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

Prevalent Signs of Dog Kennel Stress

Your dog’s reaction to boarding may be affected by numerous things, such as the dog’s personality, the kennel’s environment, and any unexpected events during its stay. Your dog might 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 actions have 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, it’s due to they’re overwhelmed with stress and can not relax. It could be tolerated if this only happens at mealtimes or for quick times. Yet, knowing when your dog shows this behavior may assist you in determining the source of their worry.

Pacing can be an indication of dementia in senior dogs. If you have a senior pet and observe this, get them to a vet in San Angelo immediately.

Odd Body Language

Does your pet cower whenever you approach? Do they reveal indicators of fear after going to the boarding facility? If so, the dog’s apparent change in body language is an enormous indication 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 cower in horror.

Shedding

Stress-induced hair loss is well-known to happen in humans. When dogs experience stress at a boarding kennel, they, too, may start to lose hair or create bald spots. If your dog is concerned about anything, it might paw or scrape at itself, which can cause hair loss.

It is vital to select a comfortable dog kennel from boarding facilities like the Western Veterinary Hospital for your dog if you wish to reduce the amount of kennel anxiety they experience. Before committing to anything, ensure you’ve evaluated their facility and services extensively.

Stressed Eyes and Ears 

Dilated pupils and quick blinking are two stress symptoms in humans and dogs. When surprised, they may appear to have wide-open eyes since the sclera (the eye’s white area) is more noticeable. On the other hand, typical, 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 tiredness. When dogs are stressed out, they might drool or lick themselves excessively. Drooling, however, might be an indicator of oral health concerns. Visiting your pet dentist is suitable if your pet needs routine dental examinations.

Bottom Line

Does a dog get restless when staying in kennels? This is a tricky question to answer. Each dog has its personality and way of managing stress. You can only lower 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 recognize tension indicators and work promptly to alleviate that worry.