Can Dog Daycare Help with My Dog’s PTSD?

Dog daycare and boarding are probably the main solutions that come to mind when thinking about temporary care for your dog. Whether you’re traveling or busy working remotely, these services help Houston dog owners provide care for their furry friends. When you don’t want to leave your dog at home, you need daycare services that make them feel comfortable.

The first time you leave your dog alone, you might worry a lot. This is especially true when you think your dog might have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our highly trained, caring staff goes the extra mile to make them feel like they’re at a pet resort.

Every dog is different, and while some cope well with being in a new place, other dogs feel distressed. From PTSD to separation anxiety, our highly skilled trainers know how to work with dogs to ensure their comfort throughout their stay.

Does My Dog Have PTSD? 

While we recognize the impact of PTSD in humans, we don’t always consider how it affects dogs. It can happen when a dog experiences some type of trauma. Your dog might develop PTSD for a number of reasons.

• The loss of a caretaker or owner
• A natural disaster such as a hurricane
• Abandonment in the wild
• Military combat or dog fighting
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Serious accidents

What Are the Signs of PTSD in a Dog?

Oftentimes, it is difficult to know the difference between PTSD and other forms of anxiety. Without direct communication or knowledge of the dog’s history, it may even be impossible to comprehend what your dog experiences. However, there are still signs of immense stress that we can use to determine PTSD in a dog.

• Hyperawareness of their surroundings
• Depression
• Clinging to you or other loved ones in fear
• Sudden aggression
• Pooping or peeing in the house
• Destructive tendencies
• Howling, barking, and whining
• Excessive panting
• Crouching low to the ground
• Tucked tail
• Pinned back ears

As you can see, many of these signs are easy to confuse with other behavior issues. Knowledge of your dog’s past can help your vet determine the appropriate diagnosis.

Helping a Dog with PTSD at Dog Daycare 

When we understand that your dog has PTSD, we can adjust their dog daycare experience accordingly. Whether they need to remain alone or under close supervision in groups, knowing about their condition allows us to take necessary precautions for their care. For instance, if loud noises trigger your dog, our trainers will keep that in mind in case they need to help your dog deescalate.

Regular exercise and play sessions as well as positive reinforcement help to treat PTSD in dogs. At our Houston dog daycare facility, we work with you to ensure your dog has the best experience possible. Our caring trainers will show them affection and provide positive reinforcement for their good behaviors. Moreover, they strive to limit any triggers that cause our guest’s stress.

Concerned About Dog Boarding? 

There’s really no cause for much concern when it comes to dog boarding and dog daycare in general. While the conditions may vary, many dogs experience stress and anxiety generally but still enjoy their time at our facility. It all comes down to finding the right Houston dog daycare and preparing your dog for their stay.

Visit Our Houston Dog Daycare Facility First 

When you consider a Houston dog daycare, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate their facility beforehand. You should also ensure that your dog is up-to-date on all their vaccinations. Clearly communicate any behavior issues that concern you and provide clear instructions for any medications.

Our dog boarding facility opened in 2017, and we designed it with safety and comfort in mind. We have spacious and supervised indoor and outdoor play areas. Additionally, we divide our dog guests into playgroups based on their size, play style, and temperament. This allows s to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your dog.

Our team works to deep clean the playroom with pet-friendly products multiple times throughout the day to ensure sanitation. The flooring of these rooms is a soft rubber perfectly comfortable for paws, joints, and nails. Moreover, the indoor playrooms are climate-controlled with HVAC systems that keep the air fresh and clean.