Even a one-night stay at a boarding kennel can be upsetting for your dog, so imagine what a more prolonged stay would be like for them. Not every dog will suffer from kennel stress; however, pet boarding can be a terrible experience for some. Changing regimens and exposure to new scenarios can create stress and anxiety in even the calmest dogs.
Prevalent Signs of Dog Kennel Stress
Your dog’s response to boarding might be affected by many things, such as the dog’s personality, the kennel’s environment, and any unforeseen events during its stay. Your dog might have to adjust to a new diet, new routine, new persons handling them, and the possibility of aggressiveness from other dogs. It’s possible to feel nervous due to these things.
If your dog’s actions have changed after you brought them home from the kennel, consider looking into the following indications of kennel stress.
Pacing
When a dog paces back and forth, it’s due to they’re overwhelmed with stress and can not relax. It may be tolerated if this only occurs at mealtimes or for short periods. Recognizing the times your dog shows this behavior might help you determine the source of their worry.
Pacing can be an indicator of dementia in elderly dogs. If you have a senior pet and observe this, get them to the veterinary hospital immediately.
Odd Body Language
Does your pet cower whenever you approach? Do they reveal indications of fear after visiting the boarding facility? If so, the dog’s noticeable change in body language is a massive sign of the stress they’re experiencing at the kennel. They might tuck their tail between their legs, shift their weight from one leg to another, and tremble in fear.
Shedding
Stress-induced hair loss is widely known to occur in humans. When dogs experience stress at a boarding kennel, they, too, may begin to shed hair or develop bald spots. If your dog is concerned about anything, it may paw or scratch itself, which can cause hair loss.
It is essential to select a comfortable dog kennel from boarding facilities like the Western Veterinary Hospital for your dog if you wish to lower the amount of kennel anxiety they experience. Before committing to anything, make sure you’ve thoroughly examined their establishment and the services they provide.
Stressed Eyes and Ears
Dilated pupils and quick blinking are two stress symptoms in humans and dogs. When surprised, they might seem to have wide-open eyes because the sclera (the eye’s white area) is more visible. On the other hand, regular, forward-facing ears are pressed back against the head.
Dogs yawn not only when they are sleepy or bored but also when they are under stress. A yawn induced by stress lasts longer and is more potent than a yawn caused by exhaustion. When dogs are anxious, they might drool or lick themselves excessively. Drooling, nevertheless, may be an indicator of dental health problems. Visiting a dog dentist is excellent if your pet needs routine dental check-ups.
Bottom Line
Does a dog get restless when staying in kennels? This is a difficult question to answer. Each canine has its personality and way of handling stress. You can only reduce the chances by taking all the needed preventative measures and researching the kennels thoroughly. Actively paying attention to your dog’s body language can help you identify indications of stress and work promptly to minimize that issue.