Moving is stressful and overwhelming, but it’s even more so when you have a pet.
Dogs are sensitive creatures that can easily become anxious or scared during unfamiliar situations, and the last thing you want is for them to become overwhelmed by the move.
To ensure a successful move for both of you, here are a few tips that will make moving with your dog easier.
Preparing Your Dog For Relocation
Start Preparing Early
Begin preparing your pup for the big day as soon as possible. Introduce them to their travel crate and get them familiar with car rides if they’re not used to it yet.
Get them used to the idea of being in their crate for an extended period ahead of time so that they don’t associate negative experiences with it on the day of the move.
Acclimate Your Dog to Boxes
As soon as you start packing up boxes for the move, introduce your pup to them and let them safely explore around them.
This will help reduce some of their stress when they encounter new objects in their new home after moving day has come and gone.
Take Frequent Breaks During Travel
Depending on how far away your new home is, you may need to plan out stops along the way for frequent potty breaks and exercise sessions for your pup.
This is especially true if you’re traveling by car instead of a plane! This will help keep him from feeling cooped up in his crate throughout this long trip.
Update Their Tags and Microchip Information
Before you hit the road, make sure that your dog’s tags have all been updated with your new address and phone number information just in case he gets lost during relocation or manages to escape somewhere along the way!
Additionally, if your pup has a microchip implanted, be sure that its contact information is also updated before leaving town—just in case he does wander off during transit.
Help Create Familiar Sights and Smells
Another great way to make your pet feel more comfortable is by bringing along some items from home that have familiar sights and smells.
This could include a favorite blanket or toy, or even an old shirt that smells like you.
Not only will these items give them something comforting from home, but they’ll also serve as a reminder of who they know and love best – you!
Keep Them Occupied During Travel
If you’re relocating with your pet by car or plane, make sure they have plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied during the trip.
This will help distract them and keep their mind off how unfamiliar everything is around them.
Additionally, if you’re able to take frequent potty breaks throughout the journey this will help minimize any anxiety they might feel while traveling in an unfamiliar vehicle with unknown surroundings outside the windows.
Keep Their Routine Consistent (As Much As Possible)
Just because everything around them changes doesn’t mean that their daily routine should!
One of the most important things you can do to help your pet adjust is to stick with their normal routines as much as possible. This means keeping meal times and playtime consistent throughout the move.
If your pet has a regular bedtime or walk schedule, try to stick with that too. Having some consistency will help them feel more at ease in their new environment.
Pack Familiar Items From Home
When packing up items from home for transport (if traveling by car), be sure to include some personal items like a toy or blanket that smells like home as well as food dishes and other essentials that will help keep his routine consistent even when away from home sweet home!
Keep Their Crate Visible and Accessible
If traveling by car or plane, try not to pack any items into the travel crate—this will ensure maximum visibility and comfort should he become anxious during transit (not having items blocking his view).
Additionally, if at all possible try not to put anything heavy on top of the travel crate either.
This could potentially cause further anxiety if he feels trapped under something heavy due to a lack of visibility outside his compartmentalized area!
Set Up A Quiet Space In Your New Place Ahead Of Time
Once arriving at your destination house/apartment/hotel room etc., designate a quiet space where he can feel comfortable while getting adjusted to his new surroundings.
This can either be an existing room or one created specifically with blankets/pillows/toys, etc.
Just make sure it’s away from any hustle-bustle happening around unpacking furniture etc, which could potentially overwhelm him further!
Gradually Introduce New People and Places
Over time introduce him slowly but surely into his new environment – take him on slow walks through nearby parks or streets until he becomes accustomed enough to local people/pets, traffic noise, etc.
Advanced preparation like this helps ensure smooth transitions on both ends!
Be Patient and Reassure Him Often
Moving can be stressful on both sides – remember that patience is key here, especially since relocations are typically tough times for dogs who aren’t used to such changes often!
Be there for him throughout this process, talk calmly, and reassure him often!
All this extra attention will pay off eventually once everything settles down over time!
Conclusion
Moving can be especially difficult when pets are involved; however, following these tips can help make transitioning much smoother than expected!
The key here is proper planning ahead of time – give yourself plenty of time before moving day arrives so that everything goes smoothly without any surprises along the way.
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