Moving house is stressful. There is a lot to think about, from packing to unpacking, hiring removal vans, and organizing your utilities. If you have a dog, they will likely pick up on your stress, too. Moving house is busy, and with so much additional activity going on, your dog might be frightened, so it’s important to consider how you can make the moving process as easy for them as possible – here are six tips for doing just that.
- Keep a Routine
Dogs get used to their routine, and seeing you packing up all of your belongings in your home can be stressful for them. If you have the space to do so, it’s best to keep your dog in a separate room or outside in the yard while you pack. Above all else, you should try to maintain your dog’s usual routine as best as you can while going through the process of packing. Keeping on top of daily walks, food times, and downtimes will help to keep your pet pooch feel calm during the upheaval of a house move.
- Pack Your Dogs Things Last
The trick to a successful house move with any pet is to try and keep things as familiar as possible for as long as possible. With this in mind, make sure your dog’s belongings such as their bed, toys, bowls, and blankets are the last items you pack. With all of the changes that a house move brings, having their belongings around for as long as possible will be a great comfort to them.
- Unpack Their Things First
Following on from the point above, it is best to unpack your dog’s belongings first. This will help your dog settle into your new home as quickly as possible. Coming into a new home with unfamiliar surroundings can be scary for your dog, but being able to see and smell their belongings as soon as they enter will help them feel like they are at home straight away. It is also a good idea to unpack items such as throws and cushions used on the couch as well as these will carry a scent they are used to.
Following on from the point above, it is best to unpack your dog’s belongings first. This will help your dog settle into your new home as quickly as possible. Coming into a new home with unfamiliar surroundings can be scary for your dog, but being able to see and smell their belongings as soon as they enter will help them feel like they are at home straight away. It is also a good idea to unpack items such as throws, dog blanket and cushions used on the couch as well as these will carry a scent they are used to.
- Speak to the Vet and Find a New One
If you are worried about your dog during your house move, always speak to your vet for advice on how to best manage the situation and deal with your dog’s anxieties. If your house move is a long-distance one, and your pet doesn’t travel well in cars or suffers from motion sickness, it would be a good idea to speak to the vet about anti-sickness medication to help with this. Any precaution you can take to make the move as least stressful as possible is a huge plus.
As well as this, you should make sure you register your pet at a new vet at the earliest opportunity to ensure their health needs are met. Easy Vet is a great option for pet owners looking for affordable and professional vet care for their pets in Naples, Florida.
- Have Someone Else Look After Them On Move Day
It might be best for you to think about letting your pet stay with a trusted friend or family member or hiring a pet sitter for the occasion. They will be able to focus their full attention on your dog, meaning you have one less thing to worry about, and your dog is well looked after.
- Let Them Explore
Once you arrive at your new home, you should allow your pet to explore their new setting at their own pace. Your dog will enjoy investigating each room one by one and taking in the smells of the new home mixed with the scents of the old house still present on your belongings. You can accompany them on this adventure and reward them with treats and praise if they are calm, which will help them feel comfortable quickly.