Why Has My Pet Changed After a Holiday? Stress, Age, and Hidden Health Issues
- Dr. Liz Munro
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Going away for a holiday should be a relaxing break, but for many pet owners, returning home comes with unexpected concerns. You might find your dog withdrawn, your cat hiding, or your rabbit eating less. Changes in behaviour or physical condition following boarding, travel, or a disrupted routine can be confusing—and worrying.
This guide explores the common reasons behind these shifts, how to tell if it’s stress, ageing, or something more serious, and what to do next to support your pet.
Contents
Common Post-Holiday Behaviour Changes in Pets
Many pets experience subtle—or significant—behaviour changes after a holiday. These can vary depending on the species, age, temperament, and whether they were boarded, left with a sitter, or taken along on the trip.
Common changes include:
Withdrawing or hiding - Especially in cats or nervous dogs. Your pet may avoid eye contact, hide under furniture, or sleep in unusual places.
Clinginess or separation anxiety - Some pets may become overly attached when you return, following you around constantly or becoming distressed when you leave the room.
Changes in appetite - Refusing food, eating too quickly, or vomiting after meals can all be signs of stress.
House soiling or litter box issues - A break in toilet habits may reflect emotional upset or a medical issue.
Changes in energy levels - Your pet may seem lethargic, less playful, or unusually restless.
For most pets, these changes are temporary and resolve within a few days. However, if they persist or worsen, they may signal something more serious.
How Routine Disruptions Affect Pets
Pets thrive on consistency. Mealtimes, sleep, exercise, and social interaction are all part of a predictable daily rhythm that helps them feel secure. Holidays disrupt this pattern—whether your pet travels with you or stays behind.
Boarding often means unfamiliar smells, sounds, and people, even in high-quality facilities. While many pets adapt well, others may feel overwhelmed, especially if they are older or not used to other animals.
Staying with a sitter or at home can also be stressful if the routine is inconsistent or if your pet misses their primary caregiver.
Travelling with you exposes pets to unfamiliar environments, changes in climate, long journeys, or reduced rest, which can all lead to physical and emotional fatigue.
Even small changes—like a missed walk or unfamiliar food—can trigger distress, particularly in senior pets or those with underlying anxiety.
Stress vs Illness: How to Tell the Difference
Stress can mimic or mask health problems. While short-term stress responses are common, persistent signs may indicate a hidden medical condition.
Look for these signs that may suggest your pet needs medical attention:
Ongoing refusal to eat or drink
Vomiting, diarrhoea, or weight loss
Coughing, sneezing, or laboured breathing
Stiffness, limping, or reluctance to move
Sudden changes in personality, such as aggression or extreme fear
If your pet’s behaviour doesn't begin to normalise within 3–5 days after returning home—or if they develop new symptoms—it's best to book a veterinary appointment. Your vet can rule out or diagnose conditions like gastrointestinal upset, urinary tract infections, arthritis flares, or cognitive decline in older pets.
Ageing and Sensitivity to Change
Older pets, particularly those with cognitive or mobility issues, are more vulnerable to the effects of disruption. Ageing brains process stress differently, and even brief changes in routine or environment can lead to confusion, anxiety, or physical regression.
Some signs of age-related stress or decline include:
Disorientation or pacing
Increased vocalisation, especially at night
Toileting accidents despite being previously housetrained
Sleep disturbances or changes in daily rhythm
For senior pets, what seems like a mild response to boarding or travel may be a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (similar to dementia) or joint pain worsened by lack of exercise or new surfaces. If these signs appear after a holiday, they should not be dismissed.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
While it’s natural for pets to need a little time to readjust after a disruption, some situations call for professional evaluation. Contact your vet if:
Your pet’s behaviour continues to change or deteriorate
Physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy persist
They refuse food or water for more than 24 hours
There is a noticeable weight change
They are limping, panting excessively, or appear in pain
Senior pets appear disoriented or develop new habits
Early intervention allows your vet to rule out medical causes, provide treatment if needed, and guide you on managing stress or age-related changes going forward.
FAQs
How long does it take for pets to recover after a holiday?
Most pets settle within a few days of returning home, especially once routines are re-established. If your pet remains unsettled beyond a week, or new symptoms develop, consult your vet.
Can travel or boarding trigger health problems?
Yes. The stress of boarding or travel can trigger flare-ups of chronic conditions, such as arthritis, gastrointestinal upset, or urinary issues. In older pets, it may also exacerbate cognitive decline.
My pet is acting strangely even though they stayed at home. Why?
Even with a sitter or familiar environment, your absence alone can be stressful. Pets often sense changes in energy, attention, and routine. Some may also grieve or feel anxious, particularly if they are highly bonded to you.
What can I do to help my pet adjust?
Restore their routine as quickly as possible. Provide a calm environment, plenty of affection, and access to familiar bedding, toys, and feeding schedules. If your pet seems very unsettled, speak with your vet about calming aids or behavioural support.
