Top 10 Benefits of Putting Your Dog in Doggy Daycare

Dog daycare has become the popular thing for many pet owners these days.  Many people are putting their dogs in doggy daycare and loving the many benefits of doing so.

Though to many, this might seem like an unnecessary thing to do, to dog people, there are lots of advantages for their favorite friend.  Here are 10 reasons why you might consider giving doggie daycare a go.

Keep Your Dog From Getting Lonely

Your dog isn’t unlike a person in many ways, and while you’re at work full time during the day, your best friend misses you.  They might spend hours waiting by the window or door for your arrival.

There’s only so much a dog can do at home each day by themselves, day after day.  Plus, when dogs get lonely and bored, they get anxious.  As a result, they tend to turn to chewing on furniture or being destructive to pass the time.

With dog daycare, your dog will have the chance to socialize with daycare workers and other dogs which will keep them from getting lonely.

Don’t Worry About Being Home Late

Some nights you have to work later than you expected, leaving your dog home waiting for you well past dark.  Or, you might make social plans after work which just extends the amount of time your dog is alone.

If your dog is in doggie daycare, they can remain in good hands until you are ready to pick them up.  That’s one less thing you have to worry about.

You Don’t Have To Let Anyone Into Your Home

Though you always have the option of hiring someone to come over to your house while you’re gone to walk your dog or play with them, it can often be awkward to know someone has access to your house while you’re away.

Let go of the anxiety of wondering if a pet sitter is going through your belongings and leave your dog in the care of a professional dog daycare instead.

It’s More Affordable Than You Think

When people first hear about daycare for dogs, they assume it’s going to be expensive.  This concern is one of the main reasons why people avoid daycare options for their dog.  But if you shop around you’ll find that many facilities have discounted rates or specials.

It’s also possible to take advantage of doggie daycare just a couple times a week instead of every day to save on cost.  Your dog will still enjoy the benefits while you cut costs.

Doggy Daycare Offers Grooming

Most dog daycare facilities offer some type of grooming services for your dog.  So not only will your dog enjoy their time playing, you can knock out two birds with one stone by having their nails and hair trimmed during their stay.

This will save you an extra trip and perhaps an extra cost since you won’t have to stop by a groomer’s on the way home.

Exercise All Day

Being cooped up in the house all day can be hard on a dog.  Too much laying around isn’t good for their health.  Even with access to the backyard, they might not be as motivated to run around by themselves without encouragement.

While at doggie daycare, however, your dog will be actively played with. They can run around with other dogs, play fetch, and go on walks with staff.  This will be beneficial for your dog’s physical health and emotional well being.

Dogs left to their own devices with energy to burn might turn to digging up the yard or running circles in your grass.  Daycare for your dog can help with that.

Besides exercise, staff at your dog’s daycare can help reinforce good behavior by regularly training them to behave and heed commands.  This will carry over into their behavior while they’re at home with you.

Your Dog Will Make Friends

One of the best reasons to consider dog daycare for your special friend is the other dogs.  Dogs are social animals and don’t love to be alone.  At dog daycare, they never will be!  They can run around and play with their own kind for hours on end which makes most dogs very happy.

Your dog will likely see many of the same doggie friends every time and be able to form happy relationships.

Dogs Can Enjoy A Change Of Scenery

Though there’s no place like home, sending your dog to daycare, he or she will appreciate the change in scenery.  With new trees to sniff, new people to lick, and new places to play, your dog will love changing things up a bit.

Just like you, your dog likes to get out and explore new places and dog daycare offers a chance to do just that during the day.

Lots Of Attention

You know your dog loves getting attention from you and would happily have it all day, every day, if they could.  So while you have to be away, why not let someone else provide them with plenty?

At dog daycare, your dog will get plenty of attention from a dog-loving staff that will be there to shower your dog with affection and play.

Peace Of Mind

Another big benefit of dog daycare is your own piece of mind. While you’re at work, you can be confident that your dog is being well taken care of and is happy until you can pick them up.

Knowing your special friend is interacting with other dogs, playing, and getting plenty of exercise is a reassuring feeling.

Find The Right Daycare For Your Dog

Before you put your dog into daycare, it’s important to find the right fit.  Look for a place that has built a good reputation for providing excellent care to the dogs they serve.

