Dog Diarrhea And Vomiting After Boarding: Here’s Why

If your dog has diarrhea and is vomiting after boarding, we outline the potential causes of dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding, as well as what to do and when to seek help. 

Here’s why dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding happens

Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding is a fairly common occurrence which can be caused by several factors when boarding which include change of diet, stress, bacterial or viral infections, parasitic infection, side effect of medication, allergies, motion sickness while being transported, overfeeding and inadequate sanitation of the facility.

Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding

Dog diarrhea and vomiting and after boarding

Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding refers to the occurrence of these symptoms in dogs after they have stayed in a boarding facility, such as a kennel. 

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents from the mouth, while diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools.

These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors and can also be a sign of more serious health issues.

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Is it normal for dogs to diarrhea and vomit after boarding?

It is not normal for dogs to experience diarrhea and vomiting after boarding, however, it is possible for some dogs to experience these symptoms due to a variety of causes that result in this.

Reasons for dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding

Change of diet

Dogs may experience digestive upset if they are given unfamiliar food while at a boarding facility. This can happen if a dog is used to eating a specific brand or type of food and is not provided with that same food while boarding. 

This can therefore cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. It’s important to inform the boarding facility about your dog’s dietary preferences, if any, and bring enough food for them during the stay.

Stress

Being away from their familiar surroundings and routine can cause stress in a dog, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. 

Dogs are creatures of habit and a change to their routine can cause anxiety and stress.

This can be made worse if a dog is not familiar with the boarding facility or the staff. Providing familiar items such as a blanket or toy, can help reduce stress.

Bacterial or viral infections

A dog may be exposed to harmful parasites while at a boarding facility, that is, bacteria or viruses, which leads to an infection. 

A dog may also be exposed to parasites such as worms or giardia while at a boarding facility, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. 

This can happen if the facility is not properly cleaned, or if dogs are not kept in separate kennels. 

It is important to make sure that the facility is clean and well-maintained, and that the staff follows proper protocols for preventing the spread of infections.

Medication side effects

If a dog is given medication while at a boarding facility, it may cause reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting. Some medications can cause stomach upset or other side effects.

So, it is important to inform the staff about any medications your dog is taking and to provide instructions for administering them.

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Allergies

A dog may develop an allergic reaction to something in their environment, such as certain cleaning products, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. 

This can happen if the facility uses harsh chemicals to clean, or if a dog is exposed to something they are allergic to.

It’s important to inform the staff of any known allergies your dog has and to keep a close eye on their symptoms while they are boarding.

Motion sickness

Some dogs may experience motion sickness while being transported to and from the boarding facility. This can happen if your dog is not used to traveling or if they are anxious during the trip.

It is important to make sure that your dog is comfortable during the trips and to provide them with a familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress.

Overfeeding

Your dog may be overfed while at a boarding facility, leading to digestive upset. Some facilities may feed their dogs more than they are used to, or may not be aware of the dog’s dietary needs. 

Therefore it is important to inform the staff about your dog’s feeding schedule and portion sizes to prevent overfeeding.

Inadequate sanitation

If a boarding facility is not properly cleaned, dogs may be exposed to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other parasites leading to diarrhea and vomiting. 

This can happen if the facility is not cleaned regularly, or if the facility does not follow the proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures.

Therefore make sure that the facility had a through protocol for keeping their facility clean for preventing the spread of infections.

When to seek help for dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding

Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding require medical attention. Always contact the veterinarian within 8 to 12 hours when your dog has diarrhea and is vomiting.

Diarrhea and vomiting lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes from a dog’s body and if treatment is not provided in time, this can be life-threatening. 

If your dog is showing signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes, dry mouth, or skin that does not bounce back when pinched, it is important to seek immediate veterinary attention as this can be a medical emergency.

Also, see your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing other signs of illness such as lethargy, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, or blood in the stool, which should also be taken seriously.

Diarrhea and vomiting can also be symptoms of a serious or life-threatening condition and if not treated early can result in bad outcomes. Therefore err on the side of caution and seek medical attention for your dog.

The veterinarian will conduct a full physical examination, and analyze your dog’s medical history, and other circumstances leading to diarrhea and vomiting. In addition to this, different tests will be conducted to reach a diagnosis.

Takeaway: Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding

Dog diarrhea and vomiting after boarding can be caused by a variety of factors. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and to seek the advice of a veterinarian if they persist or worsen.

These symptoms can also be a sign of more serious health problems therefore take your dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation. 

With the right diagnosis and treatment,  your dog will be able to return to good health. 

To prevent diarrhea and vomiting after boarding, it is important to inform the boarding facility about any pre-existing conditions that your dog has to prevent any complications that may arise during the stay, provide all necessary medication and also ensure that the boarding facility is hygienic to provide a healthy and safe environment for your dog.

Managing dog diarrhea requires knowledge and understanding. Our guide on dog diarrhea serves as a valuable resource, providing a detailed roadmap to help you navigate this condition. Visit the article to unlock effective strategies for keeping your dog happy and healthy.

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