It is very common for a dog to be tired after coming home from boarding. This post-boarding fatigue is often normal. Your dog might seem worn out. This can happen for many reasons. It could be stress, lots of new things, or just a change in their normal day. Let’s look at why your dog is so tired after boarding.
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Grasping Post-Boarding Tiredness
Your dog just came home. Maybe it stayed at a kennel or doggy hotel. You expect happy tail wags. But your dog seems quiet. It sleeps a lot. This is often called being dog tired after kennel time. Don’t worry too much at first. A little tiredness is normal. Your dog went through a big change. Even fun changes can be tiring.
The Big Reasons For Being So Tired
Many things can make a dog tired after boarding. It’s usually not just one thing. A mix of different factors causes the tiredness.
Stress Can Make Dogs Tired
Moving to a new place is a big deal for dogs. They leave their home. They leave their family. This can cause stress after dog boarding. Dogs feel stress too. It’s like when we go somewhere new. We might feel uneasy. Dogs feel this. Stress uses up a lot of energy. It makes the body work harder. This makes dogs feel very tired later.
Interpreting Dog Stress Symptoms Kennel
How do you know if your dog felt stress at the kennel? They might show signs while they are there or after they come home. Some common signs of dog stress symptoms kennel include:
- Not eating much food.
- Shaking or trembling.
- Tucking their tail down.
- Pacing back and forth.
- Yawning a lot when not sleepy.
- Licking their lips a lot.
- Having sad eyes.
- Trying to hide.
- Being very quiet or very vocal.
When they get home, the stress might show as being lethargic dog after boarding. They might not want to play. They just want to rest. Their body is recovering from the stress they felt.
A New Place, A New Routine
At home, your dog knows what happens. They know when they eat. They know when they go for walks. They know when they sleep. This is their routine. A boarding place has a different routine. The times for food change. The times for play change. Sleep times might be different. This big change can be confusing. It takes energy to adapt.
Adapting to a New Schedule
Think about when you change time zones. You feel off for a bit. Your body needs to adjust. Dogs are the same. Their body clock gets mixed up. This adjusting makes them feel tired. It’s like their brain worked overtime to figure things out.
More Activity or Less Activity?
Boarding places can be busy. There might be many other dogs. There might be lots of playtime. Running and playing all day is fun. But it uses a lot of energy. Your dog might have played much more than usual. This extra exercise leads to tiredness.
On the other hand, some dogs might be less active than usual. If your dog is used to long hikes every day, kennel time might mean less exercise. But wait, wouldn’t less exercise mean less tired? Not always. Lack of normal activity can also feel draining. It can make them feel restless but also tired from the change. Also, the stress itself can limit how much they move, leading to a different kind of tiredness.
Sleep Patterns Change
Sleeping at a boarding place is different from sleeping at home. It might be noisy. Other dogs might bark. The bed is not the same. Your dog might not have slept as deeply or as long as they do at home. Not getting good sleep makes anyone tired. Your dog needs to catch up on rest when they get back. This need for sleep makes them seem like a lethargic dog after boarding.
More About Stress And Worry
Dog anxiety after kennel stays is very real. Some dogs are naturally more worried than others. Leaving them somewhere new makes them feel anxious. This anxiety can cause physical effects.
- Stress hormones: The body releases stress hormones. These hormones make the heart beat faster. They make muscles tense. This uses energy.
- Digestive upset: Stress can upset a dog’s stomach. They might not eat well. This means less energy from food.
- Hypervigilance: Dogs in a new place often stay more alert. They listen for sounds. They watch what happens. This constant alertness is tiring.
All these things add up. They drain the dog’s energy reserves. So, when they come home to their safe space, they crash. Their body finally feels safe enough to relax and recover.
Other Possible Reasons
While stress and routine changes are main reasons, other things can play a part:
- Excitement: Coming home is exciting! Seeing you again is wonderful. Even good excitement uses energy. After the initial happy moments, they might just want to rest.
