Dogsey

Those pangs of guilt you feel about leaving your dog in a boarding kennel may not be justified, according to a new study.

British researchers suggest that dogs may enjoy spending a short time in a kennel in a similar way that people enjoy their holidays abroad.

Their study contradicts previous research which suggests our canine companions experience acute stress following admission to kennels, and chronic stress in response to long-term kennelling.

The study, published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour, measured a range of stress symptoms in 29 privately-owned dogs - both at home and in private boarding kennels.

Physical measurements included skin dryness, nose temperature, core body temperature and amount of food eaten.

Researchers also looked at spontaneous behaviours such as lip licking, paw lifting, yawning, shaking and restlessness.

Physiological measures included measuring stress hormones, corticosteroids, and adrenaline.

The latest study included researchers from the University of Lincoln, University of Birmingham, Queeen's University Belfast and the Royal Veterinary College.