Easiest Adjustments on Moving with Your Dog

by Ronel Forbes

June 30, 2023

Dogs are routine-oriented animals. They prefer to follow a routine that includes bedtime, meals, and daily walks at around the same time. You can therefore imagine how perplexing a move might be for your dog.

He or she has no understanding of why the world has abruptly shifted. In addition, dogs are sensitive, so they may sense any stress you might be under. If your dog exhibits any of the following behavioral changes, it may be anxious about the transfer if you see them:

Excessive whining or barking
Pacing
Separation phobia
Indoor urination or defecation
Yelling at family members or other household pets
Hiding
Loss appetite

Please read: ANSWER TO A HEALTHIER AGING POPULATION

Assisting your dog in adjusting to a move.

Cleaning, packing, unpacking, and getting rid of unnecessary items are all exhausting on both an emotional and physical level. It could be simple to overlook your dog’s requirements during a major move with everything else going on. Some dogs, for instance, could revert to previous habits like house accidents or excessive clinginess.

Keep your furry best friend at bay by exercising patience. Because she or he struggles to express emotions, these strange behaviors may be the only way to deal with all the changes.

Tips for moving with a dog:

1. Place the belongings for your dog in an “Open First” box.

Your pet will feel uneasy in a new home. In your new house, your dog could appreciate having access to familiar bedding, toys, and other objects as soon as possible. Additionally, you’ll need to quickly locate your dog’s leashes and food, so pack them all in your car or carry them in a box labeled “Open First.”

2. Introduce your dog to the packing materials.

If your dog is prone to anxiety, take some time to accustom them to the approaching relocation. To help your dog get acclimated to seeing shipping boxes around your house, bring in a few before you’re ready to move.

3. Plan where you will keep your dog while you are moving.

A dog may sadly escape in a variety of circumstances when a family moves. It’s simple for visitors to leave a door or a gate open when they come and go from your home. While locking your dog in a room can work, a mover might unintentionally unlock the door and allow your dog out. Another problem?

With the strange movers stomping around the house, your dog is likely to be on edge. Even dogs who are normally calm and affectionate might become aggressive around guests. The best course of action is to board your pet, leave it with a boarding facility, or leave it with a dog sitter.

4. Modify the dog’s microchip or tag data.

Update the data on your pet’s microchip and identification before moving. Just in case your pet does manage to escape during the move, update the tags on your pet to reflect your new address.

5. Advice about transporting a dog across the country

If you’re transporting your dog by car to a new home

Consider purchasing a vehicle restraint for your dog for its protection. These harnesses might prevent serious injuries to your dog in the event of an accident. Additionally, if your dog frequently becomes car sick and you plan to drive a long distance, you might want to ask your vet to prescribe anti-car sickness medication.

5. Moving with dogs by airplane

Flying is stressful for a pet even on the best of days. You might be permitted to take your dog on a flight in the cabin if they are tiny enough. Unfortunately, such a choice is not available to most large dogs. Usually, they have to travel in a pressurized cargo room. Many airlines won’t transport dogs if the temperature is anticipated to be above or below 45 degrees, even though this area is intended to be temperature-controlled.

Additionally, dogs cannot be given any sedative medications while in the cargo area because to their potential for harm or even death if not carefully supervised. Therefore, you’ll need a backup choice, such a land or private aviation pet transport service.

How to assist a dog in settling into a new house?

1. Exercise is crucial

You should give your dog plenty of opportunities to exercise in order to keep him from freaking out in your new house. Long walks in your new neighborhood will help your dog get rid of any excess nervousness they may be feeling and become more comfortable with their surroundings.

At the start, confine your dog to a single space.

A move could perplex your dog. Your dog might pick up the scent and wish to mark in particular locations, for instance, if the previous owners’ dogs had accidents in the house. In the beginning, it’s a good idea to confine your dog to a space where you can watch over them both.

2. Create a secure area

Locate a location in your house where you may create a safe haven for your dog. To block out strange sounds, you might wish to leave a TV or radio on that is playing calming music. If you’re moving into a new home that shares walls with another residence, like an apartment or condo, this is extremely crucial.

Your dog can grow anxious or start barking if they hear sounds coming from neighboring apartments, which could upset your new neighbors. Including an area for them to settle when they are not relaxed.

3. Don’t leave your dog unattended outside for an extended period of time.

You might be tempted to leave your pet outside while you unpack if your new house has a fenced-in yard. It’s better to wait until you’ve had a chance to properly examine the fencing and see your pet exploring your yard before you do it.

The enclosure could have holes or loose boards, or your dog could jump over or fit through the fencing. Coyotes or snakes might be a problem in some regions.

Please read: DOGS & HOUSEPLANTS: TOXIC RISKS

Conclusion

Your pet should adjust to the new living situation more easily if you use these suggestions. Soon enough, both you and your pet will be at ease in your new home.

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