Moving into a new home is one of the most stressful times for adults and families.? But what about your pets?? More often than not, your pets may be picking up on your nervousness.? They are also having their own anxiety because of all the change.? This article contains a few ways to help your pet cope with the move and make things easier on everyone!
Let?s deal with the pet that will take the most adjusting. It is generally true that cats are more difficult to settle than dogs. Maybe there?s something to that phrase ?scaredy cat??
- Introduce your cat to their new home gradually, restricting it to one or two rooms at first. Place the litter box, bed, scratching post, food and water in the room with it. This gives it the chance to become accustomed to the sounds and smells in your new home. It also gives them a room of their own to use later as a refuge or if they feel uncertain.
- Put their favorite bed, blanket, toys or any item that is familiar to them in the room. The smells of ?home? will help them adjust to their new surroundings.
- Keep doors and windows closed and make sure there aren?t any crawl spaces or holes where they can escape to and that you can?t access.
- Let them explore on their own. If they decide to hide under the bed, let them be. They?ll eventually come out when they feel safe.
- If you plan on allowing your cat outside, make sure you keep it indoors for at least two weeks so that your home is familiar to them. After two weeks, take the cat outside with you and let it explore a bit. After ten minutes or so, take it back inside. Each day increase the time until the cat feels safe and knows the area. Also make sure that kitty is properly tagged with your new address and phone number.
- Veterinarians recommend that you keep cats indoors only. Outdoor cats are prone to injury, diseases, accidents, parasites and have a much shorter life span than indoor cats. Indoor cats can be very content and happy if you provide enough stimulation and fun.
To help your dog adjust, follow these tips:
- Talk to your dog about the move. You will be surprised by how much better they handle it, when they are included in the dialogue. The calmness in your voice will reassure them that all is well, and that there is nothing to fear.
- Remember that animals pick up on your emotions. Be sure that you are giving off vibes that are happy as well as calming. If you feel anxious and overwhelmed, your dog will soon be as well.
- Have the dog?s favorite toys, blankets/bed ready to roll out as soon as you move in.
- When taking Fido outside for the first time, keep him leashed and allow him the time to explore his neighborhood. Your dog should be introduced to the area around your home slowly. It?s a good idea to explore it a block at a time, just to see who else lives in your neighborhood. Strange dogs can pose a threat and cause your pet unnecessary stress.
- If possible, allow yourself some time before you start your new job. This will give you time to help your dog adjust. During this period of adjustment, start spending time away from the house, doing so in small increments just to see how your dog will respond. Eventually, when you do start work and you have to spend all day away, your dog should be adjusted to the home and feel comfortable being alone there.
- If you have to start work right away, you may want to consider hiring a pet sitter to come to your home. They can usually cater to individual needs and requests and they charge by the hour. Although it may add up in fees, you can ask the sitter to spend more time with your dog initially, then slowly wean him back until he/she?s used to being alone.
No matter what kind of pet you have, adjusting to a new home is tough. Knowing your animal and the kind of pet they are ? confident, social or shy ? will help you determine what their individual needs are. Good luck!
Source: www.moving.about.com (content author: Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide)
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