If you haven't boarded your dog before, you probably don't realize that she may seem a little different for a few days after you collect her and bring her home.

This is often completely normal and just a reaction to her readjusting to her surroundings.

However, it definitely helps to be prepared and to know when to worry and when to just give her time and space to settle home. Here is what you need to know about what to expect when you pick your dog up and take her home after boarding.

My Dog Is Acting Hungrier than Usual; Did She Eat when in Kennels?

One of the most common things that we hear from owners once their dog first returns home after boarding in Andalusia, AL is that she is eating much more than normal. If Bella seems ravenous for the first few days after coming home, don't worry. It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong nor that she didn't eat when in kennels. Instead, this increased hunger is usually attributed to different things.

Dogs tend to work up a significant appetite when they are in kennels and this is because they spend a lot of time exercising and playing. They need extra calories to refuel their bodies. However, since dogs naturally seem to eat less when boarding, often just due to being less comfortable eating in unfamiliar surroundings, it is very common for canines to play catch-up when they arrive home. If your dog's appetite doesn't settle down in a few days, speak to your veterinarian in Andalusia, AL for reassurance.

My Dog Seems Particularly Thirsty; Do I Need to Be Concerned?

Similar to added hunger, many owners report that their dogs also drink more during the first few days back home. Again, this is almost certainly due to the fact that she simply feels more comfortable drinking at home than in the kennels, although in some circumstances this can be to do with your dog preferring the taste of the water you offer over the water given at the kennels.

My Dog Is Sleeping a Lot, Is She Ok?

If your boarding facility is doing a good job of taking care of your dog, she will almost certainly come home feeling worn out! You don't want to go away and leave her in a kennel that will largely leave her to her own devices. Instead, you want to be sure she is kept busy so that she remains healthy and not focused on being apart from you. Any reputable kennel will spend a great deal of time exercising and playing with your dog so she is physically and cognitively stimulated and doesn't become bored and restless. As a result, she may need to sleep more when she gets home! If she still seems unusually lethargic after a couple of days, it is worth speaking to your veterinarian in Andalusia, AL just to rule out any underlying illness.

My Dog Has Had Diarrhea since She Got Home, Do I Need to Take Her to the Vet?

Have you ever had an upset tummy because of fear, anxiety, or excitement? A similar phenomenon can affect our pets too, and if your dog has diarrhea when she is in kennels or when she first returns home, this could be to do with the flood of emotions she will be feeling. It is very unlikely that she has picked up a stomach virus or anything while in kennels since they are fastidious both in ensuring animals are suitably vaccinated and in their standards of cleanliness. Nevertheless, if Bella has diarrhea for more than 48 hours, it is important to schedule an appointment with your vet to rule out the underlying illness and to check that she isn't becoming dehydrated. If she has diarrhea and isn't drinking, see your vet immediately.

My Dog Seems Abnormally Clingy. What Can I Do to Help Her?

Many pets suffer from mild separation anxiety when they are temporarily out of contact with their owner. As a result, clingy behavior when you are first reunited is normal and to be expected. Nevertheless, you can help manage this and ease Bella back into her habitual, well-adjusted self by slipping back into your usual routine as quickly as possible. This will help to re-establish familiarity and help her feel secure.

Still concerned about what to expect when you pick your dog up after boarding? Contact our reassuring and knowledgeable veterinary team at our veterinary hospital in Andalusia, AL today at (334) 222-4713 with your questions or to arrange a tour of our exemplary boarding facility.