Moving is a big event in people’s lives that they often look forward to with great excitement. But as we pack and make plans, it’s important to keep in mind how this change can affect our pet family members. For dogs in particular, moving can be very stressful because they like routines and being around familiar things. You can, however, make the change easier and less scary for your dog by planning and thinking about it ahead of time.
One of the first things you should think about is how to get your dog to the new place. A specialised dog transport service might be the best choice if you’re moving a long way. These companies specialise in transporting animals in a safe and comfortable way. They usually have climate-controlled trucks and handlers with a lot of experience. A dog travel service can make the long trip less stressful for both you and your dog, giving you more time to focus on other parts of the move. For shorter trips, it’s very important to make sure your dog is safe and happy in your own car. A crate, blanket, and toys that are known can help the dog feel safe during the trip.
Take steps to get your dog ready for the move before the day comes. If your dog isn’t already used to the travel crate or cage, introduce it slowly. Taking short trips in the car with the crate can help your dog get used to it and make a good connection with it. You might want to use pheromone sprays or diffusers on nervous dogs to help them relax. It’s also a good idea to talk to your vet about possible anxiety medications, especially for dogs that have had trip anxiety in the past. Remember that the best way to keep your dog from getting stressed is to make sure it is comfortable while being moved, whether you use a dog travel service or your own car.
Even though packing can be a mess, try to keep your dog’s normal pattern as much as possible. To give the dog a feeling of stability, keep up with regular walks, feeding times, and playtime. If you hire a dog transport service for a long-distance move, make sure they know how often your dog eats and if it has any other needs. Bring a special “doggy bag” with things like food, water bowls, medicine, a leash, poop bags, and your dog’s best toys. This will make sure that everything is easy to get to on the way and when you get to your new home. If your dog needs a certain kind of food, make sure you have enough until you can get more at your new home. This keeps your dog from having to make sudden changes to his or her food, which can make things even worse for a dog that is already stressed.
When you get to your new home, let your dog have their own time to check it out. Don’t make them look into it; let their natural interest lead them. Start by letting them explore a smaller area. Over the course of a few days, slowly show them the rest of the house. By giving them a “safe space” with their favourite bed, toys, and blankets, you can help them feel safe and comfortable in somewhere new. This safe space should ideally be somewhere quiet where they can go when they feel too much to handle.
Smells that are familiar can be very helpful for your dog to feel at home. Don’t wash their clothing right away; the smell of their old sheets will comfort them. If you’re using a dog delivery service, make sure their bedding goes with them so they can keep the nice smell. Putting a blanket or toy that smells like their old home on furniture in their new safe space can also help them get used to the new smells and make the move easier. Don’t have too many people over right after you move in with your dog. Give them some time to get used to the new place before bringing in new people and pets.
Stick to the same schedule in your new house. Your dog will get used to the new sounds, sights, and smells if you take them for walks around the neighbourhood on a regular basis. This also helps them get used to their new surroundings and schedule, which helps them adjust. Keep eating and playing at the times that have been set. Being consistent and knowing what will happen are important for lowering worry and boosting a sense of normalcy.
Talk to your vet if your dog shows signs of long-term worry or stress, like excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or changes in appetite. They can give you help and possible solutions, such as medication or techniques for changing your behaviour. Don’t forget that every dog is different and needs time to get used to a new place. To make sure your furry friend has a smooth transition, you will need to be patient, understanding, and focused on keeping up with familiar habits. For longer trips, you might want to use a dog travel service. This can make the trip much less stressful for both you and your dog. With these steps, you can make sure that your house move goes well for everyone, even your pet dog.