Our dog daycare facility, we offer the training, grooming, boarding, and play that your dog needs to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

We invite you to look over our website at the many services we provide and contact us for more information on our popular dog daycare.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/doggy-daycare-benefits/

A Beginner’s Look at Dog Parasites

 
Summer is here! It’s time for trail walks and stream splashing with your favorite furry friend. Go enjoy the great outdoors, but this is the time of year when dog parasites are most common.

A Beginner’s Guide to Dog Parasites

You love your pooch. He’s an important member of the family. The last thing you want is for your dog to get sick.

We run one of Chicago’s most experienced dog boarding and doggie daycare programs. We care about your pet’s health. We want to share this important information about dog parasites with you.
You’ve heard of parasites but do you know much about them?

What are Dog Parasites?

A dog parasite is an organism that lives inside your dog, or on the skin, and makes them sick. It feeds off the host, your dog, to survive.

There are a few types, and each one can cause a different symptom or health risk. No matter the type, they need treatment to be sure your pup stays healthy and comfortable.

Internal Parasites

Internal parasites live inside your dog or puppy’s body. They grow in the digestive tract, stomach, and intestines. Your dog ingests them by eating the eggs or larvae from a contaminated food source or even soil.

You’ll notice changes in your dog’s behavior when he is sick from parasites. Here are some descriptions to help you decide which parasite problem you may be dealing with.

• Roundworms – These are long, thin worms that can live in your dog’s intestines. You’ll notice coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting if your dog has roundworm. You may even find these worms in your dog’s feces.

• Tapeworms – This parasite comes from fleas your dog may ingest. If the flea has tapeworm eggs growing inside it, then your dog will get them, too. Tapeworms cause diarrhea and weight loss and can also be seen in your dog’s feces.

• Hookworms – The parasite attaches to the inside of the stomach and feeds off the blood supply. Loss of blood will make your dog tired but can have a more serious effect on puppies. You’ll notice diarrhea and weight loss when your dog has hookworms.

• Whipworms – These are small, threadlike worms that live in the dog’s large intestine. Like most intestinal parasites, they cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. They are much harder to spot, but you may notice a bit of mucus on your dog’s feces.

• Heartworms – A parasite-infected mosquito bite causes heartworm. The eggs or larvae set up house inside your dog’s heart. They slow the flow of blood, so he gets tired quickly. He may develop a cough and lose his appetite.

• Ringworm – This is not actually a worm, it’s a fungus. And yes, it’s still a parasite because it gets what it needs to survive from your pup. In fact, puppies are most at risk because they are still developing their immune system. If your dog has ringworm, you will notice round sores with a red center on his head, ears and even on the paws.

• Giardia – This parasite is not a worm, either. It is more common in puppies because they are still developing. If your dog or puppy has giardia, you may notice greenish, foul-smelling feces.

External Parasites

These parasites live on the surface of your dog’s skin and hair. You can see them as you brush or pet your pup. They sometimes jump off and cause problems for humans, too! Take a look at this list to see if your dog has an external parasite problem.

• Mites – Mites are microscopic, meaning it’s hard to see them without magnifying them. They cause itching and irritation, especially if the burrow under the skin. Your dog may have mites if he shakes his head or scratches at his ears.

• Lice – Also microscopic, Lice live in your dog’s hair. They cause itching and irritation. They are not the same kind of lice that humans get, but they can still bite you.

• Ticks – Dogs that spend a lot of time outside, especially in areas with lots of tall grass or shrubs, may get ticks. There are many types of ticks, but they tend to be dark brown and roundish in shape. They bite your dog and feed on the blood and need to be removed immediately.

• Fleas – An insect without wings, fleas live on your dog’s skin. You can usually find them if you part the fur or look in areas that have less fur. They feed on your dog by biting and sucking out blood. They cause itchiness and irritation that makes your dog scratch and bite himself.

What to Do if My Dog Has Parasites

No matter the type of parasite, it’s time to take action. Not only is your dog sick, but he might be contagious! Many internal and external dog parasites can pass from one pet to another, and in some cases to humans.

Your dog is not going to get better on his own, so you will want to provide treatment. It’s even more important for a puppy. He doesn’t have a developed immune system, yet.

Some parasite treatments are available over the counter. Others need a prescription from the vet. Monthly medications can help prevent some parasites, such as heartworm and fleas.

