Common Issues After Boarding

Whether it's an upcoming vacation or a family emergency, you won't always be around to look after your dog. Pet boarding services can offer you peace of mind knowing that your pup is being cared for while you're away.

Although dog boarding kennels are usually a convenient option for pet parents on the go, there are a few considerations you'll want to make before boarding your furry friend. In this blog, we'll explore four common issues your dog may exhibit after boarding.

Increased Hunger and Thirst

After you bring your pup home from boarding, you may notice that they're eating and drinking more than usual. This could leave you wondering if they got enough food and water while you were away. New environments can increase your dog's stress levels, reducing how much water and food they consume at the time. This can result in them overeating when they return home.

A side effect of this? Quickly consuming water and food can cause an upset tummy and diarrhea. Rather than offering a full meal to your dog when they get home, try waiting a while until they've calmed down from the excitement of seeing their family. If your pup seems thirsty, try offering a few ice cubes rather than a full bowl of water. Their normal eating habits will also return as they settle back into their old routine.

Kennel Cough

If your dog develops a distinctive cough after spending time at his dog resort, he may be suffering from a case of kennel cough. Just like when humans are around sick people, unvaccinated dogs exposed to sick pups are at risk of developing this nasty bug. Symptoms of kennel cough typically appear within ten days of exposure. Signs your dog may have kennel cough include a persistent hacking cough accompanied by low energy, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, and a runny nose.

If you've brought your dog home from boarding and are worried it might be sick, schedule an appointment with your vet. Although most cases of kennel cough resolve on their own, your pup may need antibiotics to help aid the healing process.

Injury

Most canine boarding facilities give owners the option to allow their pup to play with other dogs during their stay. This provides your furry friend the opportunity to run off energy and socialize with other dogs. Although socialization has many benefits, it also comes with some risks. Playing can turn into a fight quickly despite boarding services' best efforts. The risk of injury is especially true for puppy boarding facilities that don't separate dogs based on age and energy level.

Although it's unlikely that your dog will experience a serious injury while boarded, accidents happen. Your boarding facility should inform you if your pet is hurt and have your dog's vet information on hand to quickly get it the best care.

Separation Anxiety

If you find that your dog is extra clingy after being boarded, it may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is common amongst many dog breeds and can worsen when you leave, or their routines are changed. Common signs of separation anxiety include whining or barking when left alone, excessive drooling, and destructive behavior.

Do you have an especially anxious dog? Consider using a private dog boarding service over a larger boarding facility. Many private dog care options allow your dog to stay in someone's home where it's easier to stick to their unique schedule.

Preventing Dog Boarding and Daycare Complications

Many issues accompanying canine boarding can be prevented by choosing the right boarding facility and properly preparing your dog. Before picking your pup's dog resort, it's a good idea to tour the facility. This allows you to make sure the building is safe and ask more detailed questions.

When interviewing facilities, a few questions you may want to ask include:

• What safeguards are in place if my dog needs emergency medical care?
• How are dogs grouped when playing?
• Is a temperament trial required for all dogs before boarding here?

These questions can help ensure the facility has the right safety measures in place before trusting them with your four-legged friend.

To learn more about our boarding services here at Forever Vets, click here.