When moving, things can get pretty chaotic, which is something that we are all well aware of, particularly if it is long distance moving. Excitement, happiness, stress, and anxiety are just some of the many different feelings that can be experienced at any given moment. And despite the fact that these feelings may have a significant impact on you, have you ever stopped to think about how your dog is feeling throughout the entire process? In this article, we will outline the steps that you can take to make moving house with a dog a little less stressful for everyone involved.
Plan ahead.
You will need a game plan in the same way that you will need a plan for every move. Moving house successfully without any kind of planning is impossible, and moving with a dog requires the same level of organisation and preparation. For instance, if you have not decided on a home just yet and are still looking, you should make sure to take into consideration the needs of your dog before making a final choice.
Think about where the new living quarters for your dog will be when you are planning how you will arrange the furniture in your home. Where exactly do you plan on putting the dog’s bed, along with its bowls of food and water, and his toys? Also, before you move, do some research to find out which restaurants, stores, and parks in the area welcome dogs.
Maintain your dog’s routine
There are a lot of things that need to be accomplished in the time leading up to your move. It may be challenging to find time to spend with your dog given all of these responsibilities. Nevertheless, it is essential that you do not ignore the requirements of your dog, particularly during this time of upheaval in your life.
Be sure to continue your normal routine with your dogs, including taking them for walks and feeding them at the same times each day. You should not interfere with the routine that your dog follows, whether that consists of nothing more than taking a nap in the afternoon or playing with your children in the evening. This will make them feel better and demonstrate that the upcoming changes will not be as significant as one might think they will be.
Prevent access to particular areas
If there is a dog running around while you are trying to pack and get everything ready for the big moving day, it can make it difficult for you to do either of those things. Even worse, if that dog has a habit of making a mess, it can significantly slow down the preparations you make for moving.
Because of this, you should limit your dog’s access to the area. Create off-limits zones in certain parts of the house; these should be the rooms in which you are in the process of packing or cleaning. Just close the door or use a dog gate to keep them out.
Put your dog’s belongings in the last box.
When you are packing, leave the space and items designated for your dog until last. When you take away your dog’s favourite things at an inappropriate time, it will be much simpler for them to feel stressed about the situation. While you finish up the rest of the preparations, give your dog some familiar toys and treats to play with. After that, you will be able to pack their belongings a day or two before the big event.
Keep something familiar for him in his new surroundings.
Despite how tempting it may be to get rid of that worn-out blanket, there is a good reason why it is your dog’s favourite item. Your dog will find great comfort in these stale and musty items because they smell like things from their past. When bringing your dog into a setting that is drastically different from its normal routine, this is exactly what you require.
