Moving House with a Dog: 5 Things To Remember

Moving home is one of the toughest things you will ever do.

There is so much to remember and so little time. With so much of your own time occupied by what you need to do, it can be easy to forget that your dog is going through a house move too. Dogs are emotional creatures, so they will be able to sense that a big change is afoot, and this is why it is important to keep man’s best friend high among your considerations while you tackle one of the most stressful events that can happen in a person’s life. Here are a few pieces of advice that will help get your dog adjusted when moving to your new home.

Update dog tags, vet information, and microchips

Updating critical health information is vital when it comes to keeping your dog safe. If you are moving a long way away, finding a new vet that you get on with is vital in case your dog becomes unwell suddenly. If you are able to stay close to your existing vet, it is still important to let them know that you have moved.

Your dog tags and microchips will have your old information on them, including your old address. That’s why, if the worst happens and your dog gets ill or lost, it isn’t worth thinking about them being taken to the wrong home. Make sure this is priority number one when it comes to moving because the health and well-being of your dog is the most important thing out of everything.

Stay calm and keep them distracted

Maintaining a sense of calm around moving day is really important, as your dog will pick up on any negative emotions that are stemming from you. There is every possibility that your dog’s behaviour changes as they are going through the same stresses as you in terms of moving, so patience is absolutely integral, even if things are going awry. They may start following you around more, weeing in the house, or not eating properly. Distracting them with their favourite toys and giving them great food to eat can help them settle into their new home, and realise that this new place ain’t so bad. Try not to fuss your dog too much and let them settle in their new home at their own pace. Plenty of ball in the garden and nice, long walks will soon distract them from any nerves they are feeling.

Visit the area around your new home

Before moving day, you could visit your new home at regular intervals to get them used to being in this new setting. Your pooch will appreciate the brand new smells they will be able to encounter on their new walks around the neighbourhood you have chosen. New walks around your new home will get them distracted, tire them out, and make them forget any feelings of angst that are associated with moving home. After all, a walk is the best thing you can do for your dog, so let them get any nervous energy out. The more times you visit your new place, the more accustomed they will be to their new surroundings.

Find a safe place and watch out for hazards

There are two facets to this important point:

• Create a safe zone – Amidst the chaos of moving boxes in and out of your new home, and people coming in and out of the property, try to find a room or a space where your puppy or dog can chill out. Ensure that the dog cannot escape from this area, and let them relax in a space that is just for them. Also, let people know that this is going to be their calm and safe zone, so that your dog can get away from the stresses of moving.
• Check the property for dangers – This may include checking the interior or the garden for any toxic chemicals or plants that may have been left by the previous owners. Look for holes that can result in your dog getting out of the property – the last thing you want on moving day is the prospect of your pet escaping and having to scour your neighbourhood for your dog. It will worry your dog and create a bad first impression.

Keep things as familiar as possible

Dogs love routine, so anything you can do to stick to your dog’s normal routine will hugely benefit them, even if it is proving a challenge for you. You never know, it might relax you, too! If you have a specific walking time, try to keep this at the same time so that the stress of everything being new is tempered down. Keep their favourite toys with them, and don’t introduce too many new toys at this time, as this is likely to overstimulate them. The same can be said for the food you give them. A change in diet may lead to an upset stomach that coincides with any nerves they are feeling, so maintaining as many of their old ways as possible is likely to really help you and your dog.

Need more help? Contact our team

At Jack & Jill Removals, we have helped more people move home than we can count. We have seen it all, including helping people move house who have dogs. Our friendly team has years of experience in providing house removals, offering all the logistics you need to ensure that the move goes smoothly. We know how stressful moving house can be, especially if you have a dog, so let us ease some of the strain. You can even buy boxes and consumables that are of the highest quality, so that your important belongings are stored properly in durable and strong containers. We treat your furniture and items as if they are our own, so you can rely on our services no matter how far you are moving. Don’t forget, we can also help with office moves in your area, too. 

Don’t be afraid to contact us to see when and where we can help you.