4 Things You Should do When Bringing your Dog Home from Boarding
When San Diego dog owners come to pick up their dog from Fon Jon Pet Care’s dog boarding, it can sometimes be difficult to say who’s more excited—owners are ecstatic to see their pooches, and the pups are beside themselves with joy. After all, even though we do everything we can to make dog boarding in San Diego comfortable and fun for your pet, there’s no place like home. That said, there are a few precautions you should take when you first bring your dog back home after a visit to any pet care facility, including Fon Jon Pet Care’s kennel.
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Post-Dog Boarding in San Diego Tips
1. Take Your Dog for a Walk First
When bringing your dog home from boarding, your instinct is probably to take your dog straight into your home after picking her up, but if you want to avoid any accidents in the house, it’s best to walk your dog up and down your block (or even just around your yard) before you head indoors. The excitement of seeing you again can bring on an overactive bladder in even the most perfectly house-trained pooch, so it’s important that you stop and take some time to allow your dog to relieve herself first.
2. Hold Off on Dog Food
Even if it’s your pet’s normal dinner time, it’s best to wait at least an hour after arriving back home from dog boarding in San Diego before offering your dog food. All of that tail wagging and jumping for joy may make your pup’s stomach do flip-flops. That kind of excitement tends to make dogs eat more quickly, which can easily become a recipe for vomiting. Wait until your pup has calmed down before offering her any food. If your dog is especially agitated or is normally a fast eater, you might even split the normal amount of food you’d give for one meal into two smaller meals.
3. Limit Your Dog's H2O Intake
Lots of happy panting, plus the car ride home, means that your pooch will likely build up a powerful thirst. Just as with food though, slurping down an entire bowl of water too quickly can lead to vomiting. Rather than letting your dog drink as much as he wants in one go, limit the amount of water you put in his bowl at first. Another option that’s especially good for smaller dogs (and for playful puppies who can turn anything into a game) is offering ice cubes for your pet to lick. Let your pup relax after coming home from dog boarding in San Diego with some ice cubes that will keep her hydrated without drinking water too quickly!
4. Let Your Dog Sleep It Off
If your dog seems a little more tired than usual the first few days after returning home from dog boarding in San Diego, don’t worry too much about it. The thrill of seeing you again and the extra flurry of activity surrounding coming home may mean your dog needs more shut-eye than usual.
What Is Normal Dog Behavior After Boarding?
When you bring your dog home after boarding, it’s completely normal to notice a few changes in their behavior. These shifts are usually nothing to worry about and tend to resolve as your dog adjusts back to their routine.
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Temporary personality shifts: Some dogs may be more clingy, while others act distant. Both reactions are normal.
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Appetite changes: Your dog may be overly excited and not want to eat right away. Wait until they’ve had a chance to relax before offering food.
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Increased sleep: With all the excitement and new experiences, your dog may need extra rest for the next day or two.
If your dog exhibits unusual signs like shaking, excessive fear, or sudden accidents in the house, it’s best to consult a vet to rule out any underlying issues.
How to Choose the Best Boarding Facility for Your Dog
Selecting the right boarding service is essential to ensure your dog feels safe, comfortable, and well-cared for while you’re away. Keep these key factors in mind when making your decision:
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Cleanliness: Visit the facility to check for cleanliness and proper hygiene practices.
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Staff qualifications: Ensure the staff is trained in dog care and can handle emergencies.
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Space and comfort: Look for adequate room for your dog to play, rest, and exercise.
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Positive reviews: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from other pet owners.
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Safety measures: Ensure secure fencing, proper supervision, and emergency protocols are in place.
In Need of Dog Boarding in San Diego? Fon Jon Pet Care is Here to Help!
Dog boarding in San Diego will provide a comfortable and safe place for your dog to stay while you’re away from home, but seeing you again and getting back to the comfort of her own bed will understandably cause some excitement. This is why it’s important to take things slow and implement these tips when your dog arrives home from boarding.
If you’re looking for reliable dog boarding in San Diego where your dog will feel loved and be treated like family, consider Fon Jon Pet Care. We’d be more than happy to show you around, answer your questions, and help you choose a package that suits your pet.
Remember, if you have any questions about our boarding facility, dog boarding, doggy daycare, or dog training, just give us a call at (858) 490-2117, send us an email at fonjonpetcare@hotmail.com, or visit our website if you’re ready to make an appointment. We’re always here to help!
FAQs
Do dogs get sad after boarding?
When bringing dog home from boarding, it’s common for them to seem a little sad or off. This is usually due to adjusting back to their usual routine after being around other dogs and the excitement of the boarding services.
Why does my dog seem depressed after boarding?
Your furry friend may seem down because they are readjusting to being away from other dogs and the new environment they experienced. Dogs tend to miss the company of others or experience mild separation anxiety, but this should resolve after a few hours.
Why is my dog very tired after boarding?
A change in routine and the excitement of being around other dogs during their stay can leave your dog exhausted. When bringing your dog home from boarding, it’s normal for them to need some time to rest as they settle back into their usual routine.
Why does my dog act distant after boarding?
It’s not unusual for dogs to act distant after boarding services, as they may need time to decompress from their experience. Give them a chance to relax and return to their normal behavior, especially if they had lots of interaction with other dogs.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust after boarding?
Most dogs take a few hours to a couple of days to fully adjust after boarding. If you notice anything concerning, like an upset tummy or unusual behavior, consult a vet immediately, especially if your dog interacted with unvaccinated dogs during their stay.
