Tips For Moving With A Dog
For humans and pets alike, moving can be a premium source of stress and anxiety. While some dogs may take their relocation in stride, for others, the loss of their familiar living space can be upsetting, and settling into a new house can pose issues. In most cases, dogs are generally quite happy so long as their familiar group of people and pets remains the same and their regular routine is relatively consistent.
When thinking about moving with your dog, there are a number of things to consider in addition to the regular considerations required with moving in general. Here, our Gainesville moving company offers top tips for moving to a new house with your dog to help make the process of moving and settling in easy and enjoyable. Contact us today to schedule Gainesville moving services and request a free quote!
Be Mindful Of Common Dog Hazards
Moving can be a stressful ordeal for humans, but pets can find the process just as difficult. Like other furry, household companions, dogs are creatures of habit. That means when their routines change, their behavior may follow suit, and these changes in behavior may not be favorable. What's more, new living spaces often pose risks to our pets' safety that we might not be aware of. If you have access to your new living space, you should consider visiting the space ahead of time to remediate any safety concerns. You'll want to keep your dog secure and safely contained to prevent them from running loose. Be mindful about potential hazards in your new environment, such as other pets in the vicinity, potentially harmful or toxic plants, broken bottles or debris on the road, and dangerous local wildlife.
Familiarize Your Dog With Moving Supplies
Our Gainesville movers recommend that people moving with pets take the time to familiarize their animal with elements of their relocation to help ease their transition through each process of the move. You should ensure you have the right moving supplies on hand for you belongings as well as your dog. In terms of dog-related moving supplies, you should have a dog carrier that is large enough to allow them to stand up and turn around, food and water, portable feeding dishes, any medications needed, favorite toys and comfort items, a leash, dog treats, and a dog first aid kit. You should also keep all health records, important paperwork, prescriptions, and their microchip number on hand. Before moving day, allow your dog to become familiar with their moving supplies, so they have a positive association with these items.
Maintaisn Your Dog's Regular Routine
A brand-new home is a significant adjustment for your pup. With all this change, it's probably not the best time to change up their daily routine. If your dog has a preferred routine for eating, sleeping, playing, and going for walks, among other daily tasks, you should do your best to adhere to their usual schedule as much as possible throughout your relocation and upon settling into your new living space. With any scale or type of move with a dog, chances are there will have to be some degree of adjustment to their daily routine, whether it's taking them for a brisk walk before packing up the moving truck or getting them used to sleeping in their travel crate. Be sure to talk with your dog's veterinarian about the best approaches to moving with your pup for a less stressful and simpler relocation for you both.
Introduce Your Dog To Their New Home
Getting your dog comfortable with their new environment is crucial to ensuring your move is successful. Take the time to introduce your pet to their new home by showing them around the indoor and outdoor areas and using a high-spirited, happy voice, as well as treats and plenty of play and dedicated attention. Show your dog where their food and water bowls, sleeping areas, and toys are. Bringing along and setting up familiar items to him or her will likely be helpful. It's important to spend a significant amount time with your dog particularly in the initial stages of settling into your new home, as he or she becomes familiar with their environment.
Explore The Neighborhood With Your Dog
If you're moving far away from your current home, it's not likely that you'll be able to introduce your pup to their new neighborhood before moving day. But if your moving locally or to a neighborhood that is currently accessible to you, it can be helpful to introduce your dog to their new neighborhood ahead of moving day. Take your dog on regular walks and runs around what will be their new neighborhood and allow them to get used to all the new sights, sounds, and smells. Doing this can help them feel more comfortable and become acclimated to their usual, daily walks in this new environment, as they'll be able to leave behind markings and get used to those left by other pups throughout the neighborhood.
