Why is my dog acting weird after daycare?

If you are thinking of sending your dog to daycare to socialize, there are some changes in your dog’s behavior that you may not have been prepared for. A dog that is put into a new environment will feel separation anxiety from its owners and its home.

 

Why Is My Dog Acting Different After Daycare?

 

There are 5 main reasons. Separation anxiety caused by being away from home. Issues with adjusting to the new environment. Having to deal with aggressive animals at daycare. Stability Issues at the Daycare & Improper Schedule with Feedings & Walks. These differences in behavior need to be addressed and handled as soon as possible so the dog’s state of mind doesn’t get any worse. Removing them from daycare before checking into why your dog is behaving differently is not necessarily the answer.

 

 

Reasons your dog’s behavior might have changed after daycare include but are not limited to:

 

• Separation Anxiety
• New Environment
• Dealt with Aggressive Animals
• Stability Issues at the Daycare
• Improper Schedule with Feedings & Walks.

 

Why Is My Dog Very Lethargic After Daycare?

 

You may find that your dog is more lethargic after daycare. This may be caused by the amount of energy they are exerting in their new environment. Remember that there is a ton of excitement at daycare. It’s a new environment, with new people, new dogs to play with and explore. Some dogs will get used to daycare very quickly and some dogs may need more time to acclimate. Ask for a report of what your dog did all day if the lethargy lasts longer than a few days.

 

Why Is My Dog Ignoring Me After Daycare?

 

Has your best friend been ignoring you after daycare? This could be caused by your dog being subject to aggression at the daycare by other dogs or the new handlers. It is important that you find out what could be causing your dog to act this way. Your dog is in a new environment without its human, if there is mishandling or aggression happening to your dog, of course they are going to act differently towards you. Do not let this treatment of your dog continue.

 

Why Is My Dog Anxious After Daycare?

 

Your dog may be acting anxious after daycare. This can be caused by separation anxiety. Dog’s don’t like to be away from their humans for too long. If they are away from you for too long it may become difficult for your dog to cope with being separated from you and in a new place.

 

Having your dog trained to be away from you is recommended before starting a daycare to help with a smooth transition and will help with your dog’s mental health. Your dog needs to learn how to trust the process of being sent to daycare for hours or being boarded for days. This will take some time before the separation anxiety stops being so extreme.

 

Why Is My Dog Crying After Daycare?

 

If your dog is crying after leaving daycare they may be missing their new friends. But the more likely cause would be that your dog is overtired. You can help your dog calm down once home with cuddles and stability. If this happens for a long period of time then you may want to look into a calmer location to bring your dog.

 

Why Is My Dog Clingy & Needy After Daycare?

 

Your dog may be clingy after daycare; this could be a sign of separation anxiety. Your dog may demand to be with you at all times when they are home from daycare. The anxiety your dog is experiencing happens because the daycare is an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar dogs and people. This anxiety may cause the dog to cry out, pace back and forth restlessly or salivare more than usual.

 

Why Is My Dog Refusing To Eat After Daycare?

 

Your normal routine with your dog is possibly being disturbed. Your dog is used to a schedule for daily feedings and walks. When their routine is thrown off they may be eating later or more than usual. It is important to keep your dog on the same feeding schedule at the daycare that they are getting at home. It is important to communicate with the daycare about feeding times that work for your dog.

 

Why Is My Dog Eating Ravenously And Drinking Excessively After Daycare?

As mentioned above, the normal routine of your dog’s feedings has been disrupted. If your dog is eating more ravenously and drinking more excessively it probably means that they are not eating and drinking enough at daycare. It could just be the excitement of the new environment that is keeping your dog from getting all the food and water it should. But, this is something that needs to be taken up with the daycare if it persists because your dog may not be given the right amount of food and water.

 

Why Is My Dog Having Diarrhea And Being Sick After Daycare?

 

Stress can cause your dog to get diarrhea or become sick after daycare. There is stress caused by being at the daycare in the first place. Then there is the stress of going home. Being in the daycare is not easy on all dogs. There are new loud sounds, unfamiliar place, dogs barking constantly.

