Taking care of your canine best friend is always tricky, especially if they have attachment issues. However, a great dog day care can provide a cozy environment for your pooch pal, as well as some relief for you. They can help when you’re at work, on vacation, or simply needing a break. Luckily, we're ready to offer a helping hand with some savvy steps for prepping your pup for day care.

Have Your Paperwork Ready

If our animal hospital is not currently caring for your pup, it's important for us to connect with your primary veterinarian. Before stepping foot in a canine day care center, talk to your vet. They can get you the paperwork you need. Vaccination history, disease records, and treatment procedures are all important pieces of your pup’s paperwork. Don’t forget flea and tick treatment to prove your pup is pest-free.

Collect this paperwork into a portfolio. Take it to the day care center and talk about it openly. Don’t hide anything but share any data that makes it easier to care for your little canine pal. Let’s say your little buddy needs a special diet; letting the day care center know before their stay can keep your pup safe. It also drastically reduces the risk of triggering allergic reactions. Frankly, it’s easy to keep your little pal safe as long as you take these simple steps.

Research Important Facility Details

Let’s be frank here. Not every dog day care is made equal. Some give you trustworthy experiences, while others are rough around the edges. Don’t just assume that yours will provide amazing service. Instead, do a little research to figure out what to expect. Find out what kind of health emergency plan they provide including what services they use, who they call, what treatments they provide on-site, and so on. Lucky for you, our day care center is a part of our animal hospital, so you can rest assured your little friend will be in great hands!

Next on the agenda, it's super important to make sure that everything is sanitary and in tip-top shape. After all, a day care center may have a bunch of dogs at a time. Check into services like fecal matter cleanup to minimize waste, sterilization methods to avoid serious disease spread, and individual dog washing to keep your canine clean.

Prepare for Your Dog’s First Step

Many dogs love spending time away from their owners, while others respond poorly. Dogs are like children in that way: some have separation anxiety while others do not. However, it’s time to cut the strings and drop your dog off at the day care; so, what can you do? Give them lots of time to prepare by slowly leaving them alone for longer periods. On the weekends, leave them with a trusted friend as you leave for an hour or two. Keep increasing this time for your pup so they adjust to being away from you.

Know What You’re Getting

Research your facility to find out what they provide. Some include a structured schedule while others provide a looser feel. Pair your dog with a type that makes sense for them. For example, dogs that like a lot of activity may enjoy a more structured environment. Look for a place that's got all the good stuff! Think along the lines of cool gadgets, indoor workout spaces, laid-back outdoor hangouts, and so much more. Hands-on time is essential, so be sure to find facilities that give your dog lots of one-on-one cuddle time. Don’t forget to ask about food and what you should bring for your pup.

These tips can keep your best friend happy whenever visiting a dog day care center. According to Pet Pedia, the pet industry hit a record-breaking $99 billion worth in 2020. This number simply means that the care of dogs and other pets has been at the forefront of everyone's mind, so you're not alone in wanting the best for your pet! Many of these steps help you as much as they help your pup and minimize serious conflicts. Please call Perrysburg Animal Hospital today if you’re interested in a day care. Our squad is prepared to pull out all the stops to give you a hand.