Prep Your Dog for a Move

Dogs Do Not Understand What’s Happening

Moving day trends toward chaos under the best of circumstances. You field questions and solve problems without access to most of your personal belongings. The setup of your home organization and supplies changes. You have likely worked extra hard for days to get everything ready and to make this day go off without a hitch. The last thing you need is a doggy dilemma.

Use these tips to make moving day easier on your pup.

Getting Ready to Roll

Unless your dog is a frequent traveler, he may feel stressed approaching the car. He also may experience stress by the changes and packing of your home. Anxiety can make even the most well-trained dog do things that are out of character.

• A dog who normally follows you everywhere may choose to hide under the bed.
• A crate-trained dog may view his confinement as abandonment causing him to damage property or hurt himself trying to escape.

It is not uncommon for dogs to get loose during all the shuffling in and out.

Dogs have been known to flee in fear from the box and carry activities.

A great solution to this is keeping your dog in a room that doesn’t have anything else in it besides your dog’s stuff. Give your dog plenty of toys and treats to keep him busy while your belongings go out the door.

Keep close tabs on your dog and make sure his behavior shows he feels secure.

At times when an escape route opens for your dog, use a harness and leash or temporary tie down.

Plan to avoid stressful scenarios. Likewise, minimizing anxiety as much as possible in the days leading up to the move can help avoid erratic canine behavior during the move. Confirm you have all your dog’s medical records handy. If you plan to move to another town or state, be sure to get a copy from your veterinarian before you leave.

Loading Your Pup

Before the big day arrives, update the contact information for your dog’s microchip. If you have not microchipped your pet yet, now is a good time to do so. This usually costs about $45 but some animal shelters will microchip your pet for free.

Pack a travel bag for your dog

Include water, food, bowls, treats,
a first aid kit,
any medications your dog might need,
waste bags,
a few toys,
blanket or bed
a copy of your pet’s vaccination records.

Make Room for Your Dog in the Car or Van

Reserve enough space in your vehicle for your dog to stretch-out comfortably. It will be a long, uncomfortable ride for everyone if he has to sit upright the entire way. A comfortable blanket can serve a dual purpose by protecting the vehicle’s interior, while a long-lasting chew toy is a great way to keep your dog occupied during the trip.

Keep Your Pup COOL in Route

Keep your vehicle windows closed or limit the opening to only inches above your pet’s head.

Dogs Do Not Sweat

Their fur coats keep them warm, so they quickly overheat. Turn on climate control. A much safer option than wide-open windows. Dogs often fall from open windows or escape when a vehicle stops. An excellent idea would be to fit your dog for a harness and inspect his leash for flaws or damage before your trip.

A harness allows you to secure him better when you stop for potty breaks along the way. A few harness models provide features that allow you to restrain your pup inside your automobile. Further reading on this topic visit, Dogs Die Falling.

Canine Seat Belts. Another travel wise protection for your dog would be to install a kennel locked into a seat belt or car fixture.

Roadways Prove Dangerous for Dogs

Think how to secure your dog to his leash before vehicle doors open!

Plan canine safe potty stops along the way. Continue to secure your dog even after you arrive at your final destination. Displaced pets often panic, run, hide, or lash out in fear.

Preparations at Your New Home

Make sure you have access to everything you’ll need for your pet once you reach your new home. Intend to set up his sleeping quarters as quickly as you prepare your own. Your pup’s anxiety can carry over in the form of shedding, so prepare in grooming brushes and the right vacuum for pet hair. Also, you’ll want to make a list of potential veterinarians before the big move. A new geographic area may trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. Veterinarians can recommend allergy free shampoos, bedding, and low allergy dog foods. If your new home doesn’t already have a fence, considering installing one for your dog’s safety. For example, installing a wood fence in Redding will likely cost you between $825 and $2,550.

Caring for your dog’s needs during a move is similar to caring for your own. Making sure all the essential items he needs are easily accessible and that considerations have been made in case of an emergency are the most important details. After the basics are covered, his comfort is the most important priority.

Give extra reassurance and love to ease his anxiety as you relocate.

Please leave Cindy Aldridge, our guest blogger a comment.

Please visit her site today Our Dog Friends (.org)