If you’ve boarded your dog before, you likely have a mild case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if he/she had dog boarding anxiety. Even if nothing out of the ordinary happened at the boarding kennel, a dog’s anxiety can soar when in an unfamiliar place or due to being away from his/her beloved owner.
Learn more about your dog’s anxiety while at dog boarding kennels, so you know what to do the next time you want to get away and can’t take your pup.
What Is Dog Boarding Anxiety?
Dog boarding anxiety is when a dog is anxious when staying at a boarding facility. Many dogs experience high-stress levels due to either being in an unfamiliar place or being separated from his/her owner.
A dog’s separation anxiety can happen anywhere, such as at home, doggy daycare, or a boarding facility. Dog separation anxiety is common and can be lessened with training and possibly supplements for some nervous dogs.
Before moving forward with treating dog boarding anxiety, let’s take a look at the signs of it to see if your dog is truly experiencing it.
Signs Of Dog Boarding Anxiety
Not all nervous dogs will have all of the signs below. Review the list of signs and then discuss the ones your pup has with your veterinarian to identify the best option for you and your furry friend.
Excessive Barking or Howling
If your pup is showing signs of distress when you leave the house, he/she may bark or howl excessively in an attempt to get your attention.
Destructive Behavior
An anxious dog may act out by chewing up furniture or destroying items in their environment as a way to cope with anxiety.
Loss of Appetite
Your pup may refuse to eat if they’re feeling anxious or scared.
Panting or Pacing
Anxious dogs often pant heavily and pace around the room in an attempt to release nervous energy.
Hiding
If your dog feels uncomfortable being separated from you, he/she may hide under furniture or in other secluded areas until they feel safe again.
It can be tough seeing our furry friends struggling with separation anxiety. Still, it’s important to remember that these behaviors are usually temporary and can improve over time with patience and consistency. With some extra TLC, medications (if necessary), and lots of love, we can help our anxious dogs cope during times of separation such as going away on vacation or leaving them for a day at doggy daycare.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Boarding Anxiety
If you think your pup is suffering from boarding anxiety, it can be a stressful situation for both you and your furry friend. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to help ease their anxiety.
Consider an Alternative – A Pet Sitter
A pet sitter or a family member to look after them while you’re away. Having someone familiar in the house can make your dog feel more comfortable and secure.
Try a Different Dog Boarding Facility
It’s hard to know exactly why a dog may be anxious at a boarding facility, so try a different one. If the anxiety is the same, you know that the nervousness likely has to do with being away from you vs. the particular boarding facility.
Send Favorite Toys
Favorite toys are familiar and comforting when a dog is anxious. Be sure to include your pup’s favorite toys in everything you give the boarding staff.
Spend Time with Staff Members
Ask if it would be okay to bring your dog to the boarding facility to spend time with the staff members outside of being boarded. The more time your pup spends there with and without you, the more comfortable he/she will be when you need boarding services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long-term effects of dog boarding anxiety?
When it comes to dog boarding anxiety, the long-term effects can be both emotionally and physically damaging for your pup. As a pet parent, it’s important to understand how this type of stress can harm your pooch and what you can do to help them.
Dog boarding anxiety can cause a range of issues in the long term, such as depression, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior. Your pup may become withdrawn or overly clingy, and they may show signs of fear or aggression when around other dogs or people. They could also start displaying signs of physical distress like excessive panting or pacing. Not only that but they could be at risk of developing digestive issues due to the stress caused by the unfamiliar environment and people.
Knowing all this, it’s essential that you take steps to reduce your pup’s anxiety before you board them. Spend time preparing them for their stay with trips to the facility so they’re more familiar with their surroundings, provide something familiar from home like a toy or blanket that smells like you, and make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date so there is less risk of illness while away from home. Taking these measures will help ensure your pup has a comfortable boarding experience and will reduce the chances of them suffering from long-term effects due to anxiety.
Is there a medication that can be used to treat dog boarding anxiety?
Finding the right solution to your dog’s boarding anxiety can be challenging. You may be wondering if there is a medication that could help your pup cope with fear and discomfort. Here’s what you need to know about treating dog boarding anxiety with medication.
