We all know that dogs are members of the family who make a house a home. They teach kids responsibility, are always happy to greet you when you walk through the door and bring warmth to any household.
When it comes to moving house, you can’t just treat them like a piece of furniture, they need special attention before, during, and after the move. It can be a worrying time, and you want to make sure you’re reducing stress in your move as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you along the way when moving home with a dog.
Before Moving & Packing
1 – Routine
Daily structure and routine are no doubt important for every dog. They have a good idea when they’ll be fed and walked and keeping their usual timetable, or as close to, when building up to the move will help to reduce their stress. After all, they’ll sense something is up when the packing materials arrive!
2- Packing Supplies
It’s not uncommon for dogs to get anxious at the sight of suitcases and bags, and this isn’t unheard of when it comes to boxes and other packing materials. It’s important that your dog gets familiar with packing materials so leave some out near where they play or sleep before you start seriously packing. This allows your dog to sniff and play with the materials that will help them get accustomed to the boxes and tape. Maybe leave a treat or two nearby? There are plenty of games you can play with the packing materials, like hiding treats for them to forage and find within the boxes. When you’re moving a dog to a new home, we want to make sure their anxiety levels are as low as possible.
3 – ID Tags & Microchips
It’s extremely important to ensure your dog has been chipped or at least tagged with an ID that clearly states their name and your mobile (not landline) contact number when moving home with a dog. There’s a lot going on during the moving day and all it takes is a few minutes of distraction by a call from the solicitor for your dog to run off! Even if they’re kept in a room, someone could accidentally open it.
Dogs are curious creatures and it’s not uncommon for them to explore the surroundings of their new home a bit too much, unable to figure out how to get back.
It’s also important to update your address details with the microchip company when moving a dog to a new home.
4 – Register with a new vet
This is often overlooked when compared to cancelling your broadband supplier, transferring the council tax etc. but it’s equally as important when you’re moving a dog to a new home. As mentioned before, dogs are keen explorers and if they aren’t familiar with their new surroundings, accidents are more likely. If the unfortunate happens, the new vet will have your dog’s details and therefore they’ll be able to treat any injuries quickly.
5- CBD Treats and Pheromones
Animals use pheromones as a method to communicate with each other and DAP is a type of pheromone female dogs produce after having puppies. There are plug-in DAP diffusers that infuse this pheromone into the air which can produce a calming sensation for dogs. As mentioned before, when you’re moving home with a dog, it’s best to ensure they are as relaxed as possible throughout the process,
Anti-anxiety aids such as CBD treats can help your dog to relax if they become stressed.
Moving Day
6 – Leave your dog with a friend.
Removing your dog from the house on moving day is the best way for it to avoid the stress of moving. Call in favours from friends and relatives who can take care of your dog and remember to give them a bag of your dog’s favourite treats and toys. If this isn’t an option, consider a local kennel. Get in contact with them as soon as possible so that you can have a chat to see if it’s a good fit for you and your dog. Don’t forget to ask about vaccinations because this might be a requirement for them to stay.
7 – What if your dog needs to stay with you?
If leaving your dog in a kennel or with friends and family isn’t an option, you’ll need to set up a safe place for them in the new house. Empty one of the rooms of items and use it for the dog to stay in. Make a comfortable area for the dog to rest and provide familiar toys, water, and maybe use a DAP diffuser as mentioned before.
Also, clearly label the door to the room and tell the removal company team not to open it so that they are aware you are moving home with a dog.
8- Reduce food Intake
Similar to humans, dogs experience motion sickness in cars and it’s wise to reduce their food intake either on the night before the move or during the day. Don’t feed them straight after the car journey because the motion sickness might persist and when you do, start with smaller portions.
9 – Unpack your dog’s toys and bed first
If possible, set up their safe space straight away with their bed and some toys in an unused room and remember to inform the removal team. This will help them to settle into the new property with familiar belongings and smells. It’s also important to build positive association by offering them a little treat in the new area.
After Moving
10 – Safety
After everything is in and the removal team have left, inspect the entire house or flat and garden for anything hazardous. Check for exposed wires, nails in the walls and floors, and even poisonous materials left behind by the previous owners or tenants. In the garden, check for holes in the fence and hedges, barbed wire and if you have rear access, check if the gates close properly. When moving home with a dog, you want to make sure the house is just as safe for them as it is for you.
11 – Don’t be quick to discipline
Moving home can be stressful for anyone involved and a change of behaviour isn’t uncommon, even for dogs. Your dog may have toilet accidents as they take time to get familiar with their new surroundings or they might bark more than usual. You should comfort and play with them until they get settled in.
12 – Routine (again)
Try to reintroduce their normal pre-move routine with regular walks, feeding times, and play once you have moved your dog into its new home. You should make them feel like everything is similar to how it was before and the more you do this, the better it will be for their mental health.
We hope this guide has provided you with an idea of what’s involved when moving home with a dog and highlighted how much special care and attention they need to make the process much easier for them. If you’re in need of a trusted removals company for your house or office move, then get in touch with Macro Removals now.
Do you also have cats and you’re in need of some advice about how to successfully move them? We also have an informative blog that can house. Read more about moving house with a cat in 10 easy steps.
Disclaimer – This blog should only be viewed as a guide. Macro Removals Ltd cannot be held responsible for any injuries, loss of earnings, or death as a result of following this guide.
