There is no denying that moving can be stressful for humans. After all, there are boxes to pack and unpack, lives to uproot and replant and new spaces and places to get used to. Now, imagine being a pet and going through the upheaval. It doesn’t sound like much fun, does it?
So, what can you do to help your pet adjust to new digs and get comfortable in his or her surroundings? Fortunately, there are a whole lot of things you can do to help make moving to an apartment easier on your feline or canine friend.
Here are some of the best moving tips to help Fido or Felix adjust:
Take a vacation when you move
…or at least take a few days off. Dogs and cats can respond rather adversely to moving. Depressed dogs and downright angry cats are not at all uncommon. If you have the time off to be there with your pet and help assure him or her as acclamation to the new places gets underway, you’ll likely both be better off.
Keep your pet secure
…before, during and after the move. Make sure your dog or cat is properly secured in a crate before and after moving. Having a few favorite toys and a blanket along that belongs to your critter can help, too. If you dog or cat doesn’t have a blanket, give it one of yours. This can help lend a sense of familiarity to the situation.
Expect some issues
Plan for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to moving a pet. You might find depressed dogs don’t eat for a few days. They might even become aggressive or “go” in places they normally wouldn’t. Your cat that’s normally the center of attention might hide for a few days. Prepare for issues just in case they crop up. Carpet cleaner, for example, is a good idea to have on hand.
Be patient
You’ve known for weeks and maybe even months that a move was impending. Your dog or cat just found out. Be patient when moving to an apartment and try to coax him or her back into normal routines slowly.
Retrain as necessary
You probably won’t find this on a list of moving tips, but you just might find yourself having to retrain your dog or cat a bit after a move. Use positive reinforcements rather than anger to get your cat back into the litter box or your dog to go outside. A gentle touch can go a long way here. Spending some time pet training can also reassure your furry friend.
Moving is stressful for people and animals both. If you want to make sure your four-legged friend fits in well in your new home, expect to spend a little time making him or her feel comfortable.
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