Most of the time, owners cannot bring their dogs on trips. The dog will need to be kenneled unless a friend is willing to dog sit for you. Even though most kennels give the dogs they board excellent care, they may still experience kennel stress. Owners can do a few things to lessen their dog’s stress while staying at the kennel.
How to Prevent Kennel Stress When Boarding Pets
Your dog may experience anxiety even after spending just one night in a boarding kennel, and more extended stays may make them feel even more stressed. Although not all dogs go through kennel stress, it is a real and unpleasant experience for many of them and can be highly stressful for owners. If this persists, you can always consult a professional from the Clarksville pet clinic.
Prepare Your Pet
Being confined to boarding for pets can be highly stressful because they are used to roaming the house and going wherever they please. To lessen the dog’s stress, the owner can start preparing it for its stay. An excellent way to get your dog ready for kennel time is to put him in a crate, kennel, or small bedroom at home.
Avoid Separation Anxiety
A dog may become stressed if it experiences separation anxiety from its owner or other dogs. The owner should start spending a few hours each day away from the dog a few weeks before the trip. If the owner has more than one dog, separating them for a few hours each day is advisable to help them get used to being apart.
Visit the Facility
Nobody necessarily knows how every dog behaves just because they own and run a dog kennel. Both their personalities and their likes and dislikes are unique to dogs. The owner should stop by the kennel before departing on their trip to talk with the owner about their dog’s temperament. The easier the dog’s stay will be, the more information the kennel owner will have about the dog.
Bring Something Familiar
Bring something cozy and familiar to the kennel that will make the dog feel more at ease. This could be a special blanket, stuffed animal, or something that makes your dog think of you. If familiar objects surround the dog, it will feel less stressed. Many dogs find pet boarding to be stressful. For the dog to experience less stress while staying at the kennel, it is best if the owner knows a few preparation techniques.
Four Factors That Cause Kennel Stress
Changes in diet, routine, dog aggression, new sounds, smells, and people can all make your dog anxious. Even the most laid-back dogs can become stressed by unfamiliar surroundings and routine changes.
Routine Modifications
Dogs are creatures of habit, and when their routine is disturbed, they may become anxious. Your dog’s eating, sleeping, and exercise routines will change in a kennel setting, which makes it almost inevitable.
Unfamiliar Individuals
While most dogs enjoy human company, some can be wary of strangers. The caretaker may change hourly in a kennel, further escalating the dogs’ stress levels.
Lack of Regular Exercise
Lack of adequate calorie burn increases a dog’s stress level. Boarding anxiety may rise if your dog is not getting as much exercise or is reluctant to play in the kennel’s outdoor areas.
A Sudden Shift in Diet
A dog may become ill from eating something different, but because it is a change from their routine, they may also become anxious. Additionally, nutrition is crucial because it maintains healthy immune systems in canines. If your dog loses interest in food, its nutritional levels will decline.
If you have an exotic pet, you should visit an exotic animal vet care. You should be aware that choosing a veterinarian experienced in treating exotic animals is crucial.
Conclusion
Despite our best efforts to make dogs feel at ease, the kennel environment is typically so dissimilar from their home that it is normal for them to feel stressed. If you heed the above advice, your dog will feel more at ease while boarding.