Imagine taking a well-deserved holiday or a quick escape for a few days but not being able to bring your fur-buddy along. That's when boarding kennels come in, offering a safe haven for your dog while you're away. But, did you know, these kennels can sometimes be stressful environments for dogs? The noises, strange smells, and unfamiliar surroundings can lead to anxiety and disruptive behaviors. This article, designed with your canine friend's wellbeing in mind, presents effective and considerate ways to help prepare your dog for a stay in a kennel – ensuring a stress-reduced experience. Whether it's choosing a reputable kennel or pre-planning visits to familiarize your dog with the new environment, you'll find practical advice to make your dog's kennel stay more pleasant.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
Stress and anxiety in dogs are emotional responses triggered by various stimuli in their environment. They may occur when there's a change in your dog's routine or when they must adapt to a new circumstance. Everything your dog encounters during their day-to-day life can be classified as a stimulus, and some of these stimuli can trigger stress or anxiety in them.
Defining Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response to change. This does not exclude dogs who, just like humans, can experience stress in response to various situations. When it comes to anxiety, it is characterized by constant fear and worry, often about future events or potential hazards that might not even exist.
Understanding the Stimulus that Triggers Stress
Each dog's stress triggers are unique to their temperament, experiences, and individual nature. Common triggers may include a new environment, loud noises, separation from their owners, or being around unfamiliar animals or people.
Identifying Reactions to Stress
Every dog handles stress differently. Some may exhibit signs of aggression or fear, while others may show physical symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, or inappropriate elimination. The key to managing your dog's stress is understanding their individual signs and symptoms.
Different Ways in Which Stress Affects Dogs
In the short term, stress can cause your dog to become agitated or uncooperative. In more extreme cases, it can lead to behavioral problems like aggression or fearfulness. Long-term, chronic stress can impact your dog's overall health, resulting in weakened immune response, digestive issues, and heart problems.
Understanding Kennel Stress
When you're out of town or busy, kennels provide a secure environment where your pet can be cared for. However, being in an unfamiliar setting away from their normal routine can trigger what's known as kennel stress.
Identifying Common Factors that Cause Kennel Stress
The primary cause of kennel stress is the unfamiliarity of the environment. The confined spaces, the noise from other dogs, the separation from their owners, and the disruption of their regular routine can all contribute to this type of stress.
Understanding Different Reactions to Kennel Stress
Just like with general stress, dogs can react to kennel stress in a variety of ways based on their individual personalities. Some may react with aggression, some may bark or whine, while others may retreat, hide, or eat less.
Learning About the Different Symptoms of Kennel Stress
Symptoms of kennel stress can vary but often include excessive barking or whining, decreased appetite, signs of depression, and unusual behaviors such as pacing or circling.
Preparation for Using Kennels
Researching and Choosing the Best Kennel
Before using a kennel, it is important to do thorough research and get recommendations. The kennel you choose should be reputable and licensed by a local authority.
Consulting with the Kennel Beforehand
Once you've found a suitable kennel, you should bring your dog to visit the location. This will allow both of you to get a feel for the environment, the staff, and the other dogs.
Planning Trial Visits to the Kennel
Trial visits can help to familiarize your dog with the new environment. A few short visits before an extended stay can greatly reduce stress when the time comes for a longer separation.
Discussing Kennel Enrichments with Kennel Staff
Speak with the kennel staff about the enrichment activities they provide for dogs. These activities are designed to make your dog's stay more enjoyable and can include things like toys, games, walks, and music.
Helping Your Dog Adapt to Kennels
Helping your dog get used to the idea of staying at a kennel can go a long way in reducing associated stress and anxiety.
The Benefit of Early Visits to the Kennels
Getting your dog used to the kennel from a young age can help them cope with kennel stays in the future. Just like with people, dogs are more adaptable when they're young and can easily learn to associate the kennel with positive experiences.
Using Familiar Smells to Comfort Your Dog
The sense of smell is very potent in dogs. Bringing along a toy, blanket, or piece of your clothing carrying your scent can help comfort your dog by giving them a familiar scent to recognize in the new environment.
Understanding the Importance of Not Changing Diet Abruptly
Changes in diet can cause stomach upset in dogs. To avoid this additional stress, try to keep their diet consistent by providing the kennel with your dog's regular feed or agreeing on a menu before your dog's stay.
Discussing Anxiety Concerns with a Vet
If you're worried about your dog's anxiety level during their kennel stay, speak with your vet. They may recommend calming supplements or techniques to help mitigate their anxiety.
Ensuring Your Dog’s Health
Staying on top of your dog's health is important, especially when preparing for a kennel stay.
Regular Health Check-Ups for Your Dog
Regular veterinary health checks can help ensure your dog's wellbeing, detect any underlying health issues early, and ensure they're in optimal health before their kennel stay.
