You’re moving to a new home. You can’t wait to get all your furniture, knick-knacks and other personal touches set up at your new residence. There’s a lot to do, but you see it as an adventure. Your kids, on the other hand, are upset because they don’t want to leave their friends, their school or their neighborhood. And your family dog, who has always been easy going, has become skittish and almost seems as if he’s sulking. However, you’re sure that once you make the move, everything will work itself out.
That’s a lovely sentiment, but in reality the kids will likely be grumpy for a while, and your furry loved one may not adjust quite as quickly as you assume.
What can you do to keep your family pet from becoming too stressed before the move?
Here are some suggestions from dog experts.
- Keep your dog’s routine consistent. Feed them, walk them and play with them during the same time of the day after the move. If they attend a doggie daycare, try to continue at that facility at least for a while so that they won’t feel everything is changing at once.
- Make sure you put some thought into where your dog will be sleeping and eating in your new abode. Remember, this is your dog’s new home too.
- Schedule showings during your usual walk time. This way you’ll be away from home, and your dog will not become anxious about strangers being in the house.
- To acclimate your pet to the new neighborhood, you might take him or her on test drives and walks in the area before the move so that he or she can become accustomed to the smells, sights, noises, etc.
The Day of Your Move
- If you must travel a long distance in the car, ask your veterinarian what you can do to keep your dog stress-free.
- To keep your family dog calm on move-in day, first take him or her for a walk around the neighborhood. This should use up some of his or her nervous energy.
- Find a safe, secured spot in your new home that is away from the hustle and bustle of unpacking. Make sure you place a food or water bowl nearby and some of his or her favorite toys. Check in every once in a while to avoid separation anxiety.
- Make arrangements to be home or have a person they feel safe with to stay with them the first few days after the move. This is all new to them, and they need to know they are not being abandoned.
Over the next several weeks, continue to watch how your dog behaves in the new home. If there are any negative behaviors such as excessive barking or loss of appetite, call for a veterinary appointment.
At Pet Lovers Resort we adore the dogs we care for. They each have their own personality, likes, dislikes and fears. We do our best to meet their individual needs and keep their tails wagging.
Please feel free to contact us with any concerns you have about your pet. We have a wealth of knowledge and are more than happy to share it with you.
Remember, a happy pet makes a happy pet owner!
