The first step in treating separation anxiety in dogs is to make sure the dog has some form of playtime or exercise during the day. This can help the dog learn to enjoy being alone and reduce its stress levels. The next step would be to create a routine for your dog so that it knows what to expect during the day and what will happen when you leave. This will help them feel more relaxed and safe while you are gone.

Dogs that have separation anxiety show very edgy behavior when they are alone. A few of those behaviors are:

• Scratching and chewing the corners of the doors and windows.
• Grooving and digging the walls.
• Excretion or urination.
• Barking, crying or whining.

Separation anxiety disorder is a strong fear of being left alone by loved ones. It happens due to the hyper-attachment between a dog and its owner. Separation anxiety is a serious issue that creates concern among pet owners. Sometimes they also get frustrated because of the behavior of their dogs.

However, you can do a lot of things to help your dog in such situations. But first, let’s understand the causes of why your furry baby acts like this:

• If the owner is changed.
• Staying alone for the first time.
• If they just moved from a shelter to a new home.
• If the family routine changes.
• Or the loss of a family member.

Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety

To know if your dog has separation anxiety, you can keep an eye on their activities and check if they match any of the following symptoms:

1. Striding

It has been seen in a few dogs that when they are left alone, they get nervous and start walking on the same path, following the same pattern. The pattern can be circular or straight, or back and forth.

Note: This behavior doesn’t happen when the pet parent is home or around the dog.

2. Barking And Howling

If your dog has separation anxiety, it may bark when they are alone. They sometimes howl as well, and they show this behaviour only when the guardian is not around.

3. Digging And Destructions

At times, when dogs are alone, they start scratching and digging all the things nearby, including the walls, doors, and windows. They even chew corners of different objects like tables, chairs, or toys. In this destructive hassle, they sometimes hurt themselves.

4. Urination

A lot of dogs with separation anxiety frequently urinate in the absence of their guardian. However, this behaviour is not seen when the guardian is around.

5. Coprophagia

Many dogs suffering from separation anxiety, when left alone, start consuming their excrement. But, they don’t show this behaviour when they have someone with them.

6. Loss Of Appetite

In some dogs, separation anxiety can lead to decreased interest in food, and they also start ignoring treats and bones.

7. Try to Escape

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then it might have tried to escape your house when you are not around them. They may have chewed your doors or windows to get out of the room.

How To Treat Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs. We should try to provide our dogs with what they need in order to feel less anxious If you think that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then the first thing you should do is consult a vet to know what to do next. They may suggest some medicines that can help your dog during nervousness.

Apart from that, verify if the problem is mild or serious.

If it is mild, then follow these few instructions:

• Every time you leave your house, give your dog some treats.
• Give them some soft toys or puzzles to play with; this will engage their time.
• Try not to make a lot of noise or greet, when you come or leave your house.
• Let your dogs have your clothes to get your smell.

Your dog, your pet, is one of the most precious members of your family. Hence, you are bound to be worried whenever you travel outside for work or even for a vacation. Not all resorts or holiday destinations have dog daycare services. So here comes the biggest question, where do I leave my dog?

Often you would find yourself calling in favors from friends and family to look after your dog, while you are away. But, it does get a little too much if you have to do it every time! Why not look for great dog boarding services and uncomplicated matters at your end?

Important Questions To Ask At Dog Boarding Facility

1. What Kind Of Kennel Do do They Provide?

The kennel should have a cozy and clean bed and blanket. A temperature controller should be fitted in the kennel and have fences so that dogs cannot flee or escape. Also, there should be ample space so your pet can easily fit in the kennel.

2. What Will They Feed Your Dog?

Always check with the dog boarding service provider about what brand of food they will provide your pup. If they provide food from another brand, try to provide the food from your side or ask them to provide the same brand of food; otherwise, it will upset your puppy’s stomach. They should provide nutritious and high-quality food.

3. For How Long Will They Take The Dog For The Walk?

At least once a day, they must take the dog out for a walk to get outdoor exposure.

4. What Amenities And Activities Will They Do With The Dog?

When dogs exercise and do outdoor activities, they get mental stimulation and even thrive. So the dog boarding facility needs to make them perform different activities to train them.

5. Is An Emergency Vet Available?

At the time of illness of the dog, make sure that the dog boarding has a vet onsite with skilled care, and they should have proper medication.

6. How Often Are Kennels Cleaned?

To maintain hygiene and sanity, clean the kennel regularly.

7. How Many Staff Is Working There?

Make sure that the staff is well-trained and certified. Also, check that your dog receives enough attention and care from the staff. Check that at night, will there be any staff available or not look after your pooch.

Perks Of Keeping Dogs At Boarding Facility

1. Dog Will Get Proper Nutrition

Dog boarding service provider has experts who provide the correct nutrition and food to the doggies. They have numerous varieties of high-quality wet and dry food available, and they will feed the dog exactly what is needed.

2. Timely Medication

Be assured that they will provide timely treatment or medication if you leave your dog with the dog boarding. If there is some distortion, then proper medical care is given to your pup.

3. Socialization

There will be many pups at the boarding station, so your dog will have enough time to socialize. Not only this, but they will also be showered with attention, love, and care by the staff.

Cost

This is also a big deciding factor when determining the right dog kennel services. Although you will not compromise your dog’s safety and comfort, however, there are quite a few boarding services that overcharge as compared to others. Evaluate all the dog kennel rates before deciding on the one you want to choose.

Family Pet is your one-stop solution for high-quality dog boarding services across Spring, Texas. With experienced dog trainers and in-house veterinarians, we care for your dog as our own!

We know if you had your way you would take your dog on every holiday, but sometimes you just can’t help it, someone else has to look after your furry friend.

While you would be happy to let someone care for your “buddy” when you are out of town, you are torn between two choices –kennel or home boarding. Which is safer? How much will it cost you? Will your pet fit in? These are legitimate concerns. After all, you want the best for your pooch.

That’s why we put this article together, so you can make a confident choice. And, by the end of this guide, you will know what to look out for.

Home Boarding

Home boarding is when someone opens up their home to allow other people’s dogs to come and stay. Your dog will live in that person’s house for the duration of their stay as if he or she belongs there. The dog should be walked daily for a good amount of time (we recommend 1 hr).  They should also have use of the garden or outside space. Home boarding offers a home-from-home environment.

The home must be licensed through the local council which will limit how many dogs are allowed. This is to ensure the facilities can comfortably and safely accommodate the appropriate amount of dogs.  The host should also have home boarding pet insurance which covers them against third-party liability, but it will not cover the host against any damage that a boarding dog might make to their home. Home boarding is usually more expensive than Boarding Kennels.

Boarding Kennels

Boarding Kennels are where dogs are kept in a kennel, in a building separate from the business owner’s home.   The kennel building will be made up of separate kennels (like stables) and runs they may have a communal or divided outside space that can be concrete or some other hard surface for ease of cleaning.  Dogs are kept separately inside their own kennel and run unless they come from the same home.

Boarding Kennels can hold a larger number of dogs than a home boarding establishment.  Boarding Kennels do give dogs a chance to stretch their legs and get out of their kennel during the day, but you can find this varies greatly, it could be anything from 15 minutes around a field twice a day to the main walk. Boarding Kennels are usually cheaper than Home Boarding, however, you may find they charge for extras like longer walks, administering medicine etc.