What to Do If Your Dog Acts Weird After Boarding: Separation Anxiety and Beyond

If your dog acts weird after boarding, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. Dogs can develop anxiety when they're left alone, especially if they're not used to being away from their owners.

Separation anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as destructive behavior, barking, or even self-soothing habits like pacing or panting. According to research, dogs with separation anxiety can exhibit these behaviors within 30 minutes of their owner's departure.

Some dogs may also experience a phenomenon called "boarding blues", which can cause them to act out in a similar way to separation anxiety. This is often due to the stress of being in a new environment, away from their owners and familiar surroundings.

By recognizing the signs of separation anxiety and boarding blues, you can take steps to help your dog feel more comfortable and secure when you're away.

See what others are reading: What to Bring When You Board Your Dog?

Separation anxiety is a common issue that can cause dogs to act weird after boarding. It's a disorder that causes dogs to panic at the idea of being left home alone, leading to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and accidents in the house.

Signs of separation anxiety include destructive behavior like chewing or scratching at furniture, doors, or other objects, going to the bathroom indoors, vocalizing with howls, barks, or whines, and being overexcited every time you come home.

Dogs with separation anxiety often require long-term, consistent, and gentle desensitization techniques to overcome their anxiety. One technique is to have practice sessions where your dog spends a very short amount of time alone and builds up to the point where they're comfortable spending longer periods of time without you.

To help your dog get used to being alone, it's essential to avoid being out long enough for their anxiety to begin building. For severe cases, this might mean staying outside for only two seconds, then three, and so on, and gradually increasing the time. Here's a simple plan to follow:

Separation anxiety in dogs can manifest in different ways, but some common signs include panic when left home alone, constant vocalizing (barking, whining, or howling), and damaging belongings.

Dogs with separation anxiety may also forget house training when left alone, leading to accidents in the house.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's essential to rule out a medical cause, as peeing in the house could be due to a urinary tract infection or other medical issues.

Here are some questions to help you determine if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety:

Keep in mind that these signs can also be symptoms of boredom, which can be overcome by adding more exercise and mental stimulation to your dog's routine.

Separation anxiety is a common issue that affects many dog owners. It's a condition that causes dogs to panic when left home alone, leading to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and accidents in the house.

Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit frantic greetings when their owners return home. This can be stressful for both the dog and the owner.

You might like: Dog Boarding in Home

Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include destructive behavior like chewing or scratching at furniture, doors, or other objects; going to the bathroom indoors; vocalizing with howls, barks, or whines; and being overexcited every time you come home.

To determine if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, ask yourself these questions: Does your dog panic when left home alone? Have you ever gotten complaints from your neighbors about your dog constantly vocalizing when you're gone? Do you return home to find that your dog has damaged your belongings? Does your dog seem to forget all about house training when you're away?

If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, try adding extra walks, playing games of fetch or tug-of-war, enrolling in training classes, or providing your pet with a variety of safe dog toys. If boredom is the reason for acting out, you should see a big change in your dog's behavior.

However, if none of these things help, then you need to consider separation anxiety as a diagnosis. One of the most effective methods to treat separation anxiety in dogs is desensitization and counterconditioning, which involves gradually allowing your dog to get used to being left home alone.

Check this out: Does My Dog Have to Be Neutered to Be Boarded?

Here are some signs of separation anxiety in dogs:

If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, it's essential to take a gradual approach to help them get used to being alone. Start by stepping outside for a short period, then return inside and repeat the process. Gradually increase the time you're away, and mix up the intervals to keep your dog calm and relaxed.

Boarding can be a stressful experience for dogs, especially if they're not used to it. They may have been stressed out by all the noise, smells, and chaotic environment of kennels.

Some dogs may have even gotten into fights with other dogs or been bullied, which can contribute to feeling traumatized. This could make them more reactive than usual.

It's also possible that your dog experienced separation anxiety while boarding, which can cause panic and destructive behavior. They may salivate, pace, bark incessantly, and have accidents in the house.

However, it's essential to rule out any underlying medical concerns, such as urinary tract infections or gastrointestinal disease, which can cause similar symptoms.

Journey fatigue is another possibility, especially if your dog has been traveling with you and seems lethargic when you get home. This is usually nothing to worry about as long as the lethargy doesn't linger for too long.

Lost Dog Syndrome is not directly related to boarding, but it's essential to be aware of the symptoms, which can be similar to those caused by boarding trauma. If your dog has Lost Dog Syndrome, they may become highly suspicious of humans, including their owners.

For your interest: Bernese Mountain Dog Look Alike

If your dog is acting weird after boarding, it's essential to consider their physical health. Lethargy and lower energy levels than usual can be a sign that your dog is unwell.

Gently check your dog's body for injuries, as they may be reluctant to be touched in certain areas. If you notice any injuries or signs of illness, seek veterinary care immediately.

Common signs of illness in dogs include appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and foul breath. If you suspect your dog is unwell, don't hesitate to consult a vet right away.

Suggestion: Signs of Bad Dog Boarding

Some pet owners have reported strange behaviors from their animals during the extra time with their owners. For example, one Twitter user asked their followers: “Anyone else’s dog barking five times more during quarantine? Because I am going to lose my mind.”

Loud barking is just one issue that dog owners have reported, though. Another Twitter user posted: “Just yelled, ‘shut up, your father is on a Zoom’ at the dog in case you’re wondering how my quarantine is going.”

If you're experiencing similar issues, enrolling your dogs in dog daycare might help alleviate some of these problematic behaviors. Has your dog or cat exhibited any of these strange behaviors during quarantine?

You might enjoy: Dog Going Crazy after Flea Treatment

If your dog is acting strangely, it's possible they're not feeling well. Sickness or injury can cause a range of symptoms, including lethargy and lower energy levels than usual.

Dogs in pain may be reluctant to be touched in certain areas. Other signs of illness or injury include vomiting or having diarrhea regularly, breathing difficulties, and foul breath.

Changes in bathroom habits, such as accidents in the house, can also indicate a problem. If your dog is normally well-behaved but starts having accidents, it's worth investigating further.

Difficulty moving or whining or whimpering can also be signs that your dog needs medical attention. If you suspect your dog is unwell, it's essential to see a vet right away.