When you are planning a move there can be a lot of things on your checklist to get done. Things like sorting and packing, arranging movers, cleaning and actually getting to your new house. But have you forgotten something? As a valuable part of your family, your pet dog also needs to be taken into consideration. Moving can be very stressful for humans but it can be even more so for our four-legged friends.
So how can you make the day go as smoothly as possible? How can you make your home nice and welcoming for your pet? Here are our top tips to help your dog on your moving day, and to keep everything as easy and stress-free as possible.
Get a dog sitter
Dogs can find the whole moving process very unsettling, with people and possessions coming in and out all day long. It can also cause you undue stress to have them around and under your feet, so one option is to have someone look after your dog for the day. A willing friend or family member could take Buddy or Fido and look after them for the day, leaving you free to concentrate on the actual moving!
Have a doggy travel bag ready
Having a doggy bag prepared for moving day in advance can help to make sure you don’t forget anything when you have the craziness of the actual day happening around you. Include things like food and snacks, a water bowl and water, poo bags, favourite toy and a blanket that smells like home. That way you won’t be caught out when everything is being packed up and will have the essentials with you.
Check in with the vet for travel medication
If you are moving to a new house more long-distance and are worried about the effect of the journey on your dog, make sure you talk to your vet before the big day. They can prescribe travel medication to combat stress and also car sickness. Save yourself a horror journey and also having to clean up any ill effects from your car! It is also important to never leave your dog alone in the car for any period of time as heat stroke can happen quickly in a warm car. So when you stop for a break, let your dog go with you for a wander and some water.
Pheromone diffuser
Pheromones are chemical signals that are given off by most living things, including humans and more importantly for this subject – dogs. Using synthetic pheromones that mimic the ones a nursing dog would give off to make her babies feel safe and secure can help grown dogs combat anxiety. There are multiple products available that can’t be detected by humans, but can really help your dog settle into its new environment with less stress and anxiety. They often will just plug into your wall and are great to use for the first week or so. Speak to your vet if you would like more information and advice.
Make the new garden dog friendly
The last thing you need is for your dog to discover a way out of its new garden, or to be injured by something left by the previous owners. Have a good check around to remove any hazards before you let your dog out to explore the space. Being with them, when they are first let out, can also help more nervous dogs as they have the security of you to return back to.
Keep with your routine
Dogs are creatures of habit and making sure you keep with the same routine, even in a different place, will go a long way to helping your dog settle in and feel secure. Things like walking and feeding times should stay the same. Predictability will give your pet the space to enjoy their new home beyond worrying about survival.
Make new happy memories
You want your dog to associate your new house with a happy home as soon as possible. So make sure to play with them lots when they arrive, so they think of your new house with the same fondness as their last house. This can go a long way to making sure that they settle quickly and make the house their own. Give them that extra bit of attention the first few days and they will soon be acting like they have always lived there.
Update dog tags and microchip
As soon as you can update your dog tags and their microchip. Your dog won’t be as familiar with your new area and if they end up on their own may not be able to find their way home. With all the details updated you know that if they get lost someone will be able to bring them back to you. Registering at your new local vet quickly too will help if you need some treatment in the future.
Here at Headington Carriers we can help take the stress out of your move by catering for all of your removal needs. If you would like more information about our services feel free to contact us on: +44 (0)1993 811 276 or (0)1865 311 000 / enquiries@headingtoncarriers.co.uk