Moving your pets

Today we are going to discuss the best ways of gently easing your animals into your new home. Moving is extremely stressful on most animals, since they are being uprooted from their known territory and thrust into a completely new one. As such, it's very important that you try to keep all those objects that your dog or cat is very familiar with. Don't use the move as an opportunity to throw out their bedding, toys or other playthings. These will be especially important for them while establishing their comfort in their new home. Let's take a quick look at the behavioral differences between dogs and cats during and after a move.
Generally speaking, most dogs see their role in life as the protector of your home, and many of them will react very badly to strangers coming into your house and ' stealing' all of your belongings. If you're having a mover pack your goods for you, it's probably best if you place your dog either outside or in an isolated room where they cannot see what is going on. Their anxiety levels are going to be very high, so be sure to visit every once in awhile to reassure them. Even the calmest and most sedate dogs can accidentally be stepped on or kicked during the move, and the best way to prevent this is to ensure that they are out of the line of traffic. If your dog is kennel trained, great! Most kennel trained dogs view their kennel as their own private cave, and as a result will have much lower levels of anxiety.
If your dog is well trained enough to go outside on his own without running away, be sure that you spend the first couple of weeks with him while he is outside at your new home. Your new home will be a cornucopia of new sights and smells for your canine, some of which are simply too irresistible not to be investigated. Take several long walks with him over the first few weeks so that he is able to thoroughly explore the area around your new home. This will help them to be oriented in case they do manage to become lost over the first few days.
In general, cats are far easier to move. While you're unpacking, half-empty boxes and cartons will give your cat a fabulous wonderland to explore, as they will be certain that all of this new activity is designed solely for their amusement. Simply be certain to show your cat the new position of his litter box, and be careful while you are unpacking, as they will undoubtedly want to be in the center of activity. If you allow your cat outdoors, you should also try to be outside with them while they are outside. And be certain to either have the microchip and/or wearing an identification collar.

Tags: moving, moving pets

posted by Anonymous @ 4:28 PM