26 May 2016
Although it can be easy to get caught up in the stress of moving house, it is important for your pet’s that you try to keep calm. It is proven that dogs can sense our emotions which can affect their behaviour and attitude. If you are anxious about the move, your pet will be too.
It is also important to keep in mind your dog’s needs when searching for your dream home. If you own a large, demanding breed it may not be best to pick an apartment or flat with no garden space. If you have a shy or scared dog, avoid noisy roads and busy neighbourhoods.
Tips to reduce stress:
- In the weeks leading up to the move, if possible try to take your dog to the new area. This enables both you and your dog to get a feel of the new surroundings.
- Make sure to update collar tags and chip information. If your dog happens to get out during the moving process this will make it a lot easier for them to be returned to you.
- If you know your dog is prone to anxiety and stress it is often a good idea for them to stay with family members that they know, for the initial moving period.
- Leave pet supplies such as beds, food and toys to be packed last. Having these around when everything else is being moved can help comfort your dog.
- On moving day it is best to find a quiet room with everything he needs in for him to stay. This will reduce the risk of your dog escaping and will keep him out of the way.
- The journey to the new house should include regular stops for water and for your dog to relieve himself if needed.
- When you arrive, refrain from letting your dog run free in the garden. Fences and gates should always be thoroughly checked first to ensure there are no gaps or holes.
- Keep your dog on a lead and confidently walk him through each room. This will reassure him that nothing is scary in this new place.
- Prepare a ‘dog room’ for him to go in whilst all other furniture is being moved in. This should include unwashed beds and toys to bring familiar scents back into the house.
- Stick to any current feeding and walking times. Dogs are creatures of habit and take comfort in routines. Disrupting this can make them feel even more anxious.
- You may have to house train dogs of all ages in new homes, purely because their toilet routines are changed and surroundings are different. Do not scold if accidents happen as this will only cause them to do it elsewhere out of eyesight.
