For many pet parents, there is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing their pet’s sad eyes as they walk out the door. Dogs are social beings and develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
One of the most effective solutions is enrolling your dog in a doggy day care program. At doggy day care, your pet will get to socialize, mentally stimulate themselves and exercise in a structured environment. Whether you have to work long hours or want to improve your dog’s happiness, dog day care offers a great solution to separation anxiety.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
When a dog owner leaves their anxious dog alone, the dog will not just miss them. Serious emotional distress that affects dog behaviour and well-being. A dog may whine and usually behave restlessly. Some dogs may try to flee, causing destruction in the process. This could involve furniture chewing and door scratching. At times dogs might refuse to eat, harm themselves or have some upset stomach in extreme cases. It can happen due to various reasons. A dog might go through this due to past trauma of being abandoned or getting a new owner. Not all dogs are trained to be okay with being left alone. When you move houses or change your routine, your dog will follow you closely for comfort. Due to the demise of a family member, they may also change their behaviour. Whatever the cause, it is best to recognize the signs soon and help your dog.
How Doggy Day Care Can Help
Doggy day care provides a structured and stimulating environment that can significantly alleviate separation anxiety. Here’s how:
Socialization and Companionship
Dogs are sociable creatures, as they love the company of people and other dogs. In doggy daycare, they are able to run alongside other dogs and get acquainted with them. They are supervised by trained staff. Being with other dogs during the day helps them to be less lonely at night. They expend energy and so feel less anxious and stressed at home.
Routine and Structure
Dogs are creatures of habit. If there is an inconsistency in your dog day care schedule, especially time of leaving your dog alone, it can make your dog anxious. When dogs know they will spend their day in a fun place with familiar people and dogs, it eases their stress and helps them with a daily routine.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
Bored anxious dogs often do not get enough stimulation. Doggy day cares offer your pet a great chance to stimulate them with agility exercises and interactive play. Games, puzzles and obedience training can mentally stimulate your pet and keep them from getting anxious. When dogs can do a lot of things during the day, they become less anxious and troublesome at home.
Doggy day care helps your dog to socialize and gives them structure and routine. When you leave your dog, instead of feeling guilty, have peace of mind that your pup will have a fun day.
