How to Help Your Dog Cope with the Stress of Moving

Dogs are often known for their happy-go-lucky attitude, their loyalty, and their desire to be part of the family. They are happy to be with their owners at all times, no matter where their owner may be. With that said, just like with humans, dogs can feel stressed out and anxious from time to time and in those cases, they look to their owner to bring back that balance and help them relax.

One situation that can cause a dog to get rather stressed out is moving. While you may be wrapped up in excitement over the move, the dog can be looking at the situation differently and not feel very comfortable about it. So, rather than waiting until you are in your new place and then notice that your dog is acting different, there are steps you can take that will help to prepare them for the move and help them to cope better.

How to Help Your Dog Cope with the Stress of Moving

Think Ahead and Have Your Dog Microchipped and Wearing ID

Even though you can take all the right steps during your move, things can happen, a door can be left open and, before you know it, your dog escapes. This can be a very scary experience for your dog and you, as it’s a new neighborhood that they aren’t familiar with. This is why it’s a good idea to think ahead and ensure they are wearing their collar with updated identification information and have them microchipped.

Start Getting Them Used to a Crate

It can also be incredibly helpful to have your dog in a crate while people are moving boxes out of your existing place, then the move, and then while you are loading everything into the new place. A crate keeps your dog safe and secure, and it also gives them a sense of security.

Pre Move visits

Before you move to the place, it is helpful if you visit the place a few times with your dog. This way the dog will get familiar with the place and may not feel anxious after moving. But obviously, that wouldn’t be possible if you are moving to a far off place, a new city or a totally new country. If that is possible then, spend coupe of hours at the new place, walk around the place, take the dog to interesting places close by, and play with him at the backyard of new place etc. the more happy activities you do, the happier the place would feel to the dog.

Try a Cannabis Supplement

On the actual day of the move, or a couple of days leading up to it, you can help to bring down the level of stress your dog is feeling by using a cannabis supplement such as the ones offered through cannacompanionusa.com. A cannabis supplement is a way to help balance out your dog’s physiological, neurological, and immunological systems in a natural and safe way.

Keep Up with Your Normal Routine

Obviously, your regular routine is going to be a little off during the move, but try to keep things as normal as possible for your dog. As well, you’ll want to slip right into your regular routine the moment you move into the new house. The routine refers to your dog’s eating, sleeping, and walking schedule. This will provide a sense of normalcy for your dog, and help them to relax. Play all your old games and activities with your dog in the new place to make it a positive place for him. It is highly likely that during the packing and moving phase you may not be able to spend quality time with your dog and he may start feeling neglected. Hence, take an hour or so out of your tasks and enjoy some time with him so he can feel good. This will also lift up his mood and his confidence.

Take familiar items

When moving to a new place, you may not be taking all the stuff you have been using earlier. But if possible take the things that carry an emotional value for your dog such as his toys or your pair of shoe that he likes to chew on, etc. I am sure while moving you would want to have everything new in the new house, but if you change everything all of a sudden, it would affect your dog mentally and he may start to act detached or like a stranger in his own place. If you are planning to get him a new bedsheet or a new pillow, make sure you let him use it before moving. Help him get familiar to his own things so he can develop positive relationship with them. Also, if you travel often with your dog then it’s good to keep a travel blanket separately for your dog. Once you move you may leave all the others blankets and just use that travel blanket. All other travel toys and accessories are also similarly helpful. If you are looking for the perfect throw blanket that can fit in the crate and is tear resistant then we recommend Gold Star Moving Dog throw blanket. 

Stay calm

Remember, your dog looks up to you and feeds off your energy. If you are a nervous mess, your dog is going to be the same. Try to be as calm and relaxed as possible, which will show your dog that everything is okay. Also, make sure the other family members are also excited about this move.

Make it easy

Moving is never easy, may be it wasn’t an easy decision for your as well. But now that it is inevitable and unavoidable, it is better to cope with this situation in a positive way. Make the transition process as smooth as it can be. The above tips will help you and your dog have a comfortable moving experience.

Patience

Last but not the least, have patience. When moving to a new place, the dog may develop some anxiety and because of that anxiety he may misbehave or accidents may happen in the house. This is normal! He is trying his best to feel calm but of course he might just be missing his old home. Therefore, ignore his mistakes, be more loving and compassionate towards him. Tell him, it is okay! Also, do all that you can to make the home as homely for him as possible!

Let’s talk about the red flags that you need to look out for:

1. Lower activity level

when your dog is feeling an anxiety he may feel disconnected and would stop participating in any activity. He may not feel active anymore. It is possible that he may develop some depression. Therefore if you notice low activity levels, talk to your veterinarian.

2. Diarrhea

diarrhea is very dangerous for dogs. And it can easily develop if the dog stops eating or develops any negative eating habit. If you feel that he’s lacking hunger or he isn’t interested in food or he’s not eating properly, offer him his favourite treats. If he still ignores them or doesn’t behave the way he used to do previously, then it’s something you should worry about.

3. Trembling or tucked tail

Dogs hardly ever tuck in their tails, therefore this isn’t something that can be ignored. This activity suggests that they may not be feeling comfortable at the new place. If they are trembling, may be they are fearful of the new place. Hence, discuss this with your vet.

If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will be able to avoid going through any such situation at all.