With so many things to juggle and plates to spin, moving house can be a stressful time for the whole family – including your dog. Whether you are moving down the road or to the other side of the country, planning ahead will be essential to how well your dog settles into its new home. If done properly, it is possible for you to move home and successfully relocate your dog with minimum stress. Below are five common mistakes when moving home with dogs.
Not Thinking About Your Pet When Choosing Your New Home
House hunting can be a long, drawn-out process but finally, you have found a house that you have fallen in love with. It’s within your budget in an ideal location; the house you’ve always dreamt of. It’s even close to your main commuting route, perfect right?
Before sealing the deal, you have to think about the safety and requirements of your dogs. Researching the area is key. Are there enough places for your dogs to stretch their legs? Does it have a reputable veterinary clinic? Will that commuting route be a danger to your pet? All of these points must be addressed before signing on the dotted line.
Not Keeping Them Calm During The Move
Dogs are sensitive little creatures and tend not to like change. They pick up on the smallest of changes, so a understandably, a huge house move can be incredibly unsettling for them. “In the run-up to the move, try to stick to your daily routine as much as possible. This will give your pet an increased sense of stability. When you arrive at your new home, implement the same daily routines, or a variation of these routines, right away,” UK and International removals company, Abels Moving Services, advises on their website.
While you are moving, it may be natural for you to think that spoiling your dog is the best way for it and you to cope. Although a little exploring isn’t a bad idea, letting your four legged best friend freely roam the house while your attention is elsewhere could cause danger to you, your dogs and the removals company. It is a good idea to keep your dog in a confined room, while all the mayhem is happening. Surround them with familiar things, such as their bed or toys so they feel as relaxed as possible. Don’t forget to tell your removals company which room the dog is in as not everyone loves your dog as much as you do!
On arrival at your new house, consider following a similar technique. Let them explore a little but keep them in a confined room with familiar belongings and water until the house is sorted. Once you’re ready, let them roam and take in all the new smells and sounds.
Assume Your Dog Will Settle In Quickly
It will take time for your dog to feel at ease with its new surroundings. They aren’t like humans where work and social outings carry on as normal. Their whole world has been turned upside down, and it will take time for them to adjust and feel relaxed.
There is a lot you can do to help them with feeling more settled. One of which is to establish a daily routine that they are used to as soon as you move. Dogs are very good at reading their owners emotions so spending time with them, making them feel comfortable and reassuring them that everything is ok will help them feel more comfortable. And if they still seem stressed after time has gone by or you are worried that their behavior has changed, don’t hesitate to take them to a vet just to double check all is okay.
Failing To Update Your Dog’s Details
It is always good practice to have your dog microchipped. The microchip contains information that will help in the event of your dog getting lost so it is important to change the details to your new address. Stress can make dogs behave uncharacteristically, and it is not uncommon for beloved pets to get spooked during a move and run away. Don’t forget to change the address on the collar tag too. It is always advisable to include your phone number on the tag.
Forgetting To Register With A New Vet
You never know when you will need a vet, so it is important that you register your dog with a reputable vet. Save yourself a headache and register them before you move. The stress of the move could trigger illness, so it’s best to be safe and have everything organised before you move home.