- Illness: It’s possible your dog picked up a small bug. Kennels have many dogs. Just like kids at school, they can share germs. A mild cold or tummy bug can make them tired. Watch for other signs like sneezing, coughing, or diarrhea.
- Dehydration: Dogs need to drink enough water. In a new place, some dogs might not drink as much as usual. Mild dehydration can make them feel tired and lethargic. Most good kennels make sure dogs drink, but some dogs are picky or nervous drinkers in new places.
When Tiredness Is Normal Recovery
Being tired is a sign of recovery from dog boarding. Their body and mind are switching back to home mode. They need time to rest. They need time to feel safe again. This resting period is their way of getting back to normal. It’s a crucial part of recovery from dog boarding.
Think of it like you coming home from a trip. Even a fun trip can leave you feeling tired. You need a day or two to just relax and settle back in. Dogs need this too. Their tired state is often just part of the process of settling down after a big change.
How Long Does Dog Tiredness Last After Boarding?
This is a common question. How long does dog tiredness last after boarding? For most dogs, the main tiredness lasts for 1 to 2 days. Some dogs might seem a little low on energy for up to 3 or 4 days.
If your dog is still very tired or seems unwell after 4 days, it’s a good idea to call your vet. Long-lasting tiredness could mean something else is going on. It’s better to check.
Here is a simple idea of what to expect:
| Time After Boarding | Typical Energy Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| First Few Hours | Very Low | Settling in, feeling safe, resting. |
| 1 Day | Low to Medium | Still recovering, sleeping more. |
| 2 Days | Getting Better | More awake, starting to play. |
| 3-4 Days | Nearly Normal | Back to usual energy. |
| After 4 Days | Should be Normal | Check with vet if still very tired. |
This table is just a general guide. Every dog is different. Some bounce back faster. Some take a little longer.
Behavioral Changes After Boarding Dog
Sometimes, dogs show more than just tiredness. They might have other behavioral changes after boarding dog. These changes are usually linked to stress or the change in environment. They usually fade as your dog settles back in.
Some common changes include:
- More Clingy: Your dog might follow you everywhere. They might not want you out of their sight. They missed you a lot!
- More Anxious: They might seem jumpier. Loud noises might scare them more than usual. They might pace or whine. This is linked to dog anxiety after kennel time.
- Different Eating/Drinking: They might eat or drink a lot right away. Or they might not want to eat much for a bit. Their stomach might be a bit off.
- Accidents Inside: Even house-trained dogs might have accidents. This is often due to stress or the change in routine throwing them off. Don’t punish them. It’s not stubbornness.
- Different Play: They might not want to play much at first. Or they might play very roughly for a bit.
- Smelling Different: They will smell like the kennel. Other dogs might notice this smell.
- Sleeping More Or Less: We already talked about sleeping more (lethargic dog after boarding). Some might have trouble settling down to sleep well at home for the first night.
These changes are usually short-term. Give your dog time and patience. Most dogs go back to their normal behavior within a few days. If these changes last longer than a week or are very severe, talk to your vet or a dog behavior expert.
Helping Dog Recover From Boarding
You can do things to help your dog feel better and recover faster. Helping dog recover from boarding is about making them feel safe, loved, and comfortable again.
Step 1: Give Them Quiet Time
When your dog first gets home, keep things calm. Don’t have a big party with lots of people or other dogs. Let them explore the house quietly. Let them sniff around. This helps them feel like they are back in their own space.
Step 2: Offer Food and Water
Make sure fresh water is available. Offer them their normal food. Don’t give them rich treats or human food right away. This can upset their stomach after a change. Give them their regular, familiar food.
Step 3: Let Them Rest
This is the most important thing. Your dog is tired. Let them sleep! Don’t wake them up just to play or go for a walk. Let them rest in their favorite spot. Put their comfy bed or blanket out. Give them space. Lots of sleep is key to recovery from dog boarding.
Step 4: Re-Establish Routine Slowly
Go back to your normal home routine bit by bit. Walk times, food times, bedtime. Getting back to the usual schedule helps dogs feel secure. But don’t rush it. Maybe the first walk is a little shorter. Maybe playtime is gentle at first.
