Moving house can be stressful at the best of times but how do you make this transition easy for your furry friend?
Before Moving
- Dogs can find the process of moving very stressful, consider using pheromone or anxiety sprays, plug ins or calming products 24 hrs in advance of any changes to routine such as packing
- Update your new address on your dogs microchip & tag
- As moving day approaches ensure you have all of your dogs belongings in one place
- Make sure you have enough food for the next couple of days and a water bowl to hand
- Before the exchange of keys takes place, make sure your dog has been walked and is occupied with enrichment products in a safe place whilst people are in the house
On Moving Day
- Consider asking a friend or neighbour to look after your dog until the move is complete
- If that's not possible keep your dog safe in one room - there will be lots of people in and out of your house on moving day and giving your dog their own safe space with everything they need will limits any problems
- Ensure your dog wears a collar and tag at all times - not everyone will remember to close doors meaning your dog may escape
- If your dog doesn't travel well ensure you have gained advice from your vet as to how best manage this
- On arrival at your new home, take your dog straight to the garden so they can start to establish their scent on their new home
- Set up your dogs belongings first - place a filled water bowl where they can find it easily and try to keep them located in one room whilst whilst furniture etc is being delivered. This will help your dog settle and be reassured in their new home
- Keep to your regular routines for feeding and walking
- Do not let your dog in the garden off lead until you have checked fences for holes and any means of escape has been blocked
- Check the garden for any potential hazards such as plants that may be poisonous, broken nails etc
- Add your normal scent as quickly as possible to your new home, use your normal cleaning products and ensure cupboards are wiped at dog height, this will enable your dog to settle more quickly as scents are familiar to them
- Keep calm, reassure your dog that everything is ok
- When the house is secure allow your dog the freedom to move about and explore their new home. If the house can't be secured then allow your dog to explore on their lead or a long line
After Moving
- Anticipate accidents - a new home is stressful so your dog may have a few toileting accidents whilst they are getting used to their new home / routine once they are familiar with the layout these accidents should cease. If toileting accidents continue you may need to reintroduce toilet training for a short period
- For sometime after moving your dog may feel desire to go back to their old home. Ensure that you have given the new owners of your old house your contact details just in case and try to create lots of interesting and positive experiences for your dog in their new location