How To Keep Your Dog Safe And Comfortable During A Move

The moving process is very stressful, no matter how you look at it. Between planning, packing, and actually moving out, you’re sure to get stressed out. However, a lot of people tend to forget that moving out is also stressful for our dogs. Both when it comes to the process of preparing and adjusting to the new home, dogs get stressed easily. Needless to say, this can be very bad for your furry companion’s health. As such, it’s important to remember to take care of them as well while going through the moving process. But how can you make this process easy on your dog? Today, we hope to help you answer that question, as we’ve put together a guide on how to keep your dog safe and comfortable during a move.

Table of Contents

Get your pet accustomed to moving supplies

Dogs tend to pick up on things pretty quickly, so when you start packing, they’ll know something is happening. Because of this, before you actually start packing, make sure to spread some moving boxes and other supplies around your home, and let your dog explore them. Additionally, when they show curiosity towards the supplies, consider giving them a treat. By doing this, you let them know that these items aren’t anything to be concerned about. This will, overall, make sure your dog doesn’t get stressed as much during the move. However, it’s important to keep up a healthy diet as well, to make sure your dog remains healthy. After all, while giving them treats is hardly bad in small amounts, you shouldn’t go overboard. Don’t disregard your dog’s needs for a healthy diet, especially during a stressful situation like a move, since a healthy dog is harder to stress.

Pack a pet essentials bag for moving day

The moving day tends to be the worst on your dog, so in order to keep your dog safe and comfortable on moving day, you should make sure to have an essentials bag on hand. In this bag, you should have water, food, treats, and toys for your dog. This will come in handy if you have to stop during the move, as well as when you arrive at your new home. Experts from State to State Move note that you should have this bag, and a bag of essentials for yourself, on hand during the move. These are items you really can’t afford to misplace, and knowing exactly where they are is very useful. Especially if you’re moving long distance, you might be too tired to unpack immediately after the move. So, having these essentials ready for the first day and night in the home is very helpful overall.

Keep up a routine leading up to moving day, and after

Dogs like a routine; they like to eat breakfast, go for a walk, and then eat dinner at the same time of day. Keeping up this routine helps them stay relaxed, and this is no different leading up to and after a move. So, make sure to keep up a routine even if it gets difficult because of the preparations. This will help make sure your dog stays as relaxed as possible leading up to and during the move. Keeping up the routine afterward can help your dog get accustomed to the new surroundings. Additionally, consider exercising your dog more leading up to the move. Too much energy can stress out your dog, and helping them let energy out through exercise or playtime is a great way to make sure they don’t get anxious. Additionally, if your dog is tired, it won’t get in the way as much.

Reduce your dog’s meal size on moving day

A full stomach can be really bad for your dog when they have to bounce in a car for a while. This constant motion combined with the stress can easily make your dog throw up. As such, it’s a good idea to reduce your dog’s meal size before the move. Of course, you shouldn’t starve your dog either; decreasing their meal by about a third of its size is a good choice. A meal of that size is still enough to sate your dog, but not enough to fill their stomach and make them sick. This is especially important if you’re moving cross country. Because you’ll be traveling for a while, doing everything you can to make the process easier on your dog is good. Another good idea would be to go to the vet and make sure your dog’s health is good all in all before the move.

Set up your dog’s area as soon as you’re in the new home

Being in an unfamiliar environment is one of the most stressful things for dogs. As such, as soon as the movers leave, you should take the time to set up your dog’s area. Having a familiar bed, toys, and some food and water will give your dog a little bit of familiarity. Of course, you should make sure the space is pet-friendly as well. Regardless, having these familiar items near them makes your dog think about home. All in all, this makes them feel like they’re home, which helps them avoid getting stressed. And, in the long run, having this space will allow them to get accustomed to the new home. Without question, the first thing to do when in the new home is immediately getting your dog’s space set up. The sooner the area is set up the better, so remember to do this immediately.