you’ll need to plan a trip to the vet. Your dog will need to be up to date on their vaccines, and you’ll need to know their medical history before enrolling.
Dogs typically play and socialize together during daycare, so the facility needs to ensure all dogs are safe and healthy. The best way to do that is with routine vet visits.
Check out this article from Fetch, powered by WebMD: Your Pet’s Vet Visit: What to Do Before, During, and After.
2. Socialize Your Dog
Your dog will encounter plenty of other pups during their visit to doggy daycare. A daycare facility could turn down your pup if they’re too aggressive and not a good fit.
Take your pup out to the dog park or for doggy playdates before their first day of daycare to ensure they understand good socializing behavior. This will also help your dog not feel so overwhelmed by the flood of new smells and sounds. Your dog will appreciate the extra playtime, and you’ll love the peace of mind.
Check out this article from Hounds Lounge: How to Socialize an Adult Dog and Why It’s Never Too Late.
3. Pack the Essentials
Many doggy daycare facilities appreciate it when you bring your dog’s food from home. Nobody wants to deal with a pup that’s sick because they ate something that upset their tummy.
Pack the food into serving sizes for each meal. Staff will then dump in the correct amount, and your dog will eat happily.
You should also pack a chewy bully stick and a few toys from home. It will help alleviate any loneliness your pup may be feeling.
Pack up an extra leash and collar just in case. It’s doubtful that your dog will go missing, but better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you pack any medications or supplements your dog is taking as well.
If you’d like a more exhaustive list, Here’s What to Pack.
Following the above advice, your dog will adjust well to doggy daycare. Pass along the ways to help prepare friends’ or family’s dogs for daycare, too. They’ll be happy and thankful to learn the information.
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