Moving to a new home can be stressful for everyone involved, including Fido or Fluffy. Your pet becomes very familiar to the smells and environment of your house and yard, and it is also acquainted with the smells of any walking paths you take. During the move, your dog or cat may enjoy exploring a new territory, but because nothing is familiar, the move can also create insecurities and unwanted behaviors. East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert, AZ would love to offer insights on how to help your pet get through the moving process by creating a smooth transition to their new home.
- Slowly Introduce. When you bring your pet into the new home, take your time and introduce your pet to the different areas of your new property. Show them where their food and water bowls will be, where the doggie door is, and where they will be sleeping. If you have a cat, you may want to confine them to one room in the house for a few days, to give them the freedom to adjust slowly. Make sure your kitty has their water and food bowls, as well as a good place to hide.
- Be Consistent. Your pet will have already undergone a good amount of stress by entering a new environment. You can ease or eliminate some of that stress by keeping a routine schedule for feeding, walking, and play. If your pet was accustomed to a certain environment—beds, crates, toys—recreate that same scenario in your new home. Consistency with items that are familiar will help to streamline their transition. It may be tempting to buy them that plush new bed that’s going to fit right in with the new living room decor, but resist changing too much all at once.
- Minimize Anxiety. One thing to be aware of is that your pet can sense human stress and anxiety. When you are around your pet during and after the move, keep a calm demeanor as much as possible. It could even be a good idea to have your pet stay with a friend or family member during the final packing and moving stage. The shuttling of boxes and additional noises can create added anxiety and stress for them.
- Be Patient! Allow for some transition time as your pet processes their new environment. Behaviors such as barking, digging, pacing, eating, and potty habits may change for a while as they adjust. If they need space, give them space. If they need extra love and attention, give them the physical affirmation of your presence.
For a few more great tips on how to help your pet transition, check out this article.
East Valley Animal Hospital in Gilbert, AZ is passionate about the care and attention we give to your pets. When they’re with us, we’ll treat them like family. If your move brings you to the Gilbert/Chandler area, we would love to be your local vet. Give us a call at: 480-568-2462.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/14/2018) Randy Robertson (Flickr)