Why my dog is very tired after boarding is an issue by many owners. Many people find their dogs are very tired after staying at a boarding facility for a few days or more, otherwise known as “dog fatigue”. On the other hand, “dog fatigue” is not a disorder or illness, but rather a normal response to unfamiliar surroundings.
Dog’s often become exhausted after boarding away from their homes overnight—but this is the result of the change in environment.
Some dogs are weaker than others and may not handle it as well. Dogs that were not accustomed to being away from their owners prior to boarding will typically be more tired than those that are accustomed to being away from their owners for longer periods of time.
A dog’s age also plays a factor, older dogs typically do better in daycare than younger dogs because older dog’s immune systems are usually stronger.
The state of health your dog is in will determine how well they do in a boarding facility.
So let’s examine some of the key reasons for tiredness in dogs after boarding.
Table of Contents
Key Reasons:
1. Stress:
Boarding can be a stressful experience for a dog which can inevitably lead to tiredness. This is because there is a lot that they have to learn while they are away from home.
After a week or two of being separated, most dogs will become very dependent on their owners and will act differently than usual. Aside from acting differently, many dogs will also become very clingy and scared.
Some dogs may become aggressive or even panic in an attempt to re-establish their relationship with the family.
2. Limited space
Being hemmed in at a boarding kennel can lead to fatigue for your dog.
This is because they have changed routine and are experiencing new surroundings. It can also cause stress if the dog is not allowed outside or is used to going out in the evening.
3. Limited exercise:
Dogs love to run and play outdoors, but many facilities do not have a large enough fenced area or running area for them to do so.
Without these opportunities, your dog may become very nervous with limited means of exercise making them feel tense and anxious and therefore tired.
4. Lack of social interaction/exposure:
Many dogs thrive on being around other dogs and people, so when they are separated from this for some time they really miss it and can become very stressed when back at home especially when there are no other pets present. Again, this stress can lead to fatigue.
5. Fear of being alone:
Many dogs don’t handle being left alone well and will develop separation anxiety. Canines especially are pack animals and must feel included within a family or group, so it is not uncommon for this behavior to occur.
6. Homesickness:
This can be attributed to extreme loneliness but is also the cause of other problems that can occur from staying away from home such as anxiety or depression, and even destructive behaviors when they are back home again.
Usually, this happens because the dogs are not used to being away for long periods of time until they get older and get more frequent visits away from home. It’s important to start them early so they become used to it and not miss the owners so much.
7. Treatment
Sometimes a dog becomes very tired after boarding because of the way that the people treat it while they’re there.
If they are treated badly, or if they are yelled at too often, some dogs will begin to act very differently than they usually do, which can cause separation anxiety and other problems at home.
Additional Points To Consider After Boarding
When you bring them back it is also a good idea to bring them straight back outside after they get out of the car or the kennel that they were staying in so that they can let off some extra energy.
The effects on dogs can be mild or severe. Always make sure your dog has adequate exercise before and after a day at the kennel. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and to make use of the periodic potty stops.
It is important that dogs are acclimated to the kennel environment before being sent away for boarding.
It is always best if they are boarded at a facility that they have stayed at before, or at least where they are familiar with the staff and other animals. Never board your dog if it is younger than twelve weeks old.
The length of time that your dog will need to decompress when they return home will vary depending upon which factors were present during the boarding experience: age, breed, temperament, health history, vaccination history/previous illness, level of exercise routine prior to boarding etc.
The amount of time that it takes to recover also depends upon the level of exercise routine prior to boarding. Dogs that have a low level of exercise routine should be checked on often and allow more time on their own prior to going home, because they will need more time to rest and recuperate.
Dogs with a higher level of exercise routine may only need to rest for a few hours, depending upon their physical condition at the time that they are gone from home.
Boarding your dog can be a stress on your dog and it is important that you give it a little time to rest and get back into its normal routine before having to take them out again.
Dogs may require more time to acclimate at the end of their vacation, so if they seem frightened and aggressive, do not push them into the car or try dragging them inside. Instead, wait until they are ready to go home before you make any sudden movements.
If you take your dog to a boarding facility, it is important to take them home before dark. Dogs that have been away from home for a long time may be confused and react badly if they suddenly see their owner get out of the car in the evening.
The dog will probably think that their owner is there to abandon them again and will become extremely frightened or aggressive. If they see this happen, the fear and confusion may last for quite some time so it is best to make sure you bring your dog home before dark.
Knowing what your dog is feeling after boarding.
If your dog is very tired, it may be a sign that they are not feeling well. It’s important to make sure that your dog does not look weak and sluggish.
If you notice your dog is acting confused or has drowsiness, you should take them back right away and ask the kennel staff if they experienced something unusual while they were there.
Dogs can have problems while away from home due to boredom or anxiety caused by the unfamiliar surroundings of a boarding facility. They may also gain weight more easily while at boarding because of the lack of exercise and a diet change during their trip.
Make sure to watch your dog closely when you bring them home after boarding. If they seem nervous or anxious, give them some space and time to recover from their trip.
Don’t be alarmed if they have a potty accident in the house, as this is common when dogs first come home after being boarded.
Make sure you take the time to show your dog that it is still loved and wanted at home, even if it is uncomfortable around other people or pets; this will give your dog time to adjust to its surroundings again.
Dogs can become very confused after being away from their owners for too long, because dogs get very attached to their owners and become stressed when they are separated for a long period of time. This can also be caused by anxiety, which can lead to potty accidents.
Also, it is important to make sure that you do not leave your dog alone for a long time after they are home, or if you do, they must have someone with them at all times.
Did I mention taking your dog out several times a day will help?
Conclusion
Your dog will very likely feel tired after boarding, so make sure you don’t try to force them into their regular routine too quickly. If a dog is not feeling well, it will not be as energetic as it usually is. Dogs can have problems and health issues while at a kennel due to boredom or anxiety caused by the unfamiliar surroundings.
Follow these simple guidelines when preparing your pet for boarding and when picking them up after their stay. You’ll feel more secure about leaving your pet with the right person, and know that they are in good hands while you are away.
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