Step 5: Gentle Exercise
Short, easy walks are good. Let your dog sniff things. Sniffing is calming for dogs. Avoid long, hard runs or trips to the dog park right away. Their body is tired. Too much too soon can make the tiredness last longer.
Step 6: Affection and Reassurance
Give your dog love. Pet them gently. Talk to them in a calm voice. Let them know they are home and safe. This helps reduce any dog anxiety after kennel time. Just being near you is comforting.
Step 7: Monitor Them
Keep an eye on your dog. Watch their energy level. Watch how much they eat and drink. Look for any signs that don’t seem right. Is the lethargic dog after boarding also sneezing? Is the tiredness getting worse, not better? Note these things.
Step 8: Avoid Introducing New Things
Don’t introduce new toys, new foods, or new people right when they get home. Keep their world simple and familiar for the first few days. Too many new things can add to stress.
Why This Happens: A Deeper Look
Let’s look a bit more at why boarding impacts dogs so much.
The Senses Are Overworked
Boarding kennels are full of new smells, sounds, and sights.
- Smells: Other dogs, different cleaning products, new food smells. A dog’s nose is very strong. All these new smells can be overwhelming.
- Sounds: Barking dogs, staff talking, doors opening and closing, cleaning machines. It’s often noisier than home. This keeps dogs more alert.
- Sights: New places, different people, many other dogs they don’t know. They see things happening all the time.
Their brain has to process all this new information constantly. This mental work is tiring. It contributes a lot to being dog tired after kennel visits.
Social Dynamics
If your dog interacts with other dogs at the kennel, this is also energy-intensive. They have to figure out how to act with new dogs. They might play a lot, which is fun but tiring. They might also feel unsure or a bit scared around some dogs. Dealing with social situations uses mental and physical energy.
Missing Their People
Dogs bond strongly with their human families. Being separated can cause feelings of sadness or worry. Even if they have fun at the kennel, they miss you. This emotional part can make them feel drained when they get home. It’s part of the behavioral changes after boarding dog and links to the emotional stress.
Signs Your Dog Needs Vet Help
While being tired is normal, some signs mean you should call the vet. Don’t wait if you see these:
- Tiredness lasts more than 4-5 days.
- Your dog won’t eat or drink at all.
- They are vomiting or have bad diarrhea.
- They are coughing a lot, sneezing, or have a runny nose.
- They seem very weak or can’t stand up well.
- Their gums look pale or yellowish.
- They seem in pain (whining, not wanting to be touched).
- Behavior changes are extreme or do not improve.
These could be signs of illness picked up at the kennel or something unrelated. It’s always best to check with a vet if you are worried.
Preventing Extreme Post-Boarding Tiredness
Can you stop your dog from being tired after boarding? Not completely. But you can help make it less extreme.
- Choose a Good Kennel: Visit the kennel first. Is it clean? Does it seem calm? Do the staff seem caring? Ask about their routine. A well-run place can reduce stress.
- Do Trial Stays: If possible, do a short overnight stay before a long trip. This helps your dog get used to the place. It makes the longer stay less new and scary.
- Bring Comfort Items: Ask if you can bring your dog’s bed, a blanket, or a toy from home. The familiar smell can be very comforting and reduce dog anxiety after kennel visits.
- Keep Goodbyes Calm: Make dropping off your dog calm and quick. Long, emotional goodbyes can make your dog more anxious.
- Prepare for Pickup: When you pick up your dog, be calm and happy. Avoid too much excitement right away. Let them go potty outside before getting in the car.
These steps can help your dog have a better experience. This can mean less stress and less extreme tiredness when they come home.
The Role of Age and Personality
A dog’s age and personality affect how they handle boarding.
- Puppies: They have lots of energy but also need lots of sleep. The excitement can wear them out fast. They are also still learning about the world, so new places can be a lot for them.
- Older Dogs: They might get tired more easily anyway. Changes in routine or environment can be harder on them. They might need more time to recover.
- Shy/Anxious Dogs: These dogs are more likely to feel stress after dog boarding. They will likely be very tired and may show more behavioral changes. They need extra patience and calm when they get home.
