Moving to a New Home? What To Do When Moving With Your Dog

While starting a journey in a brand new home can be a thrilling and exciting experience, the process of moving can be tiresome and stressful, especially if you are a dog owner. While other family members like your children may be sad about moving, they have the ability to understand and process the change. Dogs, however, won’t be able to grasp the concept of moving. 

Dogs Don’t Like Change

According to studies, more than 70 percent of dogs deal with some form of anxiety. Unfortunately, moving can add to their stress. While living in one place for a while, dogs will get used to their routine, and the process of moving can shake everything up. Everything from packing up boxes to moving furniture and travel can increase your dog’s anxiety. Luckily there are plenty of tips and tricks you can follow to ease their worries and make moving a simple and enjoyable process. 

So if you are moving to a new house, here is everything you need to know to help your dog during the transition.

Get Your Dog Used To Packing Supplies

Getting your dog ready for the big move starts well before moving day. The best way to get your dog used to the chaos of packing up your belongings is to start leaving packing supplies out like boxes and containers. Of course, they will be curious in the beginning, but as the days go on, they won’t take a second glance at them. Conditioning your pets to the packing supplies ahead of time helps reduce their curiosity and minimizes box attacks once you begin to pack. 

Don’t Change Their Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, and changing their routine can bring unneeded stress into their lives. Even though moving will take up more of your free time, it is essential to try to keep your dog’s schedule as normal as possible. For example, if you usually take your dog on a walk every day, make sure you find time to take them on a walk in between packing up boxes. You should also feed them at the same time every day and consider giving them a little more love and playtime to keep their stress levels down.

Maintain Their Safe Space

It is no secret that packing up your belongings can turn your home into a disorganized mountain of clutter. While this mess is mostly unavoidable, it is crucial to maintain a safe space with your dog’s favorite belongings where they can go to chill out and relax. This will help them feel comfortable and secure if things get too stressful.  In addition, once you are ready to make the move, consider making your dog’s space one of the first things you set up in your new home to help them adapt to the new environment.

Secure Your Dog

When moving day comes, it is essential to secure your pet to keep them safe. While moving all of your belongings into a moving truck, doors will be open, and people will be going in and out. This can scare your dog and cause them to run off. Instead, consider keeping them fenced in the back yard or blocked off in a room to ensure their safety. 

Talk To Your Vet

Fortunately, your veterinarian can be extremely helpful and will share vital information to help you ease your dog’s stress levels. They will help you develop stress-reduction tactics and may even provide calming medication that can ease your dog’s anxiety during the move. 

Looking For A Dog?

If you don’t have a dog, but are looking to bring a furry friend into your new home, consider reaching out to trustworthy breeders to introduce to your family. If you are wanting a big dog, talk to breeders of yellow Labradors or Border Collies, because they are some of the best dogs for first time owners. If you want smaller breeds like yorkies or poodles, be sure to do your research if you have little kids at home as small puppies are more prone to injuries from small children.

Moving With A Dog Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

Moving day doesn’t have to be hard. Following these tips and tricks can ease the stress of moving for both you and your pup.