What to Expect When Your Pet Returns Home After Boarding
Your pet will undoubtedly be very happy to see you after boarding at Watch My Wag. Following a few simple steps will help ease the transition back to home life.
- Over excitement may make a pet pant a lot and act thirsty. They are probably not really thirsty, and had plenty of water available at the boarding facility. Give your pet a few ice cubes to tide him/her over until they settle down.
- Food: ditto. But please be aware that excessive drinking and eating may lead to digestive upsets and bloating. Do not feed your pet for at least three hours after coming home from the kennel, and then limit the food and water you provide until they have settled back into home life.
- Walk your dog upon arrival home or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside their normal schedule.
- After collecting your cat from the cattery, be sure to keep him/her in the house for a few days before allowing them to go outside. Just as they had to adjust to the cattery, they have to adjust to being home again. Allow your cat to find that “at home” feeling again before letting him/her out of the house.
- Give your pet some personalized attention—some playtime or sitting and petting or brushing him/her will help them get through the excitement stage and calm down.
- Kennel life can be very exciting, and some dogs run around barking at other dogs, having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the kennel exhausted but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple of days at home.
- Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule-it makes your pet feel safe and secure.
