Picking up your dog after a boarding or daycare stay is always an exciting moment. While most dogs transition back home just fine, it’s completely normal for them to need a little adjustment time after their stay. Knowing what to watch for can help ensure your dog settles back in comfortably and stays healthy.

Energy Level

Your dog is most likely going to be very hyperactive and excited to be home. You may notice an increase in energy and excitement. Being reunited with their family, returning to familiar surroundings, and experiencing a change in routine can trigger an emotional “release” of excitement. Some dogs express this by zooming around the house, wanting extra attention, or being more playful than usual. This burst of energy is typically short-lived and simply reflects how happy your dog is to be home and back in their comfort zone. Many dogs also come home more tired than usual. Extra playtime, social interaction, and a busy environment can lead to a day or two of increased napping. This is typically nothing to worry about and is just your dog catching up on rest.

Changes in Appetite or Bathroom Habits

You may notice slight changes in your dog’s appetite or bowel movements for a short time. Stress, excitement, or schedule changes can affect digestion. As long as your dog is still eating, drinking, and returning to normal within a day or two, this is usually part of the adjustment period. To help prevent upset stomachs and keep your dog as comfortable as possible after coming home we recommend doing these few things, especially if your dog is known to chug water, inhale their food, have anxiety while being away, or eat/drink very little during their stay.

We recommend:

• Offering small amounts of water with breaks in between
• Serving smaller meals initially and using a slow feeding method, then returning to their normal portions in a day or two
• Avoiding letting your dog have free range of large amounts of food or water immediately after coming home

Mild Coughing or Sneezing

Just like children after school or daycare, dogs can be exposed to new germs when spending time with other pets. Occasional coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge may occur. Keep an eye on these symptoms, if they worsen, last more than a few days, or are accompanied by lethargy or fever, contact your veterinarian.

Bloat

Bloat is a serious condition where a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. This can be caused by a number of things that dogs commonly do right after arriving home, including, eating too quickly, consuming large meals, rigorous activity immediately before or after eating, and high anxiety or stress.

Signs to watch for include:

● A swollen or firm abdomen
● Restlessness or pacing
● Excessive drooling
● Repeated attempts to vomit or retch with nothing coming up
● Rapid breathing, weakness, or collapse

If you notice any of these signs, please seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

When to Call Your Vet

While most post-boarding changes are mild and temporary, you should contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite lasting more than 24–48 hours
• Severe lethargy or difficulty breathing
• Worsening cough or other abnormal concerning symptoms

Helping Your Dog Transition Home

A calm evening, controlled food and water intake, and a little extra patience go a long way in helping your dog transition smoothly from boarding back to their home life. If you ever have any questions or concerns after bringing your dog home, don’t hesitate to call us, we’re always happy to help!