The kennel's own advice is to think of a stay as summer camp. Campers come home worn out, and so do dogs.
Why a good stay leaves a tired dog
A kennel day has more going on than a typical day at home. Dogs walk, explore the grass, hear neighbors through the fence, and keep watch. At Happy Paws each dog can choose a run's inside space or the outside space, and the property is about 10 country acres with a grass field and fenced play areas. All that activity adds up.
The AKC's boarding tips list "a tired dog" among the signs of a good fit, along with a dog that is happy to see you and shows no new cuts or excessive panting.
How long it lasts
Expect the sleepiest stretch on the drive home and the first evening. By the second day most dogs are back to their routine, eating normally and wanting to play. A dog who was very anxious at the start of the stay may sleep longer, because stress is tiring too.
Signs that tiredness is something else
Any of these is a reason to phone your own veterinarian, and please let the kennel know as well.
- A cough, gagging or a honking sound. Kennel cough usually shows up 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the AKC, so watch for it in the following two weeks.
- Vomiting or diarrhea that continues for more than a day.
- Refusing water, or no appetite for more than a day or two.
- Limping or an obviously sore spot.
- A dog who is hard to wake or does not respond as usual.
What to do at home
Offer water, then a normal-size meal. Keep walks short and calm for the first day, and let your dog sleep. A country stay often ends with a dirty coat, so a bath at pick-up or at home is common; see the boarder baths page for how to ask. Then the coming-home guide covers the first week in more detail.