We’ve given you a basic look at dog parasites and how to identify them. If you’d like more detailed information, you can find it here. We hope this information helps you become aware of how dog parasites can affect your pup.

We’d Love to Hear From You

If you’d like to talk more about dog boarding or our doggie daycare program, please contact us!

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/dog-parasites/

Welcoming Your New Puppy Home – How To Prepare

So, your new puppy is coming home soon. This is an exciting and happy time, but it can also be a scary time. Your life is about to be upended.  Are you ready? More importantly, is your home ready?  Fear not, this blog will ease your apprehensions and prepare you to welcome your new puppy home and into the perfectly safe and healthy environment.

Make the First Vet Appointment for your New Puppy 

This is the first thing you do when you commit to a puppy, even before he even comes home. New puppies should have a general health checkup and an immunization schedule set up. There will be a series of appointments, actually, but at least set up the first and let the doctor guide you the rest of the way.

Different breeds have different needs, so make sure you discuss what kinds of things to keep an eye out for, as well as how to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. For example, dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections, so have a discussion with your vet about how to prevent them.

There are varying schools of thought as to how much immunization to give your puppy. Have an honest discussion about that. Cities like Chicago with rat problems can be a bigger risk for things like leptospirosis. Talk about that with your vet. Also talk about how soon and how often you should socialize your puppy with other dogs. Your puppy could be at risk before he has all of his shots.

Your doctor can also guide you on what to feed your puppy, how much to feed, and how to switch out foods if he won’t eat.

Puppy Food

Let’s talk about food some more.  If you are not happy with your doctor’s recommendation and want to explore more options, your local pet store can help. Make sure you buy a puppy brand since puppies need a different nutrition profile than do older dogs. Don’t suffer from analysis paralysis here or become a brand snob. The best food for your dog is the one she eats regularly and maintains good health with, whether it’s $10 a bag or $100 a bag.  First step in that process is finding one that she will actually eat.  If you have to constantly spice up her food with tasty toppers, it’s probably the wrong brand.

Also make sure you have a good supply of dog treats to reward your puppy for potty training (and other training) successes. In addition to pet store bought dog treats, did you know that many types of human food are OK for dogs? This includes, but is not limited to, carrots, peas, string cheese, Greek yogurt, applesauce, pumpkin, and peanut butter. You’ll probably want to do a quick web search if you are unsure about a human grade treat, because some foods can be downright bad for dogs – chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, and grapes, to name a few.

Finally, to get your puppy on a good feeding schedule, don’t let him graze and pick at his food all day.   Set the food and water down at feeding time and put it up after he eats. This will help to get him on a regular feeding schedule.

Crate Training

You’re going to need a crate on day one. If you’ve never had a dog before you might think keeping him locked in what amounts to a cage seems cruel and unusual. Resist the temptation to think this.   The crate is your puppy’s safe space. He will be here at night to sleep, of course, but he’ll also spend most of his time here when he’s not directly interacting with you (out walking, playing, at training, etc).
The crate should be big enough so that he can stand up and turn around comfortably, but not so big that he can roam around freely.  This is an important component of potty training your puppy.

Puppies won’t soil the area where they sleep, so if the space is confined enough that he can’t roam very far you should be fine.  If it’s too big, he may roam to the other end to do his business when the urge strikes.

Look for a crate with a movable divider so that the space inside can grow with your puppy.

Puppy Proofing your Home

The crate is the first step to puppy-proofing your home, but he won’t spend all of his time in it.   When he’s out he’s going to look for something to chew. Some things – shoes, socks, car keys, eyeglasses – can be put away or out of reach.  Others cannot, like your furniture and walls.

You really shouldn’t leave your new puppy unattended, but life happens sometimes – you get a phone call, you run down to get your mail, maybe the little guy figures out how to break out of the crate, or the dog walker forgets to put him back in it. And then he’s out an on the loose and we know what will happen then —  he’ll chew things.  Anything.   Everything. Corners of walls baseboards. Furniture legs.  Pillows.  Sofa cushions.  You!

There are a few things you can do to prevent this.

Option 1:  Spray a product like Bitter Apple everywhere he might chew.   Bitter Apple is a non-toxic bitter tasting concoction that will prevent your dog from chewing something more than once.  It works for a short period of time. And, do you really want your house covered in this stuff?   Probably not.

