Keeping Your Dog Safe During Your Move

Moving can be a stressful time for anyone, but it can be especially hard on pets. With children, you are able to explain where you are moving and why, and they can ask questions or express their fears to you. Unfortunately, pets often don’t know what’s happening until moving day, and it can take a while for them to adjust to the new home. There are some things you can do to help keep your dog safe on moving day and the days after.

Send Them Elsewhere On Moving Day

See if somebody can dog sit for you on the day of the move. Since your dog won’t be acquainted with the Jacksonville movers who are coming into your home to move your stuff, he or she will likely feel a great deal of anxiety. Not only does this pose a risk for your Jacksonville movers, you run the risk of your pet getting out one of the many open doors. Find someone that knows the dog well and who your dog is comfortable with. Sending them there for the day will help prevent stress for everyone.

Let Your Pet Explore

Once you have moved into your new home, bring your pet in the house. Give them a chance to explore the house, sniff his or her way around, and get acquainted with the house. Take him or her into the backyard so they can relieve themselves. Show them where their food and water bowl is.

Give Them Extra Attention

Your pet will likely be feeling very unsure during the first few days in a new home. It’s important that you give them as much attention as you can. Reassure them, pet them, and cuddle them. Consider letting them sleep in your room for the first few nights. If they usually sleep in a kennel, put it in your bedroom for the first few days. Give them the option to sleep in the kennel since it may give them a feeling of familiarity.

Give Them Grace

Give them a little grace for any accidents that occur. With how nervous pets often are during and after a move, it’s not uncommon for pets to have an accident or two in a new home. Don’t let it become a habit, however, Make sure they know where the back door is and make it clear that they are to use the bathroom outside.

Watch Them Closely

Sometimes, a pet will feel so much anxiety about moving to a new home that they will try to find their old home. This means that they may try to escape through a hole in the backyard fence or run out the front door. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent this from happening. Remember, the more attention you give them, the less likely this is to happen.

Keeping your pet safe and reassured during a move is important to help them settle into their new home. While you can’t verbally explain to them what’s going on, you can show them that everything is okay by speaking to them calmly and giving them some extra attention in the first few days. Your pet will soon adjust and start acting normal in no time at all if you give them the reassurance they nee