People consider moving to be one of the most stressful events in their lives. You have so many things to handle before and after you move—think arranging mortgages, paying rent, setting up utilities, cleaning, packing and booking transport. There are truly many things you need to coordinate and plan. However, at least you’re human and understand what all the fuss is about, while your dog has no clue why everyone is so annoyed and busy. With that in mind, make sure to pay special attention to your beloved pet and ensure it has a smooth and stress-free relocation to its new home.
Here are some tips for reducing your dog’s stress:
Stay true to your routines
Dogs love routines—they make them feel safe and secure. However, keeping up with things as you plan your move can be very tricky and, oftentimes, you just don’t have enough time and strength for that evening walk or afternoon fetch. But, despite everything, do your best to keep as many routines as you can (especially feedings, bedtime and toilet breaks) to ensure minimal amounts of stress.
Come up with a good packing schedule
During the time when everything in your house is changing and there are many unfamiliar people roaming around your property, your dog will find security in things they know (mainly their bed and kennel). So, give your dog some sense of comfort by packing these things last and unpacking them first. For you, new home means clean start, but experts don’t recommend washing your pet’s belongings. The familiar scents will help them feel calm and allow them to get settled down in their new home much faster. Once you’re all used to your new environment, you can wash your dog’s bed and kennel.
Make the move fast and efficient
The process of moving itself should be as fast and as smooth as possible. But, unless you have a truck at home, you’ll not be able to finish everything in one day! So, ensure you have transportation already sorted out. Luckily, you can always book your desired vehicle at affordable Budget Trucks and rent some practical moving wheels that will be able to fit both your furniture and your dog’s comfort items all in one move. Plus, you’ll get to work on your own schedule and do the move in your own pace without any strangers around to stress out your pup.
Book a puppy hotel for a day
All the people coming in and out of the house, huge stacks of boxes, empty living room—all of these things can be very stressful for your dog. So, in order to make things a little easier, you can invite your family member or a good friend to take care of the pup for a day. Booking a puppy hotel is also a great idea, but only if you know your dog loves this daycare type of situation (you don’t want to cause any additional stress).
Grab visible identification
Your pup has to have its doggy ID on them during the move. If they manage to run away during this hectic time, you might never see them again unless they are microchipped and equipped with a collar with a tag that contains your dog’s information and your phone number.
Consider anti-anxiety supplements
If your dog is very nervous and prone to anxiety-triggered health issues, you might want to talk to your vet and consider some tools to manage dog anxiety. There are various options out there you can try such as thunder shirts, pheromones, supplements and even medication that can relax your dog and ensure your move goes as painlessly as possible.
Manage your emotions
Dogs are great readers of human emotions, especially in their owners, and they can often have very strong reactions to human moods and behaviors. If you’re upset, there’s a great possibility your dog will be upset too. So, try your best to stay collected and relaxed during all the chaos of moving—do it both for you and your dog.
Like people, animals also don’t like stressful relocations. While some dogs might not show any obvious signs of anxiety, others will be obviously stressed and can even fall seriously ill. So, if you’re worried about your furry best friend, make sure to follow these smooth moving tips and consult with your vet to ensure your pup comes out of this experience healthy and happy.