While moving may be fun for you, it is not as fun for your dog and you should pay close attention to how they react on moving day. A pet that becomes too stressed out may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, upset stomach, and similar. Below, we will go over some ways that you can help reduce your pet’s stress when it comes time to make your move.
Before the Move
Dogs know that something is about to occur even before you actually leave your home. You typically change small things in your behavior and you begin to act a different way and this signals to your pet that something is going on.
A couple of things you can do to help alleviate stress is make sure that you maintain a routine with your pet. This means feeding them at the same time every day and always taking them outside around the same time. If you forget to play with your pup, he or she may become stressed and even chew things up within the home.
If you simply know that you will not have time to play with your pup, consider signing them up for a pet day care and allow them to interact with other pets while you get your errands done.
Moving Day
Moving day is going to be hectic and there will be a lot of chaos. Your pet will likely experience the most stress during this time and it is important for you to be there for them.
One of the first things you should do is keep your pet with you when it is possible. If it is impossible to do so, you should place them in a boarding facility or leave them with a babysitter until after the move.
You should keep any of their favorite toys or blankets with them, so they feel comfortable and secure throughout the entire moving process.
Just like you did before the move, make sure you continue to feed and take your dog out on a regular schedule as this will relieve some stress.
After the Move
Once the move is over, your pup will still be nervous and experience stress due to the new environment. You should continue to do things as normal and make sure to love on them as much as possible
As we mentioned above, keep a routine, this way, your pup knows what to expect and when. If you continue to experience problems with your pup adjusting to the new move, speak with his or her veterinarian to find out what else you can do to help them adjust.
Most of time, you simply need to give it time and your pet will eventually adjust over time. If you plan to move with your pet, make sure you try to minimize stress as much as possible and do not try to rush their adjustment period, as it will not go smoothly and only cause more stress.