What to Expect When Your Pet Returns Home
After Boarding
Your pet will undoubtedly be happy to see you after the trip. Following a few
simple steps will ease the transition back to home life.
Overexcitement may make a pet pant a lot and
act thirsty. He is probably not really thirsty, and had plenty of water
available at the boarding facility. Give him a few ice cubes to tide him over
until he settles 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 he has settled back into home life.
Walk your pet upon arrival or allow access to a yard area. Excitement may also
cause a change in urination or bowel movements outside his normal schedule.
Give your pet some personalized attention - some play time or sitting and
petting or brushing him will help get through the excitement stage and calm
down.
Kennel life can be very exciting, and some dogs charge around barking at other
dogs and having a wonderful time. These dogs often leave the kennel exhausted
but happy, and sleep a lot the first couple of days they are home.
Re-establish home patterns by following a normal schedule. Pets love the
following of a schedule - it makes them feel safe and secure.
After you pick kitty up from the kennel, be sure to keep him in the house for a
few days before allowing him to go outside. Just as he had to adjust to the
kennel, so will he have to adjust to being home again. Allow him to find that
"at home" feeling again before letting him out of the house.