4 Ways to Reduce Kennel Stress When Boarding Pets
Most of the time, owners cannot bring their dogs on vacation. Unless a friend is willing to dog sit for you, the dog must be kenneled. Even if most kennels provide excellent care for the dogs they board, they may still experience kennel stress. Owners can do a few things to reduce their dog’s stress while staying at the kennel.
How to Reduce Kennel Stress When Boarding Pets
Even after just one night in a dog boarding kennel, your dog may experience anxiety, and extended stays may make them feel even more stressed. Although not all dogs experience kennel stress, it is a real and unpleasant experience for many of them and a highly stressful experience for owners.
Prepare Your Pet
Because dogs are accustomed to roaming the house and going wherever they please, being confined to a kennel can be highly stressful. To reduce the dog’s anxiety, the owner can begin preparing it for its stay. A crate, kennel, or small bedroom at home is an excellent way to train your dog for kennel time.
Avoid Separation Anxiety.
If a dog experiences separation anxiety from its owner or other dogs, it may become stressed. A few weeks before the trip, the owner should begin spending a few hours per day away from the dog. If the owner has more than one dog, separating them for a few hours each day is best to help them get used to being apart.
Visit the Facility
Nobody knows how every dog behaves simply because they own and operate a dog kennel. Dogs have distinct personalities as well as likes and dislikes. Before leaving on their trip, the owner should stop by the kennel to discuss their dog’s temperament. The more convenient the dog stay, the more information the kennel owner will have about the dog.
Bring Something Familiar
Bring something comfortable and familiar to the kennel to help the dog relax. This could be a special blanket, stuffed animal, or anything else that reminds your dog of you. The dog will feel less stressed if familiar objects surround it. Pet boarding can be stressful for many dogs. It is best if the owner knows a few preparation techniques, so the dog feels less stressed while staying at the kennel. If your pet still appears stressed, look up “veterinary clinic near me” to get your pet checked.
Four Factors That Cause Kennel Stress
Changes in diet and routine, dog aggression, new sounds, smells, and people can all cause anxiety in your dog. Even the most laid-back dogs can become stressed by new surroundings and changes in routine.
Routine Modifications
Dogs are creatures of habit and may become distressed when their routine is disrupted. In a kennel, your dog’s eating, sleeping, and exercise routines will change, which is almost unavoidable.
Unfamiliar Individuals
While most dogs enjoy human interaction, some are wary of strangers. The caretaker may change hourly in a kennel, increasing the dogs’ stress levels.
Lack of Regular Exercise
A dog’s stress level rises when he does not burn enough calories. If your pet dog is not getting enough exercise or is reluctant to play in the kennel’s outdoor areas, boarding anxiety may increase.
A Sudden Shift in Diet
A dog may become ill due to eating something different, but it may also become anxious due to the change in routine. Nutrition is also essential because it helps canines maintain healthy immune systems. If your dog loses interest in food, their nutritional levels will suffer.
If you have an exotic pet here, you should be aware that it is crucial to find a qualified exotic animal vet to take care of them.
Conclusion
Despite our best efforts to make dogs feel at ease, the kennel environment is usually so different from their home that they are likely to be stressed. If you follow the advice above, your dog will be more at ease while boarding.
