Many dog owners fail to understand that moving to a new house and uprooting all of their belongings can be extremely stressful on their pets. It doesn’t matter if you’re just moving across town, or across the entire nation, it is important to make sure that your dog’s well-being and his safety are part of your moving plans. Below are a few tips to assist you in cushioning your canine companion’s anxiety during the move:
1. If your dog is the type that gets overly anxious and sick during car trips, check into holistic therapies. For example, there is a product called ‘Bach’s Rescue Remedy’ that helps calm your pet down during times of stress. All you do is rub it on his ears and feet.
2. Just like it is wise to keep your dog in a quiet, closed-off room in the old house on moving day, the same rule should apply in the new house when you and the rest of your family arrive. Pick one room and provide enough food and water so that your dog can sit quietly without noticing all of the confusion around the new house.
3. When you arrive at the new home, unpack your dog’s belongings as soon as you get there. Be sure to keep the boxes that contain his stuff close by. These items would include his bedding, his food and water bowls, and dog toys. This will help your dog adjust as quickly as possible by having familiar items around him while adjusting to the strange house.
4. Moving creates many security issues for dogs and other pets alike. With unpacking all of the boxes and miscellaneous furniture items, there are dangers all around when the household items have not been set up yet. Electrical cords, small objects, pantyhose, plants, etc. all have a possibility of being left out when unpacked and into your dog’s mouth.
5. Check the new house for possible places that your dog may escape from. Loose screens, holes in fences, and half-shut doors will enable your dog to roam free and risk getting injured or lost in the new territory.
6. Now that you have arrived in a new town, your first order of business as it pertains to your dog and other animals is to find a veterinarian. Finding a groomer is also a good idea. And should you have to leave your dog alone during trips or when at work, look into a pet sitter service that can help your dog adjust to the new home until he is ready to be alone.