Best Breeds For Dog Daycare

Best Breeds For Dog Daycare

Blog Article

Why Old Dogs Should Go to Daycare
Dogs who spend long periods of time at home can develop boredom and apathy that leads to destructive behaviors. Going to doggy daycare provides excitement and playtime to prevent this boredom.


It encourages exercise that improves mobility and maintains a healthy weight. It also provides mental enrichment through training and puzzle toys.

Socialization
A senior dog can benefit from the companionship of other dogs and humans in a daycare environment. This can help combat feelings of isolation and depression that can develop in an aging animal.

Older dogs may not be able to play as vigorously as younger pups, but many can still enjoy the company of other dogs in a daycare setting. Most facilities will want a pup to complete a temperament test before allowing them into the daycare, as this lets the staff know how they’ll interact with other dogs.

A reputable daycare will also be willing to let a pet parent know if their pup isn’t enjoying playing with other dogs anymore, and will suggest alternative forms of socialization or exercise for them. If your senior dog is a good fit for daycare, it can be an excellent way to give them the attention and stimulation they need while you’re away. This can also prevent them from developing separation anxiety that could lead to destructive behaviors at home.

Exercise
Dogs need physical exercise to burn energy and help keep oxygen levels optimum in the brain. If they spend all day at home alone, this can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors such as barking or chewing. At doggy daycare, they’re able to get plenty of exercise through playtime, outdoor excursions and group classes.

The daycare staff knows your older dog’s health and mobility limitations, so they make sure the exercises aren’t too strenuous. For example, they’ll make sure your dog isn’t playing fetch or running laps with much younger dogs because this may put too much strain on their joints and back. Instead, they’ll find other forms of exercise that are appropriate for their age and health conditions such as swimming or low-impact activities like yoga or a walk around the neighborhood. They’ll also work with your older dog on mental stimulation through puzzle toys or indoor games to keep their minds engaged and focused.

Mental Stimulation
Dogs of all ages need mental stimulation, just as they need exercise. Without it, they can develop unwanted behaviors such as chewing on shoes or furniture, barking excessively or exhibiting separation anxiety. Fortunately, many daycares offer a variety of ways for dogs to get dogs boarding near me the mental stimulation they need, from playtime to outdoor excursions and group classes.

The benefits of mental stimulation are especially important for senior dogs, as they can help prevent cognitive decline. At daycare, older dogs are able to use their brains through socializing with other dogs, playing with new toys and learning to solve problems. Dogs that get enough mental stimulation are also typically calmer when they come home at night.

Despite the benefits, not every senior dog will thrive at daycare. Some may be uncomfortable around younger dogs or just not enjoy frolicking with them. If your senior dog shows discomfort when approached by staff or other dogs, or if they start to show signs of arthritis or other age-related health issues, it might be best for them to skip daycare and find another form of socialization and exercise.

Mental Breaks
A daycare facility should provide a variety of activities to keep dogs engaged. This includes socialization and physical activity but also mental stimulation. Some ways that this can be accomplished include playing games with your dog such as hide and seek or fetch, or even working on training tasks that are adapted to the needs of older dogs.

Finally, if your senior pup no longer enjoys spending time with a large group of dogs, it is important to let the daycare know that. Reputable and compassionate daycares will be honest and tell pet parents when their dog isn’t enjoying their day in the same way they would if they were having fun with other puppies.

If your pet does show signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, it is important to talk with your veterinarian about treatment options. A medication called selegiline hydrochloride (brand name Anipryl) may be able to slow the decline of cognitive function in your dog.
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