 

When your pup is home they might be eating for the first time, or at least the first time they are eating comfortably and they can tend to gulps down whatever they are given. Because of this the stomach can become very upset. It is suggested that the owner withhold food and water for at least an hour after the dog gets home from daycare.

 

Make sure that you are sending your dog with the food that he/she normally eats because if you don’t the daycare will use the food they have and that can start a dietary change that your dog’s stomach can’t handle.

 

Your dog may have caught something at the daycare that is causing them to feel unwell or suffer from diarrhea. The daycare should be screening for diseases, ask for vaccination cards, and clean regularly with disinfectant to kill germs. Although all precautions are taken there can still spread disease in the daycare. Parasites, bacteria, protozoans, viruses, can all still be spread from dog to dog. If this happens you can be sure that your dog will not be feeling well or suffering from diarrhea.

 

Why Does My Dog Stink After Daycare?

 

Unfortunately, daycares and kennels attract a lot of bacteria because bacteria breeds in moisture. Moisture is never-ending in a dog daycare due to hosing down areas in order to clean them. Bacteria can be left in hard to reach places when cleaning, like grooves and gaps. The bacteria left behind can transfer to your dog and create a horrible smell.

 

 

Why Is My Dog Trembling After Daycare?

 

There are two reasons your dog could be trembling after daycare. One is the excitement of being home with the family again. The second brings us back to anxiety. If your pup is suffering from separation anxiety this can cause them to tremble. It can take time for your dog to feel comfortable at daycare and stop having separation anxiety.

 

Why Does My Dog Come Home Super Hyper From Daycare?

 

If your dog comes home super hyper from daycare it can be because they are overtired and all their manners have gone out the window. Your dog may have over- exerted at daycare with activities or again just the excitement from all new people and dogs. Once they come home after their day they might be too excited to calm down. Imagine how a toddler would act if overtired. Hyper then most likely asleep..

 

 

Do Dogs Get Sad At Daycare?

 

Remember that it is completely normal for your dog to be sad when you begin taking them to doggy daycare. This new environment is not familiar. Your dog may need more time to get comfortable and adjust to the new surroundings. Once your dog has a routine going to doggy daycare they will become more adjusted and less sad. The sadness should end after the first few weeks on a stable schedule.

 

 

Is Daycare Stressful For Dogs?

 

Daycare can be very stressful for dogs when they first start attending. First they are being left in a new environment that is unfamiliar. There will be unfamiliar sounds, other dogs they don’t know barking and running around, there will be new smells, and people they don’t trust yet.

Honestly, for the first few weeks they may think that they have been abandoned. They don’t know if you will be coming back. After a few weeks, being picked up everyday, they will know that you are always coming back.

 

 

Do Dogs Like Going To Daycare?

 

Socialization is amazing for dogs. They get to run and play with other dogs that have the same energy levels as them. In order to have a successful daycare experience your dog needs routine.

 

How Many Days A Week Should My Dog Go To Daycare?

 

It is suggested that dogs should not be in daycare for more than three days a week. It is important that you continue to walk, train, and make time for your dog outside of daycare. Daycare in moderation is great with their many activities for dogs. But it may not be for every dog. You will need to have a trial and error period of a few weeks.

 

 

Is Doggy Daycare Good For Dogs With Separation Anxiety?

 

Doggy daycare is not good for all dogs. Separation anxiety is one of the hardest ones to break free of because the dog has anxiety that is being triggered by one or several of the events happening when starting a new daycare. It is suggested that the dog is trained on separation anxiety before starting a daycare.

 

Do Dogs Sleep At Daycare?

 

Usually, there are a lot of stimulating activities for your dog to do at daycare but there is also room for down time. Choosing the right daycare is important for your dog to have the best experience. Kennels where your dog may be able to have a blanket and toy from home should be included when choosing your daycare. This way if your pup is feeling tired or needs a break they have a safe space to rest.

 

Why Does My Dog Sleep So Much After Daycare?

 

Dogs tend to sleep 16-18 hours a day normally. When they are at daycare they may be sleeping a lot less throughout the day. This means that they will be very tired when they come back home. It is normal for them to sleep more in the hours after you pick them up than they did all day.

