MOVING HOME WITH YOUR DOG
Let’s face it, moving home is up there as one of the top three most stressful things to go through. While you’re doing your best to keep your stress levels down while moving home with your dog, here are some ways to help your dog relax too.
Delay your dog’s move
– Though we know you’ll miss them, our top tip would be to arrange for your dog to spend a couple of days with their best friend, your family or a sitter, a day or two before the final exit. This means you have one less thing to worry about, and your dog won’t get unnecessarily stressed either.
– Collect them a day or two after you arrive in your new place so you’re feeling more settled and ready to welcome them to their new home. They’ll be so pleased to see you!
– If you’re moving long distance and travelling with your dog, take regular breaks to give your dog a break. Don’t feed them before the journey as this could cause travel sickness but keep them hydrated. You can give some bone broth for nutrition when you stop for breaks. Take them for a walk around when you stop so they get to properly stretch their legs.
Get the new place ready
– Ensure your garden is dog-proof before letting your dog roam in it. Have a good check of the whole perimeter to make sure the boundary is enclosed, there is no dangerous litter or poisonous plants for dogs.
– Set up one room on the ground floor with their bed, food/water bowls, toys etc. in a room that you will spend time together as a family. Then they have the security of having you around while they may be unsettled. Keep them contained in this room for a couple of days when not out for your regular dog walks. This will ensure that they don’t get too overwhelmed.
– Update your dog’s microchip and tag with your new address details. If your dog wanders off in your new neighbourhood with an up-to-date tag on them it could make the return of your dog that much easier and quicker.
Maintain familiar smells
– Don’t wash your dog’s bedding, toys or anything that is theirs for a couple of weeks before you move. And keep them unwashed for the same time again after you arrive in your new home. Allow them to settle in with already familiar scents until they relax a little more.
Calming thoughts
– Keep your dog’s routine the same so “their world” is disrupted as little as possible. Try and follow your usual timings for mealtimes, sleep and walks.
– If your dog is very anxious, don’t give them the run of the house as new large areas can be overwhelming. Smaller spaces are safer as less property to guard/be responsible for if they have the mindset of a leader.
– Put a pheromone diffuser near the area of your dog’s bed for the first month to lessen any anxiety.
New walks = New friends & new sniffs!
– Enjoy exploring your new area with your dog. Look for new routes and dog walks in the vicinity, you may be able to find some online on local Facebook groups or forums. Talk to other dog-walkers you encounter when you’re out and about where is best to walk your dog. They are bound to have some recommendations and, you never know, you might meet your dog’s new bezzie!
Moving home with your dog doesn’t need to be stressful – you’ve got enough on your plate! We hope this helps you put together a game plan in your mind so you can make it a smooth a transition as possible for the whole family, four-legged ones included.
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