When you leave home for a few days, it can put a lot of stress on your pets. You need to make sure that they are in good hands while they are in the kennel, and you must be aware of things that could potentially happen while they’re there.

1. Your pets could develop Tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough, or intestinal problems. Your pets can carry viruses in their systems for months and begin to show the symptoms only after being subjected to a stressful situation. During these emotional and stressful situations, your pets pretty much catch a disease from themselves.

2. Your pets can experience temporary behavior changes when exposed to unfamiliar surroundings. They may start tearing up their beds or acting like baby lambs, who spend most of their time lying in corners.

3. It is always best to remember that pets do not react to stress in the same way humans do. Pets cannot recognize what is causing them to be stressed, unlike humans who can usually pinpoint the exact reason they are stressed out.

4. Your pets’ eating habits may change; they may eat more, or they may eat less. It is also possible for them to lose or gain weight, depending on how they react to stressful situations such as being away from home.

5. Once your pets return home, they will show signs of exhaustion. They may sleep for the first couple of days; this is normal.

6. Do not feed them for at least three hours, and be sure not to overfeed them. Excitement will cause them to begin panting; if needed, give them a couple of ice cubes to tide them over until feeding time.

7. During your pets’ time in boarding, it is possible for them to step in their stools or urine and become dirty. This can happen even in the cleanest kennels. Grooming may be necessary; check with the kennel caretaker if you would like to have any bathing or grooming done.