- Outgoing/Social Dogs: These dogs might love playing with others. They might be tired simply from all the activity. They might bounce back faster from the social side but still need rest from the physical exertion.
Knowing your dog’s personality helps you know what to expect.
Creating a Peaceful Homecoming Environment
Making your home a calm place is key for helping dog recover from boarding.
- Quiet Zone: Have a specific area where your dog can go to be alone. Their bed, a crate, or a quiet corner.
- Low Noise: Keep the TV or music volume low. Avoid loud noises or shouting.
- No Visitors: Try not to have guests over for the first day or two. Let your dog focus on settling in with you.
- Predictable: Stick to your dog’s normal feeding, potty, and walk times as much as possible. Predictability reduces stress.
This peaceful environment helps your dog switch from “kennel mode” to “home mode” easily. It supports their physical and emotional recovery.
Thinking About Future Boarding Stays
If your dog had a tough time, think about it for the next trip.
- Was it the kennel? Maybe try a different one. Some places suit certain dogs better.
- Was it too long? Could a pet sitter visit instead for shorter trips?
- Does your dog have high anxiety? Talk to your vet about ways to manage anxiety during stays. This could involve training or even medication for severe cases.
Remember, being dog tired after kennel time is common. It doesn’t mean you chose a bad kennel or that your dog is unhappy with you. It usually just means they need time to decompress and rest after a change.
Comprehending The Science Briefly
When a dog is stressed, their body releases cortisol and adrenaline. These are stress hormones. They prepare the body to act (like fight or run). This state uses a lot of energy. It’s like keeping a car engine revved up. When the stress is gone (they are home safe), the body crashes. It needs to repair and restore energy. This is why a lethargic dog after boarding is so common. Their body is coming down from a high-alert state.
The physical activity also uses energy. Muscles get tired. The heart and lungs work harder. Recovery requires rest to repair muscle tissue and refill energy stores.
Changes in sleep mess with the body’s natural rhythms. Sleep is when the body repairs itself and processes memories. Poor sleep quality or quantity means less repair time. So, they need more sleep when they get back to make up for it.
All these factors combine. They create the picture of a very tired dog that you see after picking them up.
FAQ Section
Q: Is it normal for my dog to be very tired after boarding?
A: Yes, it is very normal for dogs to be tired, even lethargic, after boarding. This tiredness is often due to stress, excitement, changes in routine, or increased/decreased activity.
Q: How long does the tiredness usually last?
A: Most dogs are tired for 1-2 days. Some may seem a bit low energy for up to 4 days. If tiredness lasts longer, consult your vet.
Q: My dog is also acting strange, not just tired. Is that normal?
A: Yes, behavioral changes after boarding dog are also common. They might be more clingy, anxious, have temporary house-soiling, or changes in appetite. These usually improve as they settle back in at home.
Q: What can I do to help my dog recover?
A: The best things are providing a quiet, calm environment, letting them rest, sticking to their normal routine, offering food and water, and giving gentle affection. Avoid over-excitement or demanding activities right away.
Q: Could my dog be sick instead of just tired?
A: Post-boarding tiredness is common, but always watch for other signs like not eating/drinking at all, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, or severe weakness. If you see these, or if the tiredness is very extreme or lasts too long, contact your vet.
Q: My dog seems scared after boarding. What does that mean?
A: This could be dog anxiety after kennel stay. Give them space, reassurance, and stick to routine. Ensure their environment is calm. If severe, talk to your vet or a behavior expert.
Q: Should I take my dog for a long walk right after picking them up?
A: No, start with a short, gentle potty break and maybe a sniffy walk. Avoid long or strenuous exercise until they have had time to rest and recover for a day or two.
Final Thoughts
Seeing your dog so tired after boarding can be worrying. But remember, for most dogs, it’s a normal part of adjusting back to home life. Give them time, peace, and love. Their recovery from dog boarding is a natural process. Soon, your furry friend will be back to their happy, energetic self, ready for adventures by your side again.