{"id":5208,"date":"2024-02-21T11:42:17","date_gmt":"2024-02-21T11:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/?p=5208"},"modified":"2024-02-21T11:42:18","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T11:42:18","slug":"boarding-kennel-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/boarding-kennel-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Your Dog Affected By Boarding Kennel Stress?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The emotions and feelings of a dog can be quite obvious at times; a wagging tail when its owner returns home means happiness, while raised hackles at the sight of another dog is often interpreted as anger. However, there are times when a dog’s emotions will become more complex, and staying in a boarding kennel is one such example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A boarding kennel usually disrupts the routine dogs have formed at home; this change, no matter how grand or slight, can cause dogs to become stressed and unsettled, especially nervous dogs. Their behaviour can change to include pacing, panting, and more. In boarding facilities, this has become known as “boarding kennel stress.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how do you know if your dog is experiencing this type of stress? This article aims to explain the signs of boarding kennel stress that dog owners and boarding staff should look out for, as well as the methods that are effective to help the dog cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although primarily related to dogs in animal shelters and similar facilities, kennel stress can affect dogs housed in boarding kennels. It is commonly due to the disruption to their routine, which can cause anxiety and worry in dogs. When this happens, it becomes known as “boarding kennel stress.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several stressors that could cause this, including crowding, continuous or loud noises, different food, routine changes, and unfamiliar people. Many boarding facilities take steps to reduce the stress dogs experience when staying with them, so this is a topic you should ask about when contacting and\/or visiting kennels. If staff at a boarding kennel are unable to discuss the ways they ensure dogs stay calm and comfortable, then you should not proceed with that facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unsurprisingly, anxious dogs are more likely to suffer from kennel stress due to their nature. These dogs often depend more on routine, so the smallest change can cause them to become stressed. On top of this, they will also be housed in close quarters with other dogs that might be experiencing the same emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n
Dogs, particularly anxious dogs, residing in boarding kennels might display one or more of the signs listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dog suffering from boarding kennel stress might become increasingly vocal. Barking, crying, and howling are good indicators of a dog experiencing separation anxiety, which is one aspect of kennel stress. If it is due to separation anxiety, the barking or howling will stop as soon as the owner or another person the dog is comfortable with appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This sign of stress will be very distressing to other dogs in the boarding establishment, which can cause the situation to worsen. As multiple dogs will be kept in a boarding establishment at any one time, there is a higher chance of “contagious howling,” which happens when dogs become more vocal when they hear the sound of other canines. Understandably, this can be difficult to put a stop to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n