How to Move Home with Your Dog

Moving is one of the most stressful experiences you can have. According to Nicky Lidbetter, chief executive of Anxiety UK, this is because it involves “having to cope with change.” However, it can be even worse for your dog.

Dogs become very attached to their regular surroundings, and uprooting them to a new location can be very stressful. If not properly settled, dogs can become stressed and develop behavioral problems. However, with a little forward planning, you can help your dog to experience a stress-free, successful transition to their new home.

House Hunting with Your Dog in Mind

Before you begin your search, work out what you and your dog need in a home. Remember that just because a building allows pets doesn’t make it suitable for your pet. Once you know what you need, find a realtor who really understands your needs. This means that they won’t waste your time showing you unsuitable properties and will be able to answer questions about how pet-friendly the neighborhood truly is.

As well as talking to the realtor, do your own research. Walking your dog around your potential new neighborhood gives you the opportunity to explore local dog parks and talk to other dog owners about the pet friendliness of the area.

You’ll also need to assess how suitable your new home is for your dog. Your most important concern should be safety. For example, if the property has a yard, make sure that it’s fenced-in. However, you may have to install a new fence yourself. Like hiring a removal firm, readying your new home is one of the hidden but necessary costs of relocating; for example, in nearby Anaheim, a wooden fence can cost between $1,520 and $3,000, according to HomeAdvisor. As well as making sure that the property is secure, you’ll need to assess how safe the landscaping is for your pet. Common plants such as daffodils, azaleas, and sago palms can be poisonous to pets.

Moving Day with Your Dog

In the weeks leading up to your move, plan your dog’s transition as well as your own. Moving day is a very disruptive day, especially for your dog. Not only will their whole routine is disrupted, but all of their familiar objects and smells will disappear.

The easiest and safest option is to ask a friend or family member to look after your dog. This is a low-stress option, especially if your pet is familiar with their home. Should you choose to use a pet sitter or a boarding kennel start looking well before your moving day. You will find many options online so you’ll need to do your research and find a reliable sitter. You may also need to get your dogs worming and vaccinations up to date beforehand.

Helping Your Dog to Settle In

Remember that dogs like routine and familiar scents and places. If your dog does start to exhibit signs of stress, don’t worry. Even the most relaxed dog will take time to settle into a new home so be patient. Try interacting with your pet more than usual. Settling your dog into a routine as quickly as possible brings a sense of familiarity, helping your pet to relax. Studies have also shown that lavender and regularly grooming your pet can reduce stress levels. We suggest using the lavender at home regularly first so your dog associates the lavender smell in the new home with the known lavender smell from before. Another option to help keep your pets calm during a move is Pet CBD.  All Paws Essentials Pet CBD has shown to be helpful when dealing with the stress of moving. Start giving you dog or cat the Pet CBD a few days ahead of time and during the transition for best results.

It can also be tempting to buy your dog a new bed, toys, and even food and water bowls. However, this can be doubly disruptive for your dog. These things all have a familiar scent and their presence in your new home will be reassuring to your dog. Setting up a crate (you can find affordable options at retailers like PetCo for around $33.99 and up) that you can fill with familiar objects, such as blankets, toys, and scents, will provide your dog with a safe place to go while they acclimatize to their new surroundings.

Moving home can be a stressful and difficult time for all members of the family, including your dog. Taking the time to consider your pet’s needs at every stage of the journey can help to ease any added stress from the situation. It can also help your dog to quickly settle into its new home.

Image via Pixabay

credit to

Cindy Aldridge

Ourdogfriends.org