Reducing Kennel Stress

Kennel stress manifests in dogs in many ways. Incessant barking, restlessness, gastrointestinal upset and clingy behavior may indicate stress. Breeders who recognize signs and catch a problem early can potentially prevent the long-term effects caused by compromised immune function due to stress.

Stress is defined as anything that challenges a dog to change or adapt to new circumstances. Some stress is considered “good” for dogs and necessary for development. Short-term, low-level stress that occurs when puppies and adult dogs are vaccinated to protect against diseases such as parvovirus and distemper is an example. Good stress also occurs when puppies are introduced to solid food as they are weaned.

Conversely, some types of stress in a kennel environment can be “bad” for dogs and may negatively affect their health and well-being. Crowded conditions, lack of adequate shelter or food, excessive noise and ongoing aggressive behavior from other dogs are examples.

At Deep Run Farm, a breeding, training and boarding kennel in Goldvein, Virginia, an emphasis is placed on gradually introducing dogs to good stress and reducing bad stress. The kennel, which includes a veterinary clinic, specializes in training Labrador Retrievers for hunting, field trials and hunt tests. “The differences between the two types of stress make a world of difference,” says co-owner and veterinarian Phyllis Giroux, DVM. “All learning, or essentially anything that changes a dog’s current behavior, is stressful. Our goal is to gradually introduce new things to dogs so they are more accepting and less stressed. We try to avoid the bad stress that makes a dog feel powerless.”

“Anytime a dog shows signs of stress, a veterinary examination should be the first step to be sure that a medical problem is not the cause,” says Purina Senior Veterinarian RuthAnn Lobos, DVM. “It also is good to perform environmental and social evaluations to help identify stressors. In response, a customized behavior modification plan can be developed to help reduce a dog’s stress level. This may include increased exercise or adding privacy panels in the kennel to provide more quiet time.”

Nutrition is important in kennels as it helps to maintain a dog’s normal immune function and response to stress. “It is well-recognized that nutritional deficiencies can compromise immune function,” Dr. Lobos says. “Seventy percent of the immune system is associated with the GI tract. Keeping the GI tract in tip-top shape by feeding a nutritionally complete and balanced diet can help encourage overall health.”

Calvin and Allison Kroger feed Purina Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula to the majority of dogs at their Kroger Kennels in Hudson, South Dakota. Puppies are fed Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula. “Dogs are like humans. If their nutritional requirements are not met, they don’t feel well,” says Calvin Kroger of the French Bulldogs, Miniature Poodles and Dachshunds they breed to be family companions. “The consistency of Pro Plan dog food definitely helps with stress because we notice our dogs are more content, which helps them to be calm in the kennel,” he says.

Deep Run Farm also feeds Pro Plan All Ages Sport Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula. Dogs with sensitive digestive systems are fed Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula. “When you feed a quality dog food, not only do dogs feel well, they are healthy,” Dr. Giroux says. “We see superior results with Pro Plan.”

Checklist for a Calm Kennel

Following a checklist of steps to reduce kennel stress may help circumvent the long-term harmful effects that can compromise a dog’s immune function. Here are some tips from Dr. Giroux and the Krogers that have given them good results in their kennels.

Ample Kennel Space:

Situated on 116 acres one hour south of Washington, Deep Run Farm has three buildings. The boarding kennel has indoor runs that are 4-by-10 feet and 8-by-10 feet. Chain link separates the runs, which are open on top allowing kennel workers to easily see every dog when they enter the kennel. Elevated beds with fleece coverings provide comfort. Kroger Kennels has four kennel buildings, two of which are a nursery and whelping kennel. The two buildings for adult dogs have indoor-outdoor runs that are 4 by 4 feet inside and outside. Resting mats keep dogs off the concrete. Radio music in the kennels offers a soothing effect. Toys and chew bones provide social interaction, and dogs enjoy them in the kennel.

Plenty of Exercise:

As Deep Run Farm has an indoor kennel design, dogs are walked on leash to an exercise area three to four times a day for free play. “We believe in spending hands-on time with individual dogs,” Dr. Giroux says. “This allows us to look for anything abnormal and to quickly intervene. It also allows us to easily monitor a dog’s appetite, or food intake, urine and stool.” Kroger Kennels has two play yards in which dogs are exercised daily. Allison Kroger, who worked many years as a veterinary technician, is the primary caregiver. “Our dogs love being outside with us,” Calvin Kroger says. “Besides the time they spend in the play yards, the dogs see us frequently every day. Our family and friends visit often, and our children adore watching and playing with the puppies as they grow.”

Clean & Odor-Free:

The importance of kennel sanitation at Deep Run Farm is taken to heart. All the kennels are power-sprayed two times a day. “We find if the kennel is clean, we don’t have odor,” Dr. Giroux says. “We have a routine for cleaning, feeding and exercise.”

Kroger Kennels also are cleaned two times a day. “We clean first thing in the morning, and a more thorough cleaning is done in the evening,” Calvin Kroger says. “We try to keep the cleaning and feeding schedule consistent. Generally, things are calm in our kennel, and having a regular routine helps.”

Ultimately, dogs are individuals and what is stressful to the immune system of one dog may have no impact on another. Some breeds are easygoing, and other breeds are high strung and unable to adapt readily to new experiences. “We use positive training and feedback to help reduce stress in all our dogs, along with working gradually to introduce new things at a pace that is appropriate for an individual dog,” Dr. Giroux says.

The important consideration is that short bouts of low-level “good” stress are not harmful. It is prolonged “bad” stress that can compromise immune function. If owners are alert for signs of kennel stress, they can potentially circumvent it before it becomes a problem.