Keeping the Vaccination Up-to-Date
In addition to regular health checks, it's critical to keep your dog's vaccinations up-to-date. This not only protects your dog but also safeguards the health of the other dogs in the kennel.
Understanding How Calming Supplements Can Help
Calming supplements can vary in their effectiveness, depending on the dog and the situation. However, some can be beneficial in reducing the severity of stress behaviors in kennels. Your vet can recommend suitable options.
Collaborating with a Vet for Optimal Health Care
If your dog has a pre-existing condition or is particularly sensitive to stress, work with your vet to come up with a plan to properly manage their health.
Using Music to Reduce Stress in Kennels
Recent studies have shown that classical music can have a calming effect on dogs. It helps to soothe their nerves, proving particularly useful in reducing stress in kennelled dogs.
Understanding How Music Can Reduce Stress
Music can help create a relaxing environment for dogs. Classical music, in particular, with its soft melodies and slower tempo, can be particularly comforting for dogs and help lower their stress and anxiety levels.
Steps to Introduce Classical Music in the Kennel
If the kennel allows it, you can prepare a playlist of classical music for your dog to listen to during their stay. You can also ask the kennel to play classical music periodically throughout the day.
Examining Studies on The Effect of Classical Music on Kennelled Dogs
Several scientific studies have demonstrated the positive effects of classical music on kennelled dogs. In these studies, dogs exposed to classical music showed signs of reduced stress such as decreased barking, lower cortisol levels, and increased resting behaviors.
Recognizing Negative Behaviours Caused by Stress
Stress can cause dogs to exhibit negative behaviors. Recognizing these behaviors can help you intervene and alleviate the stress your dog is experiencing.
Identifying Signs of Aggression in Stressed Dogs
An increase in aggressive behaviours like growling, snapping, or biting may indicate that your dog is experiencing excessive stress.
Recognizing Signs of Retreat or Unresponsiveness
Some dogs may react to stress by withdrawing or becoming unresponsive. They might hide, refuse to eat, or show little interest in activities they usually enjoy.
Understanding Repetitive Behaviours in Stressed Dogs
Repetitive or compulsive behaviors like circling, pacing or chewing can also be symptoms of stress in dogs. These behaviors may initially seem weird or amusing, but they could be signs your dog is finding it hard to cope with stress.
Preparing for Longer Stays in Kennels
If your dog has to stay at the kennel for long periods of time, you can take several steps to help them adjust more comfortably.
Steps to Help Your Dog Adjust to Longer Kennel Stays
Gradually increase the duration of your dog's stay at the kennel, making the transition easier for your pet. You can also provide them with plenty of their favorite toys and personal items to make them feel more at home.
Discussing Longer Stay Arrangements with Kennel Staff
Talk to the kennel staff about their procedures for long-term stays. Understanding the daily routine will allow you to prepare your dog for the longer stay.
Providing Extra Familiar Items for Longer Stays
Your dog will appreciate extra comforts for longer stays. Bringing more items with familiar scents or enjoyable toys can make a huge difference in their comfort level.
Ensuring Comfort for Your Dog in Kennels
Making sure your dog is comfortable during their stay at the kennel can greatly reduce their stress levels.
Ensuring The Kennel Conditions Are Comfortable
Check the conditions of the kennel where your dog will be staying. It should be clean, well-ventilated, and free from hazards. They should also have comfortable bedding and adequate space.
Providing Personal Items for Familiarity and Comfort
Provide your dog with their favorite blanket, toy, or bed. These familiar items will give your pet a sense of security and help them to feel calm and relaxed.
Ensuring Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise During The Kennel Stay
Make sure the kennel provides plenty of time for exercise. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and keep your dog happy and healthy.
Creating a Post-Kennel Care Plan
Planning your dog's care after they leave the kennel can help manage post-kennel stress and make their transition back to home smoother.
Preparing Your Home for Your Dog’s Return
When your dog returns home from the kennel, they might need time to readjust to their old environment. Create a peaceful and calm environment where they can rest and recover.
Monitoring Your Dog for Post-Kennel Stress Symptoms
After your dog leaves the kennel, monitor them for any signs of stress or anxiety. These can include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or behavior. It's important to be patient and supportive during this time.
Ensuring Continuous Medical Care After The Kennel Stay
Keeping up with regular vet visits is important, especially after your pet has stayed in a kennel. This will help ensure any health issues are caught and treated quickly, reducing the potential for additional stress on your dog.
Preparing your dog for a stay in a kennel and reducing stress during their time there is a manageable task. With planning, understanding, and a watchful eye for signs of stress, you can ensure your dog's kennel experience is a positive one.
Source: https://pet-gp.co.uk/blog/how-to-help-reduce-stress-in-kennelled-dogs/
