With the end of the holidays and the return to routines, many families are also reorganizing their dogs’ daily lives again. For some, this means returning to dog daycare, a space where they can spend part of the day accompanied, playing and socializing with other animals.
Before this return, however, there are a few aspects that deserve attention. Just as happens when children go back to school, preparing the dog can also help make the transition smoother, from veterinary care to choosing the accessories needed to accompany them throughout the day, taking into account various factors, from the dog’s individual characteristics to the intensity of the changes that occur in the environment.
“Daycare can be a very positive experience for the dog, but it is important to ensure that it is prepared for contact with other animals and that its individual needs are taken into account,” says Elena Diaz, a veterinarian at Kivet, veterinary clinics of the Kiwoko.
“Preparation begins by ensuring that the dog’s health care is up to date and that the space where it will stay offers the proper conditions,” she concludes.
Vaccination must be up to date
Before returning to daycare, it is important to confirm whether the dog’s vaccination plan is up to date. Close contact with other animals makes this care particularly relevant, especially in the case of kennel cough, a respiratory infection that can easily spread among dogs in spaces where there is frequent contact. Therefore, it is important to confirm with the veterinarian whether the recommended vaccination is appropriate for the animal’s lifestyle and also to check whether the daycare has specific requirements regarding attendance frequency.
If some time has passed since the last check-up, the return can be a good opportunity to assess the animal’s overall condition and confirm that it is prepared to resume a routine with higher activity and contact with other dogs. In the face of signs of illness, discomfort or recent changes in behavior, the ideal is to seek veterinary advice before taking it back to daycare.
Parasite protection deserves special attention
The frequency of shared spaces with other animals makes it important to maintain adequate parasite protection. Internal and external deworming should be carried out according to the veterinarian’s recommendations and taking into account the characteristics and lifestyle of each dog. Before the return, it is worth confirming when the last deworming was carried out and whether it is necessary to update the protection.
Identification also forms part of the preparation
The microchip is essential for the animal’s identification, but it is equally important to ensure that the associated data are up to date. If the dog uses an identification tag, returning to daycare is a good occasion to confirm that the owner’s contact details are still correct and that the information is legible. It is a small precaution that can be important in an unexpected situation.
The harness or collar should be in good condition
The accessories used daily also deserve a review before the return. The harness or collar should be adjusted to the dog’s current size, without pinching or causing discomfort. Buckles, fasteners, seams and connection points should be checked to ensure they show no wear. If the dog has grown or undergone weight changes in recent months, it may be necessary to adjust or replace the accessory.
A sturdy leash is essential for the journeys
Even if the dog spends most of the day off-leash inside the daycare, this accessory remains essential on the outbound and return journeys. A sturdy leash appropriate to the dog’s size allows for safer travel. Before the first day, it is worth checking the condition of the carabiner, the seams and the material itself.
Water and a towel are two accessories that can make a difference
Having water available is fundamental, especially on hotter days or when the journey to the daycare takes longer. A bottle or container designed to transport water can be a practical solution for the way there. A towel can prove useful in several situations: after a rainy walk, after water activities, or simply to wipe the paws before getting into the car. It is a simple accessory, but particularly practical for those who use daycare frequently.
Feeding should be prepared according to the dog’s needs
Not all dogs have the same nutritional requirements. If the animal follows a specific diet, has defined meal times or cannot consume certain foods, these details should be communicated to the daycare staff. When it is necessary to bring food from home, it should be packaged and clearly labeled. The same applies to snacks or supplements that are part of the usual routine.
Medication requires precise information
If the dog takes medication during the time it is at daycare, it is important to prepare the required quantity in advance and convey all relevant instructions to the staff. The medication should be properly labeled and administered in accordance with the veterinarian’s guidelines. In this way, care remains consistent even when the animal is away from home.
