Why your dog needs a rest day after day care!
The Importance of a Rest Day After Doggy Day Care
If your dog comes home from day care and spends the next day snoozing on the couch, you might wonder if something’s wrong. In fact, that deep, contented rest is a good thing—and building in a “rest day” after doggy day care can actually make the experience even more beneficial.
Why Do Dogs Need Rest Days?
Doggy day care is a wonderful outlet, but it’s also a big day for your dog. Not only are they physically active, but they’re also socialising, learning, and taking in new sights, smells, and experiences. That level of stimulation is enriching, but it can be tiring too.
A rest day gives your dog time to:
Recharge physically – Just like us after a workout, muscles and joints need a break.
Process mentally – Dogs learn from their experiences, and downtime helps them absorb and file away all the social and environmental information they’ve picked up.
Reset emotionally – Even positive excitement can be exhausting. A rest day helps keep your dog balanced and prevents overstimulation.
What Does a Healthy Rest Day Look Like?
On a rest day, it’s completely normal if your dog wants to sleep more than usual. Sleep is how they restore their energy and process what they’ve experienced.
That doesn’t mean the day has to be boring though—rest days can still include:
Gentle walks – A calm stroll around the block or a “sniffy walk” where your dog leads with their nose instead of their paws.
Low-key enrichment – Puzzle feeders, slow treat-dispensing toys, or a simple hide-and-seek game with their favourite toy.
Bonding time – Cuddles on the couch, grooming sessions, or quiet play at home.
Think of it as a “spa day” for your dog—nourishing, relaxing, and restorative.
Why Rest Days Actually Make Day Care Better
Some owners worry that skipping a day of day care means their dog will miss out, but the truth is the opposite. Dogs who have time to rest and reset in between visits often enjoy day care more, play better with others, and maintain a healthier balance of energy.
Just like athletes need recovery time between workouts, dogs need downtime to get the most out of their active days.
In Summary
Rest days are not a sign that your dog is “lazy”—they’re a vital part of their routine. Balancing active social days with restorative rest ensures your dog stays happy, healthy, and ready for their next adventure.
So next time your pup curls up for a long snooze after day care, know that it’s exactly what their body and mind need.