Option 2:  Never let her out of your sight.   Easier said than done.  As we discussed earlier, eventually something will come up and she’ll be on the loose.

Option 3:  Tether your leashed puppy to a table or chair leg.   This will get him out of his crate, but not allow him to roam freely.   Of course, you never want to leave your puppy alone while tethered for safety reasons, but it can be a good option while you watch television or eat dinner.

There is also an Option 4 – chewing alternatives.

Chew Toys

Your puppy will need a variety of toys, but chew toys are the most important early on for the reasons mentioned above. They’ll not only protect your house and person from those razor-sharp teeth, they will keep her occupied and tire him out for one of her many naps throughout the day.

You have plenty of options here.

Organic chew toys, like rawhide, bully sticks, bones, and antlers can be good options, but a couple of words of warning. First, some bones and antlers may be too hard for your puppy’s young teeth. In that case you’re probably better off with rawhide or bully sticks or something similar.

But these are not without peril, either.   As they are chewed, they naturally get smaller.   If they get too small, your puppy could swallow and choke on the nub. For this reason, NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WITH A CHEW STICK. When they get too small, throw them away. In fact, do that before they get too small and eliminate the risk altogether.

There is also a myriad of non-organic options available at your pet store.  Prefer the ones made of hard rubber that don’t break or have small corners or pieces that fleck off.  There are both solid and hollow chew toys, the latter providing an added bonus – space for treats! Jamming an oversized treat or dog biscuit inside of a hollow chew toy can keep your puppy occupied for quite a while. Another option is to fill the toy with something like peanut butter or soft dog food and freeze it. This is a great way to keep your dog occupied in his crate while you are busy or not at home.

Of course, whatever goes in your dog must eventually come out. 

Potty Training 

 

This will probably be your biggest challenge. A lot will depend on where you live. If you’re in a conventional home with a front and/or back yard, things will be considerably easier. If you live in an apartment or condo not on the first floor, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

The first thing you want to do is get on a schedule. Some experts recommend taking a new puppy outside to go every 2-3 hours.  As you might have noticed, that can interfere with your sleep schedule. If possible, keep the crate on the first floor so the distance to the door is as short as possible. Also, at least early on, you will want to carry your puppy from the crate to outside.  If you let him walk himself, he’s liable to stop and drop right there on the spot, which is exactly you are trying to avoid.

Once he does his business outside, praise him profusely and reward him with treats. But be prepared and don’t be too hard on yourself or your puppy if there are accidents. Spoiler alert: there will be accidents. When (not if) he has an accident, immediately pick him up and take him outside, but do not yell at him or shame him. A simple, friendly “Oops” is enough to send a gentle message. If/when he goes again outside immediately following an accident, double down on the treats and praise.  This will help to reinforce the desired behavior.

Once you can trust your puppy outside of the crate a little more, but perhaps not completely, you may want to lay down piddle pads – soft, flat, diaper like pads – for accidents. A more permanent solution, one that works well in high rises in the middle of the night, are small turf systems that contain their own drainage system.   They come with cleaning solutions to keep them sanitary and better (notice we didn’t say “fresh”) smelling, but eventually you’ll want to eliminate this and the pads and only let your puppy relieve himself outside. Review our puppy potty training blog for for a step-by-step guidance on this topic.

Summary – the joy of a new puppy

Getting a new puppy will change your life, mostly for the better. But it takes a serious commitment and investment of time, not to mention money.   Make sure you are ready to make this commitment so your home can be a loving, safe, healthy, and most importantly, a permanent home for your puppy.
At K9U Chicago, we love and welcome puppies to our daycare and inside/outside dog park once they are cleared by the vet, contact us with any questions your new puppy.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/welcome-new-puppy-home/

Dog Park Safety Tips & the Most Popular Dog Parks in Chicago

 
Thinking of taking your dog to a local dog park? Before you go, learn a little more about how to enjoy yourselves safely.  Here are some dog park safety tips that are sure to help you and your dog enjoy your dog park.

What to Look for in a Dog Park?

Do you have a dog park in your neighborhood? Great!

But just because you have access to a dog park doesn’t mean it’s the best or safest place for your pup to play. Before you play, check the safety of the area.

