Written by Patrick St-Louis for Kennel Club Boarding
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding the Emotional Toll of Boarding
- Dog Psychology
- Common Post-Boarding Behaviors
- Strategies to Minimize Separation Anxiety
- Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
- Alternatives to Boarding
- Regular Boarding: The Pros and Cons
- Conclusion
Introduction
When pet owners return home from a trip to find their dog whimpering and clinging to them, it can be quite distressing.
The National Library of Medicine notes that dogs are often exposed to unavoidable stressful events when kenneled. This underscores a pressing question: Why do dogs cry after dog boarding? This guide will explore the emotional and psychological aspects of boarding as well as common post-boarding behaviors.
Understanding the Emotional Toll of Boarding
Dogs are creatures of habit, thriving on routine and the familiar. Boarding disrupts their usual environment, leading to anxiety and stress.
On the first night at a kennel, dogs often struggle with strange noises, new smells, and other nervous animals. This disruption can cause a range of distress signals, from excessive panting and whining to pacing and even aggression.
Understanding these behaviors is essential for pet owners. It helps bridge the gap between human understanding and a dog's emotions.
Dog Psychology
Dogs form deep emotional bonds with their owners, as highlighted by a study from the University of British Columbia. This bond is so strong that a dog's brain lights up when they smell their owner's scent.
A dog's instinct to protect its space makes the unfamiliar environment of a kennel even more distressing. This psychological upheaval can be akin to humans moving to a foreign country without any preparation. The situation goes beyond mere longing; dogs are dealing with a significant emotional and psychological change.
Common Post-Boarding Behaviors
Upon returning from a boarding facility, dogs might display several behaviors that can worry pet owners. These behaviors are usually temporary and should normalize within a few days. If these behaviors persist or are especially intense, consulting your vet is essential. The symptoms might stem from health issues rather than emotional stress.
Excessive Drinking
Upon returning home, it is common for dogs to exhibit increased water consumption. This is often from excitement, stress from the car ride, or simply feeling more comfortable in familiar surroundings. Monitoring their water intake to prevent overdrinking is important as this can make them sick.
Change in Diet
Dogs may eat ravenously upon returning home. This is usually from excitement and the comfort of being back in a familiar environment. Letting them settle before feeding them to avoid overeating is advisable.
Change in Personality
Your dog may ignore you or become extra clingy after boarding. Both reactions are normal and stem from the dog's personality and experiences. Some dogs may feel offended that you left them behind, while others may be grateful for your return.
Change in Stool or Vomiting
Stress or excitement can lead to soft or loose stools. If the boarding facility changed your dog's diet, it may take some time for them to readjust. Most boarding facilities will ask you to provide your dogs food to avoid this issue.
Vomiting is often a result of overdrinking or eating too fast. If symptoms persist for more than two days or if there is blood in the vomit, it's important to contact your vet.
Change in Sleep
Your dog will likely sleep soundly for a day or two after returning home. This is from the physical exertion from playtime at the kennel and the mental stimulation of a new environment. Similar to how humans might feel tired after a vacation, dogs need time to recover from their "vacation" as well.
Strategies to Minimize Separation Anxiety
To ease your dog's stress during and after boarding, it's important to take proactive steps. Here are some strategies to help minimize separation anxiety:
Read more on Separation Anxiety in Dogs from the Canadian veterinary Medical Association
Pre-Stay Bookings
Arrange a pre-stay visit for your dog, preferably during the two weeks before the planned boarding. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the environment, smells, and energy of the kennel. It also provides a quiet introduction to the kennel staff, making the actual stay more comfortable.
Bring Familiar Items
Providing your dog with a familiar, unwashed item, such as a blanket or toy, is often helpful during their stay. These items will carry your scent, comfort them and reduce anxiety while they are at the kennel.
Quick Goodbyes and Long Hellos
Make the drop-off casual and low-key to avoid causing additional stress. The reunion however should be a major event to celebrate your return and reinforce positive feelings.
Preparing Your Dog for Boarding
Proper preparation can make a significant difference in your dog's boarding experience. Here are some tips to help your dog acclimate to the idea of boarding:
For in depth information, read our related article: How to prepare your dog for boarding
Easy Adaptation Strategies
Acclimating your dog to boarding can be as simple as doing a few dry runs. Short overnight stays at the facility or daycare visits in advance can act as a primer. This can ensure the longer stay isn't a shock to their system. Introduce the concept slowly will let them feel out the prospect of boarding at their own pace.
Packing for Comfort
When the day of boarding arrives, prepare a suitcase containing all the necessary items for your dog. Familiar items like their favorite blanket, a toy, or a shirt with your scent can be welcome addition to their kennel space. With some preparation, it's easy to create a "home away from home" for your dog by packing a bag with familiar items.
Alternatives to Boarding
If the thought of boarding makes you and your dog anxious, consider alternatives that can keep your dog happy, even in your absence.
To help you decide if Boarding is right for you and your dog, read out article What Do Dogs Do While Boarded at a Kennel
For more information alternatives to dog boarding. Read our related article - Where do people leave their dogs when they're on vacation
Leaving Your Dog with a Friend or Family Member
This is often comforting for both you and your dog, as they'll be in a familiar environment. Your friend or family member can keep your dog's daily routine, easing separation anxiety.
Pet Sitters
Pet sitters are people you hire to come to your home to care for your dog. They offer the comfort of home with the addition of individual human companionship.
Taking Your Dog with You
In some cases, it's possible to take your dog with you. Many destinations are pet-friendly, offering places to stay and activities for dogs and their owners.
Technology to the Rescue
In our tech-savvy world, staying connected with your canine companion is just a click away. Interactive cameras allow you to beam into their world, offering reassurance with your voice or even treats dispensed remotely. It gives the term 'watchdog' a whole new meaning and keeps both ends of the leash tangle-free.
Professional Help
If your dog is having trouble adapting to the idea of boarding. Dog trainers and behaviorists can work wonders in teaching your dog that boarding isn't all doom and gloom. They can introduce coping skills, stress-busting tricks, and even turn the boarding experience into a game.
Regular Boarding: The Pros and Cons
When considering boarding, you need to strike a delicate balance between comfort and frequency. On the hand, frequent stays can desensitize your dog to the experience, transforming trepidation into nonchalance. On the other hand, it's vital to ensure that boarding doesn't become a substitute for the love and attention that you provide.
Conclusion
In the journey of pet ownership, boarding your dog is never going to be the highlight. Understanding the toll it can take on our dogs is the first step towards making it a tolerable, if not positive for them.
Every bark and whimper from your dog communicates their journey. As their caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that their story is as joyful as possible. Whether you're parting with your pup for a day or a week, remember that their emotional well-being rests in your hands. With the right prep, the best care choices, and a heartfelt reunion, boarding can become just another chapter in your dog's happy life narrative.