It can be upsetting when your beloved dog comes home from boarding and develops diarrhoea. Did your dog catch some virus? Perhaps the water given was not clean? Your mind goes into overdrive! However, it is important to note that—like us humans—dogs also get nervous tummies. Here are some key reasons your dog might experience loose bowel movements during or following boarding.

Your dog might be stressed.
Being kennelled is not easy on a dog. After all, your furry family member is in a foreign place, surrounded by unfamiliar smells and noises. It can be a stressful experience, even for a dog who has been in kennels multiple times. Dogs don't like to be separated from their owners, regardless of how temporary the separation might be. It is not unusual for dogs to become withdrawn and anxious until they settle in. Some dogs may care less about these changes, but several become visibly (or fragrantly) upset.

Dietary changes can trigger diarrhoea.
We recommend that you don't switch your dog's food suddenly and unnecessarily. Dietary changes can play a part in post-boarding diarrhoea while the digestive system adjusts. Provide the kennel with your canine's current food, which they will serve on your behalf. In some cases, dogs with sensitive tummies may even get the runs from changing water, but that should pass quickly. If your dog is prone to swallowing unwanted items, keep an eye out for signs of an intestinal blockage. 

Underlying medical conditions.
It may seem like a coincidence that you just boarded your dog, and your dog gets a bout of diarrhoea. However, some dogs may have underlying conditions that become evident only in stressful situations when the immune system is vulnerable. Examples include some types of parasites like coccidia or conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin conditions, and diabetes. If your dog has an underlying medical condition, make sure the kennel knows this before you book.

Over-excitement.
Your dog will likely be thrilled at the prospect of seeing you and returning home. Sometimes this can cause inflammation to develop in the gut that triggers diarrhoea. In most instances, this diarrhoea resolves within 48 hours of returning home.

Spreading of diseases.
Kennels try their best to ensure all animals admitted are up to date with their preventative care and have stringent cleaning protocols. However, kennels are often the canine equivalent of a childcare centre. Things can spread despite many precautions, and not all vaccinations are 100% effective. Nevertheless, kennels make every effort to minimise the risk, and cases of illness resulting from boarding are very unusual. Should your dog get sick after being kenneled, it's a good idea to call the kennel and ask questions:

• Did the dog have diarrhoea during his stay?
• Was the food changed?
• Could they have gotten a hold of something?
• Are there any other owners facing the same problem?

Your dog might behave differently after visiting a kennel, but this does not necessarily mean there is cause for concern. Often, these changes are temporary while your dog adjusts to returning home and settling into their routine. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Get back to normal as quickly as possible. Familiarity helps dogs to feel more secure. Slip into your regular times for walking, feeding and any other activities. Routine helps to eliminate unwanted behaviours, such as overt clinginess, urination, scratching, or chewing.
• Don't worry if your dog eats more than usual when they return home. Rest assured, kennels will feed your dog as agreed upon signing the boarding contract. However, dogs tend to eat less in kennels, a typical response to a significant environmental change. 
• Give your dog plenty of space to rest. Boarding facilities keep your dog busy, so they don't fixate on your absence. Having had plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they will come home pretty worn out! 
• Monitor bowel movements. As unpleasant as it is, a little diarrhoea after boarding isn't usually a cause for concern. However, if diarrhoea persists for more than a day or two, contact your veterinarians.

You know your dog better than anyone else. If you suspect something isn't right, we strongly recommend you speak to your boarding facility to address your concerns. At Animal Think Tank, we ensure that all animals who board with us are cared for as if they were our very own precious furbabies.