Moving can be a very tense time for the family dog, and Fidose of Reality has enlisted the help of a guest blogger to share moving tips. A stress-free moves makes everyone, Fido included, happy.
As much the transition from your old home to the new one might be hard for you, be sure that it is at least three times more difficult for your furry friend. Leaving the already familiar surroundings and heading to the unknown could be really frustrating for your dog. It’s a well-known fact that dogs have senses way stronger than the human’s one and are able to tell beforehand when a moving is in the brewing, which will make them uneasy before you even get on the road. So, if you are planning a home removal, make notice of the following ideas so that your pet could have as stress-free of a removal as possible.
Take your tune
Do not leave everything for the last minute. Carefully plan the whole process at least a week prior to the moving itself. This will help you avoid stress and make the moving day as relaxed as possible. Your dog will appreciate the lack of panic, which can scare them quite a lot.
Make travel arrangements
If your moving involves going on a plane, contact the airline you will be traveling with so that you can talk over all the details about your dog. Share with them all the requirements you might possibly have as well as ask about their pet related regulations. Try to book a direct flight so that you can avoid a long stay at a transitional airport.
Visit your veterinarian
A trip to the vet can never harm. Make a little research about your future home’s climate and inform your veterinarian where you will be moving. He/she will know whether your dog will need some vaccine shots. Also, consult about the possible usage of sedatives, especially if this will be your dog’s first long journey.
Make your dog feel special
Even though you probably do this on a regular basis, try to show your affection to your pet friend as much as possible before the moving day. This way the pet will be in a way convinced that it is in safe hands and won’t make as big of a fuss when you have to hit the road.
Keep the dog out of danger
If there will be strangers in the house taking care of your furniture (movers), it is a good idea to put the dog away in a safe room, away from all the people and commotion. The places might get a little scary for the pet, with all the people constantly going back and forth, and could make it feel endangered, thus fleeing from the house. Some younger dogs, on the other hand, are so curious that they can inadvertently hinder the movers and get under their feet, becoming a threat both for themselves and the people carrying the furniture.
Prepare for the long drive
If you are traveling by car/van, keep your dog on the backseat with provided companion (your child, for example) to keep Fido occupied throughout the journey. Have plenty of toys and treats handy to help you in this task. However, if the dog is too naughty, put it in a carrier, but one which is big enough to accommodate the dog plus food and a water bowl.
Never forget to treat the family dog as a family member equal to everybody else. It will sense that and will undoubtedly cooperate so that the moving could go as smoothly as possible.
Did you ever move with a pet? Any success tips you can share?