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Our pups’ desire for mental stimulation is just as strong as it is for physical stimulation. For many dog owners, our 9:00 – 5:00 job prevents us from spending forty-plus hours a week with our pup. Over the course of one year, that’s over 2,000 hours. Imagine being home alone with no one to talk to or interact with for that long? That is not even taking into consideration the hundreds of other hours we are away from home for other responsibilities. A solution that millions of American dog owners found to help keep their fur-legged friends happy is doggy daycare. These daycare centers continue to become more popular because they really are beneficial to dogs for many reasons.

What Exactly is a Doggy Daycare?

A doggy daycare is a professional facility that welcomes your pup when his owner is away at work, on vacation, or just in need of some downtime. These facilities generally have a daily sitting fee, and their staff will show your pup the attention he’s looking for. The dogs that attend these daycares spend hours of time interacting with each other and forming bonds with other dogs. From playing fetch to walking to just snuggles, the facility staff treats your pup as their own for the day.

They’re Not Just for When You Are Busy

Although there are many good reasons to allow your dog to visit a doggy daycare, here are the three most important reasons.

1. To build your pup’s socialization skills. Many pups don’t have other dogs to play with or interact around. Although they love their human best friend, they do well around other dogs. By introducing them to other dogs at a doggy daycare, they tend to show less aggression, lower rates of anxiety, and less fear towards dogs outside of the facility. Your pup will actually look forward to seeing other dogs as socialization is a very natural desire for your pup. Beginning socialization at an early stage in your dog’s life is highly recommended.
   
2. Exercise! We all know the importance of getting your pup’s thirty minutes of daily exercise time in, but after a long day at work, sometimes we are just too tired to take that brisk walk with our dog. Doggy daycares will provide plenty of off-the-leash exercise time for your dog, which will not only make him happier but your evening more relaxing.
   
   
3. It’s fun for your pup. Remember as a kid the enjoyment you would get going to the playground and burning off steam? It’s the same for your dog.

Are All Dogs Meant for Doggy Daycare?

Most dogs are; however, some should not based upon a few things. If your fur-legged friend is overly anxious, very nervous, or sensitive to sounds, such as barking, this may not be a good idea. As noted above, it’s similar to the playground we went to as children. There’s a lot of action and excitement there, and overly sensitive or older dogs may not find this fun. If your dog tends to be of an aggressive nature, this is not for him. Some dog breeds naturally are more aggressive than others. If your pup can’t play nice, he will have a hard time fitting in with the other pups.

What to Bring

Many doggy daycares will want you to provide them with your pup’s food and broken down into individual serving sizes. Any daily medications that your dog takes will also need to be brought along. Before they accept your dog, you will need to show vacination records and or other documentation which will help them assure your dog is healthy and safe to be around other dogs.

How to Tell if a Particular Doggy Daycare is Safe.

When you tour the facility, inspect the areas for cleanliness. Inquire about their licensing and speak to other dog parents who are dropping off or picking up their dogs. It is also a wise idea to look online and read reviews and comments about the facility. Have there been any major issues? One of the best tell-tail signs (no pun intended) is to look at the other dogs. Are they excited and happy while at the facility?

At The End of The Day At the end of the day we are really doing this to make our fur-legged friend happy. The social interaction and playtime he will receive is something that he will love you for. Our pups are truly a part of our family and when they are happy we are happy. If you have considered a doggy daycare take the time to find the right one for you and your pup. Your dog will thank you for it!

Dogs with an allergy have an immune system that overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. This over-response is known as an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Allergies can develop to any substance that a dog is frequently exposed to, such as food, fleas and seasonal environmental allergens such as grass or pollen.

What Are the Symptoms of Dog Allergies?

Although there are many symptoms, the most common symptom associated with dog allergies is itching of the skin and ears. In certain cases, the symptoms also involve the respiratory system which causes coughing, sneezing, and or wheezing. Some pups will also experience runny discharge from the nose and mouth. In more serious cases, allergies are known to affect the digestive system, resulting in anal gland issues, vomiting and diarrhea.

Do Most Dogs Suffer from Allergies? 

Unfortunately, allergies are very common in dogs. They affect dog breeds of all shapes and sizes. In most cases, allergies appear around the pup’s first birthday, however, can appear as early as six months in age. 

Food Allergies in Dogs.

Food allergies make up between ten and fifteen percent of dog reported allergy cases. Known symptoms of food allergies in dogs include chronically soft stool, chronic anal gland inflammation, compulsive itching, vomiting, and chronic ear infections. There is a difference between your fur-legged friend reacting to something that didn’t agree with his stomach versus an actual allergic reaction. A onetime upset stomach after eating a certain food isn’t cause for great concern, however, if your pup gets “sick” or shows signs of an allergic reaction after eating the same type of food he may be allergic to what he is consuming.  In an allergic reaction to food, special antibodies are produced against a part of the food’s protein or complex carbohydrate. Since the production of these antibodies is required for an allergy to develop, food allergies usually manifest after eating the same food for an extended period of time.

Best Way to Test My Dog For Food Allergies? 

There are not many reliable allergy tests for food allergies. Blood and saliva tests that claim to detect food allergies have not yet proven to be completely accurate. Before going this route, the “food trial” method is what many dog owners use. This consists of a very basic and limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein that your pup has never ingested before. Feeding your dog a source of protein such as venison versus beef or chicken is an example of this. This “trial” will allow you to add one ingredient at a time until you see your dog react. It is at that point you can point out which ingredient caused the allergic reaction. This does take time though and a lot of patience.

Flea Allergies Are No Fun.

There are a variety of anti-flea products on the market that will help combat these pesky creatures. A good indication that your dog has fleas is excessive scratching, normally in a generalized area. Your pup’s skin (under his fur) may be red and inflamed which is certainly painful. Should you suspect a flea allergy, it is always wise to contact your veterinarian for guidance and information. 

Treating Dog Allergies

Since each dog and each allergy is different, there are a wide variety of dog allergy treatments available. It is always suggested to keep in contact with your veterinarian who can recommend and adjust treatments. Generally, the levels of treatment are based on what your dog is suffering from. Keeping a journal of your dog’s symptoms and what he did or ate before the symptoms arrived is also something that will allow for a better plan of action.

The Most Common Types of Dog Allergy Treatments 

Anti-itch medication: Daily oral or monthly injectable medications that block itch pathways inside your dog. 

Medicated liquid shampoos: This will allow you to keep your pup’s skin barrier healthy by keeping allergens from forming on your dog. 

Antihistamines: These are used for breathing symptoms such as sneezing and also help to stop a runny eye or nose. 

Hypo sensitization: A very fancy word for an allergy shot which can be administered by your veterinarian.

It’s A Part of Being a Dog Owner Although dog allergies can be frustrating, at times, it is a part of owning a dog. After all, our pups are living creatures who experience the same physical ailments that we do. By taking a proactive approach some allergies can be prevented. Allergies that cant are able to be controlled