Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are often very sensitive to changes in their environment, causing them to become stressed and even getting sick from things like the arrival of a baby or another pet or moving.
That's why we want to talk to you about how does a change of address affect dogs?, so you can have the necessary tools to help your dog to overcome this change and that the process is not traumatic for him.
Similarly, from Animal Expert we urge you to not abandon your petin the face of a change of address, no matter how far away it may be: you can always find a place that is suitable for both of you, and adaptation will be easier for both of you if you go through it together, with the love you have always shared Dyed.
Why does moving affect dogs?
Dogs are not only animals of habit, they are also territorial, so a change of house means for them to leave the one they have already marked as their territory, to enter a completely new one.
It is perfectly normal for this new territory to cause you stress and nervousness, as it will be full of smells and sounds that are completely unknown to you, and against whom you will have nothing to give you a sense of security. This feeling can be increased if there are other dogs in the neighborhood, as he will feel that he is in their territory. He may also try to respond to the presence of those other dogs with barking or constant visits to the windows to see what's going on outside.
However, your dog's adjustment to the new home can be quite easy, if you follow a few simple steps before and during the move, and reinforce them when they have settled in the new home.
Remember that a move is a big step not only for you, but also for your dog, and together it will be easier to overcome the new challenges that are presented to them.
Before the move
Before moving, it is recommended that you prepare your dog for this big step that you will take together. To ease stress and nervousness and help you adjust more easily, we recommend that you:
- Prepare in advance the means of transport in which the animal will be transported. It should be comfortable, ventilated and accompanied by you or someone the dog trusts. If he is not used to traveling in a kennel, practice a few days before so that he feels safe in it. Remember that there are also seat belts for dogs. Especially suitable for large dogs or those who hate being confined.
- Purchase a identification tag with the new address and perform a general he alth check on the dog.
If possible, take him for a walk around the new house days before the final move. You will be able to familiarize yourself a little with the new space and the characteristic smells and sounds of the site
Do not wash or change his house, bed or blanket, as old smells will make him feel safer when he is alone in the new environment
Although you are busy the days before the move, try to keep your schedule of outings and walks, because a sudden change will go generating anxiety in the dog.
Try to remain calm about the idea of moving, as your nervousness can affect the animal's mood, making it believe that something bad is happening
If the move is far from the old place of residence, it is likely that it will involve a change of veterinarian. If a friend can recommend a vet, all the better; Otherwise, he will have to search on your own. Gather all your pet's medical history, vaccinations, illnesses it has had, etc
During the move
The big day has arrived, and it will be busy not only for you, but also for your dog. That's why we recommend:
- Keep the animal away from all the chaos that comes with moving. That day, you can take him to the house of some friends with whom the animal feels comfortable, so that he does not get nervous with the moving trucks or with the presence of strange people in his house taking his things.
- Make sure you take him to your friend's house his favorite toy or an item of clothing you've been wearing, so he doesn't feel abandoned.
- When you have moved all your belongings and before going to pick up your dog, hide prizes and treats for him in different places around the house, so you can have fun searching and exploring when you arrive. Remember that searching or sowing is one of the most recommended activities to relax a dog.
- When you arrive don't leave him alone, for example to go buy something, because this will only make him very nervous and he won't know how act in that new environment.
It may happen that the dog begins to mark the new house with urine. Try to avoid it but without scolding it, it is a totally normal attitude in dogs
After the move, what to do?
Once you and your dog have settled in, the adaptation process begins. Even if you've followed all recommendations above, you still have a few things to do:
When you get home, Let the dog sniff all the boxes and all the spaces, including the garden if there is one.
If your new house has a garden and your dog has a tendency to run away, or if you are moving from the city to the country, seriously consider installing a high and resistant fence that prevents it from going outside. In the same way, reinforce the lower part, since many dogs tend to dig when it is impossible for them to jump
From the beginning, assigns rules about where you can and can't be. You must always follow the same logic so as not to confuse your dog.
Place his bed or blanket in a comfortable and clean place in the house, preferably with little traffic but without the animal feeling isolated from the family. Do the same with water and food, placing them in places that are easily accessible to the dog
Little by little, walk with him through the new neighborhood. At first, you should keep the same walking schedule as much as possible, so that it can slowly get used to the changes you need to make in this routine. If it is not possible for you to maintain the same walking schedule, for work reasons, for example, you should modify it little by little before moving, without this affecting the animal's evacuation mechanism.
During walks, let the dog stop at all the corners and corners he wants. He needs to sniff out these new places, and he may urinate more than usual to mark his territory
If he wants to approach other dogs that could be his new canine friends, let him do so, of course under your supervision to avoid unpleasant moments
- Get to know the parks and safe places where you can walk together and play with other dogs.
- The games will help him distract himself and understand that the new home is good for him.
- It is recommended that the first visit to the new vet be done before the animal shows any illness, just to familiarize with the office and with the new person who will care for you. You'll need to do the same with the new dog groomer.
Stress will be normal for a few days, but if it lasts and turns into problem behavior, for example barking or biting, or if it manifests itself physically, such as vomiting and diarrhea, then it's time go to the vet.