 

Why Is My Dog Nervous At Daycare?

 

Remember that there are new sights, sounds, and smells at the daycare. The people who work there or come in and out are unfamiliar. These are all triggers that can make your dog feel nervous. Dogs barking can be a trigger, smells can be a trigger, loud and unfamiliar sounds can be a trigger. Your dog being nervous in the first couple of weeks is normal.

 

Do Dogs Fight At Doggy Daycare?

 

Some dogs may be more aggressive than others. So, dog fights probably happen now and then at daycare. Sometimes it could be a fight over treats, toys, balls, or just space. A good daycare will be able to handle any problem that may arise. If a specific dog is the aggressor and can’t stop than they may be removed from the daycare to ensure the safety of all the other dogs.

 

How Do Dogs Adjust To Daycare?

 

Dogs begin to adjust to daycare when there is a routine implemented. The staff should be able to make your dog feel more comfortable each day. Knowing that you are coming back will be a huge factor for your dog’s happiness. They begin to trust the staff and other dogs. They get used to the routine of being dropped off, daily activities, being picked up, etc.

 

How Do I Know If My Dog Likes Daycare?

 

You will be able to know whether or not your dog likes daycare by watching their reactions. Once the routine is in place they should be excited to go to the daycare. Once you are there they won’t be clingy but they will be excited to go inside and get their day started. They are eating regularly and not being extra anxious.

 

What Dog Breeds Are Most Suited For Dog Daycare?

 

It is commonly known that the best breeds for daycare are high energy dogs. Daycare gives them the energy outlet that they might not be getting at home. Some of these breeds include:

 

• Corgi
• Sheepdogs
• Dalmatian
• Russell Terrier
• Siberian Husky
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Border Collie
• Australian Shepard
• English SPringer Spaniel
• Miniature Pinscher
• Poodles
• Beagles
• Irish Setter
• German Shepherd Dog

 

 

Which Dogs Should Not Be Sent For Daycare?

 

• Dogs who can not socialize with other dogs.
• Dogs who can not listen to instruction
• Dogs who are aggressive towards other animals
• Dogs who are aggressive towards humans

 

 

Is Daycare Good For Socializing My Dog?

 

Daycare can be a great place to socialize your dog. They will have a lot of pals to play with all day.

 

How To Find Great Daycare For My Dog?

 

First you need to decide the type of daycare you want your dog to attend.

There are three main types of daycares for dogs. The first is a Dog Park type daycare, the second is a Separated Play Areas daycare, and the third is a Home Style daycare.

 

After you choose the type of dog daycare that would best suit your dog’s needs, you need to think about the basics such as:

 

• Vaccinations required for attendance.
• Spay and Neuter requirements.
• The trial process at the daycare.
• Ratio of staff to dogs.
• Group size.
• Separation of dogs by size.
• Fences and safety features.
• Process to handle injuries.
• Certifications of the staff.
• Daily Routine.
• Cleaning protocol.

 

How To Spot Bad Doggy Daycare?

 

If the facility that you are looking into does not allow a tour that would be your first red flag. If the facility isn’t active, meaning the dogs are caged and look unhappy. If the daycare does not have a set schedule for activities and feeding. And, if the daycare does not have a safe space for your dog when they need to wind down or take a break.

 

Daycare for dogs has many benefits. Socialization is great for dogs that are left home for 8 hours or more while you are at work. But, there needs to be a routine so that your dog can properly acclimate. Daycare is not for every dog, there are some dogs who are overly aggressive towards other dogs. There are also dogs who may never get over the separation anxiety. But overall, doggy daycare is a great asset to use.

 

References

Things to avoid; bad dog boarding facilities. https://www.dogtopia.com/bloomfield/things-watch-avoid-bad-dog-boarding-facilities/

 

How home life affects dog’s behavior at daycare. https://www.fitdog.com/blog/home-life-affects-dogs-behavior-daycare/

 

How to know if your dog likes daycare. https://loverdoodles.com/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-likes-dog-daycare/

 

Daycare, training, and boarding. https://doggonefunnc.com/daycare/faq/