What are Dog Kennels?
Dog kennels are facilities for accommodating several dogs overnight for specified blocks of time. They may also have facilities for cats and other pets, and usually have a large number of staff members to provide animal care.
Each kennel may have a different set-up depending on space, price and location. Some offer private rooms or pens for dogs to sleep in and exercise. They may also offer periods of exercise throughout the day and opportunities for dogs to socialise together
Dog kennels can be found all around the UK and are normally very busy over the school holidays.
Will dog kennels suit my dog?
Some sociable dogs love visiting dog kennels and can happily make friends in these environments.
However, some might also experience stress and separation anxiety. A dog kennel can’t always replicate your dog’s exact routine at home. As such, your dog might become fretful and anxious in this environment.
A dog kennel will have new sights, smells and sounds that can be overwhelming for a nervous dog. Furthermore, dogs that are in close proximity to each other can pass on kennel cough (also known as ‘canine cough’).
What is kennel cough?
Kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis is a health condition caused by bacteria infecting the respiratory system of dogs and cats.
It is highly contagious in environments where pets are close together, such as dog shows, puppy preschool and dog kennels. Symptoms generally appear 3-10 days after being exposed and can last up to two weeks.
The symptoms of kennel cough in dogs are:
- Dry, hacking cough
- Lack of energy
- Sneezing or sniffling
- Eye or nose discharge
- Vomiting after eating
Fortunately, there is now a vaccine available for kennel cough and the condition is less common than it used to be. As such, be sure to speak with your vet to have your dog vaccinated.
At it’s worst, kennel cough can persist for many weeks and can lead to potentially fatal illness such as pneumonia. This tends to happen in extreme cases or in older, weaker pets.
Is it normal for a dog to dislike dog kennels?
As we mentioned earlier, some dogs really do enjoy spending time at a dog kennel. However, this environment doesn’t suit every pooch personality. If you own a nervous, shy, young or older dog, you might want to think about some other options for care during your holidays.
Alternatives to dog kennels
Instead of a dog kennel, you might consider reaching out to a sitting service such as Pawshake to care for your best friend. Doing so has the advantage of being able to cater to your dog’s exact needs, which not every dog kennel can accommodate.
You might wish for your dog to stay in the home of a sitter and even share the time with another guest dog to play with. Alternatively, you might request the sitter stay in your home so that your dog has minimal moving around and disruption.
Consider the breed, temperament and needs of your dog when weighing up a final decision. Notably, your dog might benefit from extra services available on Pawshake such as training, grooming or even just couch cuddles. Furthermore, you can choose the exact person who will be caring for your dog, rather than relying on unknown rostered staff members at a kennel.
If you want to find out more about Pawshake, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Otherwise, get started today on finding an experienced sitter near you.