When it comes to treating canine separation anxiety, there are certain medications that can help reduce a dog’s stress levels. These include:
• Anti-anxiety medications such as buspirone or alprazolam
• Tricyclic antidepressant drugs like clomipramine
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like fluoxetine
It should be noted that these medications aren’t always effective on their own, and they may come with side effects such as drowsiness, restlessness, irritability, or changes in appetite. That’s why it’s important to talk to your vet before administering any type of medication for your pet’s boarding anxiety. Your vet may also recommend alternative treatments like behavior modification exercises or natural remedies like calming scents or herbal supplements.
No matter which treatment option you choose for your pup, it is essential to be patient and consistent in order to see results. With the right care, your pup can learn how to cope with boarding anxiety and become more relaxed in new environments.
How do I know if my dog is experiencing boarding anxiety?
I know how worrying it can be when you’re about to board your dog for the first time. You want to make sure that your pet is going to be safe and comfortable in a new environment, and that includes being free from anxiety. But how do you know if your pup is feeling anxious?
First of all, look out for any physical signs. Your dog may be panting more than usual or shaking, or he might even try to escape the boarding facility. He might also become unresponsive or seem distant, which could indicate he’s feeling stressed or scared. Additionally, watch out for changes in behavior such as excessive barking and destructive chewing – these are all indicators that something isn’t quite right with your furry friend.
If you’re ever unsure whether your pup is experiencing boarding anxiety, it’s best to speak to an experienced vet who can help assess the situation and provide advice on how best to proceed. A TIP: Having a few familiar items around like toys or blankets can really help your dog feel comfortable during his stay at the boarding facility. This will give him something comforting and reassuring to focus on while he adjusts to his new surroundings.
Is there a way to prevent my dog from developing boarding anxiety?
I’m sure many of us have been in a situation where we had to leave our dog at a boarding center. It can be hard to know if your pup is feeling anxious or not – and even harder to prevent it from happening in the first place. So, is there a way to prevent my dog from developing boarding anxiety?
The answer is yes! One of the best things you can do is make sure you take time out of your day to interact with your dog before leaving them at the boarding center. The more time they spend with you, the less anxious they will feel when you are gone. Additionally, make sure that you keep their environment as stimulating as possible while they’re away. Activities like puzzle feeders and chew toys are great ways to keep them occupied and help reduce their stress levels during your absence. Finally, always check in on your pup throughout their stay – whether it’s through text message updates or video calls – so that they know you’re thinking of them and haven’t forgotten about them entirely.
These small steps can go a long way towards helping your pup feel comfortable and secure while away from home, which will ultimately reduce their anxiety levels when faced with being boarded for an extended period of time.
Does dog boarding anxiety have any effects on the dog’s behavior at home?
It’s a valid concern for pet owners if their dog may be suffering from boarding anxiety. After all, it can have an effect on the animal’s behavior at home. So, what kind of effects might a pet experience when they suffer from this type of anxiety?
Well, pets with boarding anxiety may seem to forget their normal training once they’re back home. This could mean that they begin to display behaviors such as barking more, getting into mischief, and other signs that weren’t present before their stay in the kennel. These behaviors are usually temporary but can be frustrating for owners who need to do extra work in order to get their pets back on track.
It’s important to acknowledge any issues your pet may have while you’re away so that you can provide the best care possible. If you think your pup is suffering from boarding anxiety, look into ways to alleviate the stress and make sure your furry friend feels safe and secure when away from home.
Key Takeaways About Dog Boarding Anxiety
It’s important to be aware that dog boarding anxiety can have long-term effects on your pup. If you’re able to recognize the signs of boarding anxiety in your pet and take steps to prevent or treat it, you’ll not only be helping them feel better while they’re away from home but also at home.
The best thing you can do if you think your dog might be suffering from boarding anxiety is to contact an animal behaviorist or veterinarian for advice. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the best course of action for treating it. In some cases, medication may be prescribed, however, it is important to remember that there are many other methods that can be utilized as well.
Ultimately, taking steps towards understanding and managing your pup’s boarding anxiety can make a huge difference in their overall well-being and happiness. With the right care and attention, you’ll both enjoy more peaceful travels in the future!
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