Have you tried moving before? Stressful, isn’t it? There are many things to take care of and much to think about. But after settling everything, you can just take a day off, and go on to living a normal life. However, that might not be the case for some dogs because it’s not just you who feel the stress and exhaustion. They do, too. Oftentimes, even more, than you do. As a result, your dog can feel anxious and afraid, negatively affecting its overall mood.
When that happens, you can’t just ignore them, thinking they’ll cope with it themselves. Do something! If you don’t know what to do, read till the end so you can help your dog survive the move.
What are the Effects of Moving on Your Dog?
Dogs love a consistent lifestyle. It’s their way of life, and that’s what makes them happy. But moving can quickly turn their daily routines upside down, possibly resulting in unhealthy effects.
Anxiety
Your dog loves your home as much as you do. But when you relocate to a new house, they might not fancy it immediately. That’s because your dog may be uncomfortable with the sudden changes. The different surroundings, unfamiliar neighbors, and strange aroma they’re picking up can cause fear and confusion. However, there’s something you can do to make them feel more at home, like bringing their favorite toys and cozy bed along. Place them before your dog steps in the house, so they can see familiar things, helping relieve anxiety.
Geographic Disorientation
Dogs have a keen sense of smell. After moving, they might pick up unknown scents around your house that may add up to their anxiety. New sounds and sights can shock them, too, making them disoriented and restless. If possible, take them for a few walks around the new neighborhood before your move. This will help your dog to acclimate to the area, making them feel less agitated after relocating.
Lifestyle Adjustments
It’s a given that moving homes come with adjusting your lifestyle. That’s also true for dogs. But they might need more time and attention than you do. During this period, your dog may become anxious, tired, and even lose appetite. To help with that, ensure that you give them lots of love and attention. Ideally, you should also try to keep their routine the way it was as much as possible.
Yes, dogs aren’t capable of thinking like humans. But it doesn’t automatically mean that they can’t be depressed. They also have feelings. If you notice your dog is a little inactive and distant after the move, then it’s time to do something.
Things to Do When Your Dog is Depressed
You don’t need to be an expert to know your dog is depressed. Seeing them feel sad and withdrawn are clear signs of it. Sometimes, it gets even worse when they lose interest in playing and eating and would rather sulk around the house. But these things can also mean medical problems. In that case, the first thing you have to do is, of course, visit the vet to confirm your observations.
However, once there are no physical implications of their behavior, then it could be because of emotional stress brought about by your move. If so, the best thing you can do is engage in fun activities with your dog. Because why not? Dogs are happiest when you spend time with them.
An excellent first step for this is taking your dogs to exercise, whether it be walking or running around the dog park. You can also spend quality time together learning new tricks, playing games, and just bond with them any way you want. A simple pup cup can also help. But perhaps the best thing you can do to relieve them of anxiety is by letting them play with other dogs in the doggy daycare. When all these activities don’t improve their mood, seeking help from an animal behaviorist is a great idea.
Nevertheless, too much is not healthy. That goes for pampering your dog, too. If you overdo it, you can subconsciously encourage sad behavior. Your usual routine should be enough. Also, giving your dog ample time for rest and a comfy place in your house is a surefire help. But above all, be patient with your dog and never leave them in times of need.
The Bottom Line
No matter how you deny it, moving is never a fun experience, much more for your dogs. That’s because removing them from their usual surroundings can prove traumatic and cause depression. But no worries. There are a lot of ways to help your beloved fur baby. Stay calm and be patient for them and give that little pooch the love and attention they deserve.