Even a one-night stay at a boarding kennel can be distressing for your dog, so think of what a more extended stay would be like for them. Not every dog will suffer from kennel stress; however, for some, pet boarding can be a traumatic experience. Changing regimens and exposure to new scenarios can trigger stress and anxiety in even the calmest dogs.

Prevalent Signs of Dog Kennel Stress

Your dog’s reaction to pet boarding might be affected by several things, such as the dog’s personality, the kennel’s environment, and any unforeseen events throughout its stay. Your dog may have to adjust to a new diet, new routine, new persons handling them, and the possibility of aggression from other dogs. It’s possible to feel nervous because of these things.

If your dog’s behavior has changed after you brought them home from the kennel, check out the following signs of kennel stress.

Pacing

When a dog paces back and forth, they’re overwhelmed with stress and can’t relax. It might be tolerated if this only happens at mealtimes or for brief periods. Yet, being aware of the times your dog shows this behavior may help you recognize the source of their stress.

Pacing can be an indicator of dementia in senior dogs. If you have an elderly pet and observe this, do not delay getting them to the Western Veterinary Hospital.

Odd Body Language

Does your pet tremble whenever you approach? Do they show signs of fear after visiting the boarding facility? If so, the dog’s evident shift in body language is a massive sign of the stress they’re experiencing at the kennel. They may tuck their tail between their legs, shift their weight from one leg to another, and cower in terror.

Shedding

Stress-induced hair loss is well-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 might paw or scratch itself, which can trigger hair loss.

It is vital to pick a comfortable pet boarding for your dog if you want to reduce the amount of kennel anxiety they experience. Before committing to anything, make sure you’ve thoroughly examined their facility and the services they provide.

Stressed Eyes and Ears 

Dilated pupils and fast blinking are two stress symptoms in humans and dogs. When startled, they might appear to have wide-open eyes since the sclera (the eye’s white area) is more visible. On the other hand, typical, forward-facing ears are pushed 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 brought on by fatigue. 

When dogs are anxious, they might drool or lick themselves excessively. Drooling, nevertheless, could be an indicator of oral health problems. Visiting your vet dentist is excellent if your pet needs routine dental checkups. If you are looking for a vet dentist, visit this page.

Bottom Line

Does a dog get distressed when staying in kennels? This is a challenging question to answer. Each canine has its personality and means of dealing with stress. You can only minimize the possibilities by taking all the needed safety measures and researching the kennels extensively. Actively paying attention to your dog’s body language can help you identify signs of stress and work promptly to relieve that problem.