How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable During The Relocation
Moving to a new home is a big adjustment for everyone in the family, including the dog.
Dogs are creatures of habit and routine, so a change in scenery, even if it’s just to a new house down the street, can be stressful.
There are a few things you can do to make the transition easier on your furry friend, and ensure their comfort during relocation.
From packing their favorite toys to creating a comfortable space just for them, follow these tips and your dog will be settling into the new place in no time.
Tips for Ensuring Your Pets' Comfort During Relocation
Get Your Dog Used to Their Carrier Ahead of Time
If your dog isn’t used to riding in a car or being in a carrier, start getting them accustomed to it well ahead of the move.
Take them for short car rides around the block and give them treats while they’re in the carrier.
This will help create a positive association with the carrier so that when it comes time to move, they’re not feeling anxious or stressed.
Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to keep their daily schedule as close to normal as possible during the move. If you normally take them on a walk in the morning, do that.
If they usually eat at 6 pm sharp, stick to that timeline as best you can.
The more normal their routine is during this chaotic time, the better they’ll adjust overall.
Pack Their Favorite Toys and Blankets
Moving is stressful for everyone involved, so be sure to pack your dog’s favorite toys and blankets from home.
These items will provide some much-needed comfort and familiarity in their new surroundings.
Plus, having their favorite things with them will help make the transition smoother and less overwhelming.
Set Up Their Space First
Before unpacking any of your boxes, set up your dog’s space in the new house first.
This could be their crate or bed in the corner of your bedroom, or maybe an entire room just for them if you’re lucky enough to have one.
By setting up their space first, you’re letting them know that this is their new home too, and giving them a place to retreat to when things start getting hectic.
Remember, dogs are den animals by nature, so having their own little space will help reduce stress levels and make them feel more comfortable overall.
Just be sure not to include anything too valuable or sentimental in their space, as things can sometimes get chewed up during relocation!
Bring Along Plenty of Treats
Everyone knows that food is the way to a dog’s heart, so bring along plenty of treats when you move!
Use treats throughout the day to reward your pup for good behavior – like staying calm during car rides or not barking at movers – and give them an extra special treat when you finally arrive at your destination.
A little positive reinforcement goes a long way when it comes to dogs (and humans), so don’t forget the treats!
Give Them Time to Adjust
Once you’ve arrived at your new home and everything has been unpacked, give your dog some time to adjust before expecting too much from them.
They might seem withdrawn or uninterested at first, but that’s completely normal.
They just need some time alone to explore their new surroundings and get used to all the new smells (which can be pretty overwhelming).
Avoid Leaving Them Alone Too Much
One mistake that many pet parents make after moving is leaving their dogs alone for long periods while they unpack and get settled into their new place.
This can be especially stressful for dogs who are already feeling anxious about being in unfamiliar territory, so try not to leave them alone for more than a few hours at a time during those first few days/weeks after moving.
Get Them Used To New Noises and Sights Slowly
If you live in a city where there are lots of noises (sirens, construction work, etc), your dog may have some difficulty adjusting at first.
The key is to slowly expose them to these noises over time instead of bombarding them all at once.
Start by playing recordings of city sounds at low volumes while they eat or play, gradually increasing the volume over time.
You can also take them outside for short walks around the neighborhood so they can get used to all the sights and sounds.
Keep an Eye Out For Signs of Stress
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress too, both physically and emotionally.
Some common signs that your dog is stressed include increased panting, drooling, pacing, yawning, shaking, hiding, tremors, changes in appetite, diarrhea, accidents inside, excessive licking/chewing, and aggression.
If you notice any of these signs after moving, take some steps back (like reducing exposure to new stimuli ) and give your dog some extra TLC until they adjust.
Have Patience and Be Understanding
Remember that moving is just as tough on your dog as it is on you! They might not understand what’s happening or why everything around them is changing so suddenly, but with some patience (and lots of love ), they’ll eventually adjust and settle into their new home sweet home.
Conclusion
Moving is never easy – but it doesn’t have to be quite so hard on your furry friend!
By following these tips, you can ensure your pet’s comfort during relocation and help make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Just remember, take things slowly, be patient, have plenty of treats on hand, and most importantly – show your pup some extra love during this chaotic time!
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