Moving into a new apartment can be very overwhelming. During this time, it’s important to remember that dogs tend to feel the same stressors (if not more) as we do. You may have noticed that your dog may become very excited or anxious when they see your suitcase come out of the attic. It’s essential to keep your pup calm during this period to ensure that they cooperate and settle easily into their new home! Here are a few tips for keeping your furry friend at ease during your move.
Start packing ahead of time.
Since your dog can sense that there is going to be a change in their environment, start preparing for your move 6 to 8 weeks in advance. This will familiarize them with what’s coming, reducing the anxiety they may be feeling.
Contact your vet.
Inform your vet about the move so you can bring any of your dog’s records or medications with you. They may also recommend good vets in your new neighborhood or prescribe an anxiety medication your dog may need during the move.
Visit your new home together.
Take your buddy to visit your new apartment before the move so they can get a feel for their new home. Let them sniff around a bit and take them for a walk outside. This way, your new apartment won’t feel so strange to them when it comes time to move in.
Take your pet in your vehicle.
Your pup will feel better being with you in the vehicle on your way to your new place. If you feel like they’ll feel unsettled, keep them in a crate during the moving process. It may also be a good idea to put a blanket over them during the ride for extra comfort.
Keep them separated from the move.
It’s recommended that you take your dog to the kennel or set up a babysitter for the day of the move. If you’re not able to, keep your dog in a crate or in a separate, quiet room while you’re unloading. This will distract them from what’s going on. Give them a toy or a bone to chew on!
Puppy-proof your new place.
Don’t let your dog roam free unless you’ve made sure that there’s nothing valuable that they could get a hold of. Try to make sure that your pet’s food, toys, and bed are all set up in the same way as they were in your previous home. The more familiar the environment is to your pet, the quicker they will get used to it.
Keep your dog safe!
Your best friend is going to take a while to adjust to their new home, so stay with them as much as possible while you’re hanging at home. When you take them out for walks, be sure to keep them on a leash. There is a chance that your dog could run away (maybe in attempt to get back to his old home) if they’re not being supervised at all times.
