Last Updated on September 2, 2024 by Dogs Vets
There’s nothing sadder than having to leave your dog behind at daycare, that too for a week, as you’re away from home. However, the only one who’ll be sadder than you is your beloved canine pal. Also, according to the University of Melbourne, one in every four to six dogs deal with separation anxiety.
Dogs love having their human parents around; it brings them indescribable joy, but you have your life and responsibilities too. Hence, you might have to leave your pooch behind for a few days as you’re away from home. If no one else is there to take care of your furry friend, you have to keep them at a pet daycare.
Now, as you plan on settling your dog for the week at a pet daycare, here are a few mistakes you must avoid.
Not Researching the Daycare Facility Thoroughly
Would you send your child away to a place without knowing what it is like or has to offer? No, right? Then you probably won’t do it with your dog either.
Hence, before committing to a week-long stay, visit the pet daycare in person. With more than 20,000 facilities in the US, you can expect to be spoiled for choice. However, that’s the reason to choose wisely.
See how the staff at the daycare interacts with the dogs and other pets. Explore the facility to see how clean it is and whether the facility has ample space for dogs to play and rest.
Also, ask the daycare about their feeding schedule and the type of food provided – whether it’s dry kibble, wet dog food, etc. See if they can accommodate specific dietary needs like salmon, chicken, or beef-based meals depending on your dog’s needs.
Ensuring the daycare can cater to your dog’s nutritional requirements, like high-protein meals, is essential to maintaining their health during their stay. The food and diet part is something we’ll discuss in detail in the following section.
Failing to Prepare Your Dog’s Diet in Advance
Another common oversight is not preparing your dog’s diet in advance.
If your dog is used to a particular type of dog food, like dry kibble, it needs it during the week at the daycare. From your end, it’s crucial to provide the daycare with enough of their regular food to last the entire week.
According to Open Farm, a sudden change in diet can easily upset your dog’s stomach. Hence, the moment you return home with your pooch, you’ll have to deal with their stomach issues.
Speak with the daycare staff about your dog’s dietary routine, and ensure they understand the importance of consistency in their meals. Providing detailed instructions about the quantity, frequency, and type of food will help maintain your dog’s nutrition while you’re away.
Now, let’s say the daycare provides dry dog food, but it’s not the type your dog likes. In that case, you should provide them with good quality dry dog food that your dog enjoys. They should accommodate your request given that it’s for the health and safety of your pooch.
Overlooking the Importance of Familiar Items
Dogs are creatures of habit, and familiar items from home can provide significant comfort in a new environment. A mistake dog owners make is sending their pet to daycare without familiar items like their favorite blanket or clothing with your scent.
These items can help reduce anxiety and make the transition to a new environment smoother. This helps your dog feel more at home and also ensures they continue receiving the nutrition they’re accustomed to.
Ignoring Your Dog’s Socialization Needs
Some dog owners assume that all dogs will naturally enjoy the company of other dogs at daycare. However, socialization needs vary from dog to dog, and not all dogs are comfortable in group settings.
Before leaving your dog at daycare for an extended period, it’s essential to understand how they interact with other dogs. Some dogs may feel stressed or overwhelmed in a busy environment, leading to behavioral issues.
If your dog is more solitary or prefers calm settings, find out if the daycare offers quieter areas or one-on-one time with staff.
Neglecting to Provide Clear Instructions on Medications and Special Care
Dog medication is a common concept, with their sales reaching $12 billion in 2022 in the US. Your pooch may be a part of these statistics.
If your dog requires medication or has special care needs, it’s vital to communicate this clearly with the daycare staff. One of the most significant mistakes you can make is assuming the staff will automatically know how to care for your dog’s specific needs.
Whether it’s a regular medication schedule or a particular feeding routine involving specific types of food, clear and detailed instructions are crucial.
Making sure that you avoid all these mistakes will help your dog ease into the pet daycare life for the week. As you return from your work or holiday, you’ll find your pooch eagerly waiting for your arrival, but also safe and healthy.
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