Returning home in Arlington VA after boarding your dog can be exciting for you and your furry friend. While you were away, your pup was well cared for, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t long for your return. Dogs are highly emotionally intelligent creatures, and separation can be harsh. If you’ve just picked up your dog from boarding, here are some telltale signs that they missed you while you were gone.
5 Signs Your Dog Missed You
Excessive Greeting Behavior
One of the most obvious signs a dog misses you is if they greet you over the top when you arrive to pick them up from boarding. Excited jumping, licking, whimpering, and wiggling about are all-natural ways for dogs to express their joy at your return. They may follow you persistently and refuse to leave your side for a while after reuniting.
Clinginess
In the hours and days after you bring your dog home from boarding, you may notice them being exceptionally clingy. Your pup might constantly want to be touching you, whether cuddling up beside you on the couch or sitting on your feet. This velcro-like behavior stems from their desire to stay close after experiencing separation anxiety.
Accidents in the House
If your typically house-trained dog has an accident indoors shortly after returning from boarding, it may be a stress signal. The excitement of being back in their familiar territory can lead to temporary loss of bladder or bowel control. This should be a short-term issue as your pup resettles into their routine.
Chewing or Destructive Behaviors
Some dogs resort to chewing on objects or exhibiting other destructive behaviors to relieve anxiety from missing their owners. Monitor your pup carefully when bringing them home, as you may notice excessive chewing or digging if their stress levels are high from the separation period.
Loss of Appetite
Just as humans may lose their appetite due to excess stress or anxiety, the same can happen with dogs who miss you terribly while boarding. Your furry friend may seem disinterested in food for a day or two after you’ve been reunited. But their appetite should return to normal as they become readjusted to having you around again.
K-9 Divine Serving Arlington VA
With patience, love, and reassurance, these emotional signs that your dog missed you should be temporary. Sticking to your everyday routines and lavishing your pup with attention will help ease them back into the comforts of having you home again. The boarding staffers at K-9 Divine understand how important your dog’s emotional well-being is, so we aim to make their stay as nurturing and comfortable as possible. Contact us at 202-769-5359 for all your dog daycare and boarding needs.