Eating or Drinking More after Dog Boarding
Has your pet come home acting like he hasn’t been fed for a week? Rest assured, he most certainly has! Dogs naturally eat and drink less while they are in boarding – something which is generally down to it being a new environment and them feeling less comfortable than they would at home. As a result, they tend to try and catch up on their calories when they get home and will also drink more. This is something that should go back to normal within a few days.
You know your dog better than anyone else and if you have any concerns about his health or wellbeing after boarding in Hoover, AL, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our experienced veterinarians. Contact our Animal Hospital in Hoover, AL today at (205) 822-4779 to arrange a visit.
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Can You Vaccinate for Kennel Cough?
There is a vaccination that can be administered against kennel cough. However, since it isn’t considered to be a ‘core’ vaccine, many owners do not get their canine companions immunized against the condition. Even then, the effectiveness of vaccines is not 100% in all dogs and there are many different strains of the condition. This means that there is a small risk that the disease can still be passed between vaccinated canines.
Nevertheless, many boarding facilities will insist that dogs are vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica which is the most common bacteria present in kennel cough. You may be asked to provide proof of an up-to-date vaccination before your dog is allowed to be admitted for boarding.
As the name suggests, the most common symptom of kennel cough is a consistent, forceful cough. This can sound like there is something wedged inside your dog’s throat and will sound very dry and hoarse. In some cases, a dog with kennel cough can still bring up mucus when they cough.
Aside from this cough, your dog probably feels fairly well and healthy and is probably eating ok. However, he may also present with other cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes.
Although unpleasant, kennel cough is rarely dangerous, and most dogs will recover from the condition within a few weeks without any treatment. However, in some canines, it can last upwards of six weeks. Your vet will be able to tell you whether they are happy to leave your dog to fight the condition himself or whether they will recommend a course of antibiotics that should help to clear it. Cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be beneficial.
Something else that you might notice after dog boarding is that your precious pooch is experiencing diarrhea in the days after he comes home. Many owners are concerned that this means that their dog has picked up a stomach bug while in kennels. However, this is very unlikely. A great boarding facility will be very diligent with cleaning and ensuring every pet is up to date with their preventative care. In fact, little diarrhea in the first 48 hours after returning home is actually very normal and is often simply due to the excitement that your dog feels about coming back to an environment and people that he loves. You may even notice a little mucus or blood in his bowel movements. Nevertheless, if diarrhea persists more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms such as not drinking, it is advisable to get him checked out by your veterinarian in Hoover, AL.
Has your dog come home and spent a lot of time sleeping? This is a symptom that concerns many conscientious owners, but again it is actually fairly common. Boarding is usually a very busy environment and your dog will be kept entertained with walks, games, and more so that his mind and body are kept occupied while you are apart. Often it is just a case that he will need to sleep a bit more when first comes home to rest after all the fun that he has had!
After you bring your pup home from boarding, you may notice that theyre 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 dogs stress levels, reducing how much water and food they consume at the time. This can result in them overeating when they return home.
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.
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 theyve 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.
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 dont separate dogs based on age and energy level.
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.
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A joyful reunion between you and your dog may be short-lived if your pal becomes ill after his stay at the kennel. Though occurrences are rare, dogs can become sick after staying at even the most well-kept boarding facility. Consulting a trusted veterinary professional will give concerned dog owners peace of mind while their best friend recuperates from his illness.
Veterinary professionals at PetMD advise dog owners not to feed or give water to their dog until four hours after hes home from boarding. The excitement of seeing his best friend may cause him to gulp his food and water, which in turn can cause vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog appears to be exceptionally thirsty, provide ice for him to lick until the four-hour wait period has expired.
If your dog starts to show symptoms of illness, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may take chemical blood analyses and blood count samples for laboratory testing. A urinalysis also may be required, according to Pet MD. Any time your dog is sick, he will need to be isolated from other dogs to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
Canine Influenza, known as CIV, causes general lethargy, runny nose, decreased appetite and a cough. Although it is usually mild, some dogs may develop a serious infection and require hospitalization. Your pal may have a dry or productive cough and green or yellow discharge from his nostrils. Your veterinarian can take a sample of nasal excretions to determine the cause of the symptoms. According to the website Dog Influenza, an antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection. Most treatment procedures simply allow the infection to run its course. Keep your buddy hydrated and ensure that he eats well to boost his immune system.
Kennel cough can be caused by a variety of microorganisms and is highly contagious, but rarely fatal. While a preliminary Bordatella vaccine may prevent your dog from contracting certain strains, it does not cover all of the viruses that cause the disease, according to The Academy of Canine Behavior. Characterized by dry hacking or retching, kennel cough usually is not serious but can lead to pneumonia in severe cases. Viral isolation and a bacterial culture can determine which microorganisms are making your pal sick. In mild cases, the disease can run its course with no further complications. Antibiotics may be used if your dogs appetite is abnormal.