You would notice changes in their personality, food/water intake, and behaviour once they get back home after boarding. But this response is pretty normal. Every dog behaves differently after getting back home from boarding because of environmental changes. They are familiar with their home environment, but boarding changes the surroundings, daily routine, food, and playtime. Dogs normally thrive in a predictable environment like home, so changes in their environment stress them, and they handle stress in their own way. It’s time to know what to expect after dog boarding and how to readjust your pup at home after boarding.
What to Expect After Dog Boarding?
Here are 5 things you can expect after dog boarding.
Feeling Thirstier than Before
How to adjust after dog boarding
You will notice that your dog is drinking more water than usual. You might wonder whether she has access to water. Or maybe you think she didn’t drink enough water. Although it’s a concern, the reality is that your dog has access to enough water. It’s normal for your dog to drink more water as they feel more comfortable at home. Offer water, but make sure they drink a moderate amount.
Change in Stool
You also notice a change in stool or even vomiting once your dog gets back home. Loose or soft stool can be due to diet changes. Your dog switches back to home food after taking food on the boarding facility. Some dogs have more sensitive stomachs than others, so diet changes can affect stool. There is nothing to be worried about if your dog vomits because he is readjusting to his routine. Dogs get excited when they return to their normal environment, and a side effect of this excitement is colitis. Colitis is a condition in which the inner lining of a dog’s colon becomes inflamed, causing irregular or loose bowel movements. It’s temporary and usually returns to normal within a few days.
Personality Change
You may notice personality changes in your dog where she is either showing too much attachment or simply ignoring you. Both behaviours are normal responses, and you shouldn’t be alarmed by them. Each dog responds differently when they get back home after boarding. Some dogs experience mild separation anxiety when they are not with their owner, so they become clingy when they are back home with you. You can re-establish familiarity and comfort by providing a normal home routine, especially if your dog is ignoring you. A routine can bring positive changes in your dog’s behavior.
Fatigue
Vacations are quite exhausting for dogs. They definitely enjoy their boarding time when they have company, and they play all day together with their mates. They start feeling exhausted when they come back home. This is normal dog behavior, and you shouldn’t feel alarmed if your dog passes out shortly after coming home. They may sleep more than normal in the first few days because they spent a lot of energy playing in the yard. They recharge and reset by getting more sleep than usual.
Feeling Hungrier than before
You also notice your dog eating more than usual. This may concern you, as you might think the boarding provider didn’t feed your dog well. In reality, the boarding environment can make your dog nervous, and he may start eating less than he used to. He may start eating more than his normal amount once he gets back home because he feels comfortable and tries to make up for his regular meal.
How to readjust your dog at home after boarding?
Here are 4 tips that would help you readjust your dog at home after boarding.
Keep a close eye on water and food.
Keep a close eye on your pup’s water and food intake right after you get home. It’s normal for a dog to drink excessively, but you shouldn’t let them drink that much. Give them a normal bowl of water so they can quench their thirst. Drinking too much water in a short time can cause vomiting and bloating, so you must keep a close eye on their water intake. Offer a moderate amount of food after you get home. It’s a good idea to feed them three hours after reaching home. If your dog feels comfortable at home and you feed them quickly, they may get excited and eat more than needed. It’s always a good idea to withhold food for at least a few hours so their excitement level dials down.
Let Your Pet Rest
Dogs stay active at the boarding facility and interact with others for several hours a day. They get involved in different activities. Once dogs get back home, most of them sleep for more hours. They feel tired after a vacation with hours of playtime. You can help your dog readjust at home by giving them more time to sleep. Let them rest and avoid taking them out for a few days.
Offer them a calm environment.
Your dog may become overly excited when you get home. They want more one-on-one time and get clingy. You need to offer them a calm environment to calm their nerves and reduce their separation anxiety. You can prevent overstimulation by offering them a peaceful environment after boarding. A calm environment will help them process the change from a social environment to their familiar home. Keep a close eye on your dog’s health. Offer them fresh water and regular food. Focus on rest and routine, and they’ll get back to normal pretty soon.
Set a Normal Routine
You can help your dog transition back home by maintaining a basic routine similar to what he had before boarding. This means you can start feeding, walking, and playing with your dog at the same time. Dogs feel less anxious with predictable routines. When you follow their usual diet and portion size, their digestive system will become stable. Maintain a proper routine by setting a set time for walks, sleep, food, and play.
Conclusion
You can expect changes in your dog’s appetite, personality, and bowel movements after boarding, but it’s all part of the reunion. Dogs are quite attached to their owners, and getting back home gives them a sense of relaxation. You must give them proper time to rest and readjust after getting back home. It’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian after three weeks if you notice your dog isn’t returning to his normal behavior and appetite after boarding.