First, check the fencing. Can your dog jump the fence? Do gates auto-close and are they secure? Parks should be safely enclosed with no chances of dogs getting in or out without their pet parents. A standard feature of most dog parks is a double gate system. This is an area that allows you and your dog to enter, remove their leash and enter the park through a second entry. The purpose of double gates is to make sure dogs don’t accidentally escape.

Second, how’s the size? Dog parks that operate above capacity are more likely to experience moments of canine aggression. This poses a definite safety risk. Make sure to walk on past if you see too many dogs playing. Also, are there separate areas for large and small dogs? If not, this is a safety concern.

Lastly, feel for the ambiance. Who goes to the dog park? Is it frequented at certain times? How is maintenance? All these things need to be considered. When you take your first visit, try to go when it’s not too busy. That way, you and your dog have a chance to explore.

How Dog Owners Should Act?

We love all our pet parents, but sometimes it’s hard for them to understand that bad dog park behavior is often a sign of bad pet owner behavior. Thankfully, with a little education, that can be remedied.

At the dog park, your job is to watch your dog. It’s not a passive activity, however. You should be actively supervising your pup. Dog parks are exciting places. All that energy must go somewhere!

So, what can begin as playful wrestling and jumping can become aggressive attacking fast. Thus, you need to be constantly vigilant. Avoid using a mobile device and texting while at the dog park.

Well-run parks have rules. No kids under a certain age? Don’t bring them. Do you have a mastiff trying to play with a teacup terrier? Uh… no. That’s a problem waiting to happen. Follow the rules and use some common sense to prevent any unwanted altercations.

Is Your Dog Ready to Play?

Does your dog have a mastery of basic commands? Do they reliably answer to the “come” command?  If the answer to both questions is “no,” then your dog is not ready for the dog park. They need to have obedience training before they can socialize safely with other dogs.

One bad experience can ruin your chances at ever having a good experience at a dog park again. According to The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, “A traumatic experience can make an impact on a young dog that cannot be fully understood nor erased. A puppy or adolescent who is attacked may well show aggressive behaviors that begin after that incident.”

Quick Dog Park Safety Tips

Here are some quick reminders that will help keep you and your dog safe at the park:

• Put Your Phone Away: Now isn’t the time to zone out. As a dog owner, your job is to ensure the safety of your pet. Within a few seconds, a dog’s temperament can shift. You need to be ready.
• Forget the Toy at Home: Unless your dog loves to share, reconsider bringing toys. If you insist on bringing a toy, maybe bring some extras for the other dogs.
• Clean Up After Your Pet: Pick up the poop. It’s a simple and responsible courtesy to other visitors. The easy part? Most dog parks have little bags to help you do so in case you forget yours at home.
• Read Body Language: If your dog or another dog is staring, crouching or looks VERY tense, it’s time to go home. Better to be safe than sorry!

5 of the Most Popular Dog Parks in Chicago

While there are tons of GREAT dog parks all over Chicago, here are a handful of popular dog parks:

Fred Anderson Park (South Loop)
1611 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60616

This large, 1.20-acre dog park features two dog pens. One for small dogs and another for large. Park features include a water fountain, artificial turf, safety fences, and dog drinking fountains.

Skinner Bark Park (West Loop)
331 W Adams St
Chicago, IL 60607

Skinner Bark Park opened in 2014 and is known for their impeccable maintenance. Check their website to see events such as dog safety education and agility training.

Larabee Dog Park (River North)
652 N Larrabee St
Chicago, IL 60654

Right on the river, Larabee Dog Park is a simple, minimalist park. It’s perfect for a good walk and tumbles with local pups. There are water features to keep the dogs cool in the summer!

Montrose Dog Beach (Uptown)
4400 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago, IL 60640

MonDog, or Montrose Dog Friendly Area, is a popular area fenced off for dogs! Their website lays out all their rules. People love to visit MonDog because it’s clean, fun, and safe!

Logan Square Dog Park (Logan Square)
 2526 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

This location is known for its well-behaved pups and friendly visitors. Come here to relieve your dogs of their wiggles and zoomies in a safe way.

Summary - Safety First

Training your dog to listen to you and feel safe with you is the key to dog park safety. Your actions matter too. The biggest takeaway is to train your dog well and be vigilant. Have a romping good time and stay safe! For more guidance, check out all our training programs.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://k9uchicago.com/blog/dog-park-safety-tips-and-the-most-popular-dog-parks-in-chicago/