Guest author: this post was submitted by Cindy Aldridge of OurDogFriends.org.
Dog owners go to great lengths to care for their canines — they are, after all, part of the family. If you’re planning to move to a new home, you will need to not only consider your needs and those of the other people living in your home, but also the needs of your dog. Below you will find some tips on what to look for while house hunting and planning for the big move, as well as how to best accommodate your furry friend during the transition.
Let the Hunt Begin ~ A New Home & Your Dog
The first decision you’ve made is that it is time to move. That’s a big life change, so spend some time celebrating that. Once you’re ready to begin the process of house hunting, the next step is to make a list of all your needs. With dogs, some examples include:
- A fenced-in yard or dog run
- A large enough backyard or close proximity to an adequate outdoor space
- Sturdy flooring
- Adequate square footage
Rank your list in order of negotiables versus non-negotiables. For instance, while a fence is important, if you find a house that you love, you can hire a local contractor to install one for a reasonable price (the average cost of installing a wooden fence is $3,000 nationally). Therefore, it is negotiable. Conversely, some outdoor space (attached or not) is necessary and is non-negotiable, so that will take all homes that don’t offer this feature out of the running.
Square footage will depend significantly on the size of your dog. For instance, if you have a Great Dane, you probably don’t want to move into a 500-square-foot studio apartment. While it’s possible to live in small spaces with a large breed, it’s not ideal, and it can get quite uncomfortable for both you and your dog. In other words, be prepared for lamps to be knocked over and walking paths to be blocked.
Move On and Settle In with Your Dog in Your New Home
The actual moving process also takes planning when you have a dog. It’s important to accept that moving is stressful for pretty much everyone. With that said, you can take steps to make the process go more smoothly and ease the transition for your pup.
Dogs often have anxiety or stress when objects are moved. So, when you’re packing and moving your belongings out of the home and into the truck, see if you can arrange for a family member or friend to pet-sit; just make sure the person is someone your dog likes and trusts. When it comes time to drive, try to arrange it so that your dog can ride to the new home in your vehicle (if you’re moving locally). For a long-distance trip, make sure your pup’s spot in the moving truck is as comfortable and safe as possible.
Arriving at a New Home with Your Dog
When you arrive at your new home, you will need to take great care to help your dog acclimate to their new environment. Familiarity is key. Dogs depend on routine; it helps them feel safe and secure. So, try to stick to your normal schedule as much as possible. For example, if your pup is used to waking up, eating breakfast, and going for a walk, keep that routine going from day one of the move. Also, keep some of their old belongings (e.g., bedding, toys, bowls, etc.) around for the first couple of weeks, as this can help with the transition. You may also want to give your new home a one-time cleaning to remove any lingering scents that could confuse or upset your pup (a cleaning service will usually charge $139 - $236 in the Medford area). Last, but not least, make it a point to spend quality time with your canine companion and show them some extra affection.
Moving is challenging for anyone, and that includes dogs. There’s no escaping some of the difficulties you will face, but you can make the process easier for you and your pup by knowing what to look for in a new home, accommodating your pup during the moving process, and helping them acclimate to their new living environment. Just be sure to keep them in mind and show them lots of love throughout the process!
Consider A Dog Calming Treat
For many stressful situations link this, our Calm can offer needed relief to your dogs anxiety symptoms. Our natural dog supplements are scientifically formulated to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. This product helps calm your dog’s nerves during grooming (creating a safer environment for your dog and the groomer), moving, traveling in a car or plane, unusual weather events (rain, wind storms, thunder and lightning) and any other loud or disturbing noises.
Benefits of Calm:
- Support your canine’s nervous system
- Relieve anxiety naturally
- Promote a more stress-free environment with the combination of melatonin and other ingredients
- Prevent excessive barking during unfamiliar situations and separation anxiety in dogs while the owner is away.
Melatonin has shown to have a calming effect on our canine friends in studies published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, secreted by the pineal gland, located at the base of the brain. It’s a safe and drug-free supplement for pets.