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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.

British researchers suggest that dogs may enjoy spending a short time in a kennel in a similar way people enjoy their holidays abroad. Their study contradicts previous research which suggests that our canine companions experience acute stress following admission to kennels

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 research revealed that dogs have higher levels of arousal, colder noses and were generally more active in kennels than when they were at home.

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. Stock image pictured

The welfare of kennelled dogs is of concern, given that many experience minimal social contact, exercise and control over their environment as well as unpredictable and high levels of noise, novelty and disrupted routines.

Based on existing research it was assumed that dogs would show higher levels of stress in the kennel compared to the home environment.

The most widely used physiological indicator of canine welfare is urinary cortisol, which is a hormone secreted following activation of one of the major stress response systems.

Previous research has also looked at creatinine - the chemical waste product created by the liver ratios.

However, the reliability of this has been questioned by academics.

The study revealed that creatinine was significantly higher in the kennel compared to the home environment. 

However, this study suggests that although dogs appeared to have a higher level of overall arousal or excitement in kennels compared with their state at home, this arousal is not necessarily due to dogs experiencing kennels as negatively stressful. Stock image pictured

However, cortisol levels have also been found to increase after exercise and excitement, and appear to provide an indication of arousal without specifying the emotional reason of that arousal.

Dr Lisa Collins, from the School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK, said: 'Many owners find leaving their dog at a boarding kennels a stressful experience.

'However, this study suggests that although dogs appeared to have a higher level of overall arousal or excitement in kennels compared with their state at home, this arousal is not necessarily due to dogs experiencing kennels as negatively stressful.

'The emotional reasons for the behavioural and physiological responses of the dogs were ambiguous and no definitive evidence was found to suggest that dogs were negatively stressed by kennelling.

'Findings appear to suggest that the dogs in this study did not perceive admission to boarding kennels as an aversive stressor and perhaps, instead, perceived kennelling as an exciting change of scene, at least in the short-term.'

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