--- title: Loose Stool After Boarding: When to Call | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-diarrhea-after-boarding/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Loose stool after boarding # Loose stool after boarding: common causes and when to call your vet Loose stool after a stay is usually a short-lived reaction to stress or a change in food, and Cornell says to call your vet if it lasts beyond 48 to 72 hours or comes with vomiting, blood or lethargy. Bringing your dog's own food to Happy Paws avoids a diet change. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Soft stool in the day or two after a trip is one of the most common questions kennels hear. Here is what usually causes it and the signs that mean a call to your vet. ## Common causes Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center lists eating something unusual, switching foods too quickly, stress and internal parasites among the temporary causes of diarrhea, and names boarding as an example of a stressor. More serious causes include infections, viruses such as parvovirus, foreign bodies, toxins and allergies. Water from a new source, excitement and new treats can contribute too. A dog that is vaccinated, has a normal appetite and acts like itself is usually just adjusting. ## What to do at home For a mild case, Cornell suggests a short rest of the stomach and then a bland diet, such as boiled chicken or low-fat hamburger with white rice, with rich food and extra treats avoided until stools firm up. A bland diet is not nutritionally complete for the long term. Keep water available. If a food change caused it, go back to the old food and make later changes gradually over a week or two. ## When to call your vet Cornell advises calling the vet when diarrhea lasts beyond 48 to 72 hours, when stools are black or tarry or contain fresh blood, when there is vomiting, or when the dog is lethargic or stops eating. Puppies and small dogs can dehydrate faster, so call sooner. Medical questions belong with your veterinarian, and the kennel is glad to share what was fed and when. ## Avoiding a diet change at Happy Paws The most common preventable cause is a different food. Own food is welcome at no charge. Bring it in the original bag with the amounts in cups, and the staff will feed it. The house food is grain-free kibble with wet food, farm-fresh eggs, hot dogs and treats; if your dog has a sensitive stomach, bring your own and tell the staff so on the form. Medications are given at no extra charge, so continue any digestive aids your vet prescribes. See [bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) and [why is my dog so tired after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, diarrhea](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/diarrhea) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) - [Switching dog food safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/switching-dog-food/) - [Food and treats](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/food/) - [Why is my dog so tired after boarding?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/why-is-my-dog-tired-after-boarding/) - [Food and special diets](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/food-and-special-diets/) ## Read next - [Your dog's first day of day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-day-of-dog-day-care/) - [Car sickness in dogs on the drive to the kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/car-sickness-in-dogs/) - [How to read boarding kennel reviews](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-boarding-kennel-reviews/) - [How much exercise does a dog need on a trip away?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need/) - [Can dogs get sunburned in Dixon summers?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-dogs-get-sunburned/) - [Boarding or day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-vs-day-care/) - [Use a day of day care as a trial run before a long trip](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/use-day-care-as-a-trial-run/) - [Why quick goodbyes at drop-off help](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/quick-goodbyes-at-drop-off/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is loose stool after boarding normal? It often is, because stress and a change of food are common causes. Call your vet if it lasts beyond 48 to 72 hours or comes with vomiting, blood or lethargy. ### How do I avoid a food change at the kennel? Bring your own food in the original bag with amounts in cups. Own food is welcome at no charge. ### What is the house food? Grain-free kibble with wet food, farm-fresh eggs, hot dogs and treats. ### Who answers medical questions? Your veterinarian. The kennel can tell you what your dog ate and when.