Going on vacation or going away for a few days can be a fun and enjoyable experience for us. If we can’t take our dog with us, most of us use boarding houses as an alternative. Dog boarding facilities provide a secure way to ensure your dog’s safety and care while you’re away. However, dogs can sometimes find environments stressful and challenging. Pet boarding and pet hotels are available throughout the country. Taking the time to prepare your dog and choose an appropriate kennel can significantly reduce stress in kennel dogs.
Reduce stress in kennel dogs
Stress and anxiety in dogs can be defined as anything that causes a change in your dog or means he has to adapt to new circumstances. Everything your dog encounters is a stimulus, some of them can trigger emotional or stressful reactions. These stressful situations can then lead to other negative behaviors. Every dog is an individual, some will adapt better to these changes than others. Sometimes short-term stressful events like visits to the vet can actually be beneficial in the long run. Support your dog’s resilience and reduce stress. This can happen with some advance planning and support to develop their skills and flexibility in dealing with new and unusual situations.
Kennel stress is often caused by the unfamiliar aspects of the kennel environment. They are in a kennel and do not run around your living room. They are often much more confined, it is a noisy place with other dogs around and they are far from the normal routine and smells of the house. Kennel stress in dogs can affect them in a variety of ways and exhibit different signs and symptoms. How dogs react to this stress varies according to their own personality. Some may react aggressively, some may bark or whine, others may hide, withdraw and often eat less or are less responsive. Some dogs may even display repetitive behaviors such as circling, spinning, or pacing.
Preparation for the use of kennels
- It is important to do your research and get recommendations, if possible, to ensure you choose a reputable boarding kennel. They must be approved by the local authorities.
- If your dog has never been to a kennel before, it helps to talk to the kennel about this beforehand. Discuss kennel visits so you and your dog can look around, see the facilities, and consider booking trial visits. A visit of a few hours can help your dog and allow you to judge how he will cope. This gives them time to get used to their surroundings, so when they stay longer, it’s neither new nor unfamiliar.
- Talk to your kennel about the tools they use and how they enrich your dog’s stay to make this time happier and less stressful. For example, some studies have shown that introducing classical music to a busy, noisy kennel can significantly reduce stress in dogs.
How to help your dog adapt and reduce stress
- If you have a puppy, ideally book visits and trial stays while they are young. Short visits early in their socialization and development allow puppies to build on learned experiences.
- Your dog might find some comfort in the familiar smells of the house. If possible, send them with their own bed, toy or personal item. Check the requirements with your kennel.
- Abrupt changes in diet can cause stomach upset and additional stress in your dog. Either have the kennels feed their normal food or take it with them.
- Talk to your vet about a health check, make sure he’s up to date on his vaccinations and is doing well. If you are concerned about anxiety, discuss the use of pheromones or calming supplements with your veterinarian. Some have been shown to reduce the severity of stress behaviors in kennels.
The kennel can be a stressful and uncertain place for your dog, but taking the time to prepare him and accommodate his needs can go a long way in mitigating the serious negative effects of kennel stress.