There’s nothing more fun and exciting than moving into a new home. It’s the biggest event of people’s lives because finally, they’ve achieved one of their investment goals. Unfortunately, relocating to a new house and lot Philippines can be stressful for your pets. They can be irritable and uncontrollable because their environment changes instantly.
If you have plans of moving in with your pets, learn how to help them acclimate and adjust to love your new home with this handful of responsible pet ownership tips.
How to Prepare Your Pet for Moving
You can help your pet adjust to their new home and make them feel happy and comfortable and you must start with preparing them for the move.
Take your pet to the vet for a check-up.
Before you move, it’s a good idea to take your pet to the vet for a check-up. This is a good opportunity to make sure that your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all of their vaccinations.
The vet can also check for any parasites or other health concerns. If your pet needs any medication, the vet can prescribe it for you and give you instructions on how to administer it.
Get your pet used to travel crate.
If your pet is not already used to their travel crate, start acclimating them to it in the weeks leading up to the move. Feed them meals or pet food in the crate and give them treats and toys when they are inside. You can also leave the crate door open so that your pet can come and go as they please.
Once your pet is comfortable with the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods of time. Gradually increase the amount of time that your pet spends in the crate until they are comfortable staying in there for several hours at a time.
Pack an essentials bag for your pet.
Pack a bag with all of the essential items that your pet will need during the move and for the first few days in the new home. This should include healthy food, clean water, bowls, a leash, a collar, medication (if needed), and any other items that your pet may need, such as a favorite toy, litter box, dog bed, or blanket.
How to Help Your Pets at Ease On Moving Day
Note that moving day will also be a busy day for you because you have to take care of a lot of things. To lessen your stress, keep your pets calm by following these tips.
Use a soft-cover crate.
A soft-cover crate is less stressful for your pet than a hard crate, especially if you’re traveling in the car. It’s important to choose a crate that is large enough for your pet to move around comfortably, but not so large that they can slide around.
Keep toys near.
Your pet’s favorite toys can provide comfort and distraction on moving day. Pack a bag of stuffed animals, special treats, and a comfort blanket for your pet to have access to throughout the day.
After a long day of moving, be sure to reward your pet with a special surprise. This could be a new toy, a delicious treat (dog foods or kibbles), or some extra attention.
Use medication if necessary.
If your pet is particularly anxious, talk to your veterinarian about using medication to calm them down in a new location. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling long distances or if your pet is known to be anxious in new places.
3 Tips to Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Home
Being patient and understanding as your pet adjusts to their new surroundings is also important. Here are a few tips:
Stay close and let them sniff.
Spend extra time with your beloved pet and give them lots of love and attention and encourage every family member to do so. This can help them feel more comfortable and secure. Let your pets explore their new home at their own pace. Allow them to sniff and mark their territory to help them feel more at home.
Make things familiar.
Bring along some of your pet’s favorite belongings from the old home, such as their bed, toys, and food bowls. This will help them to feel more comfortable in the new environment.
Don’t make any major changes.
Keep their routine the same and don’t make any major changes. As much as possible, try to stick to your pet’s regular feeding, walking in a dog park, and playtime schedule. This will help them to feel more settled in the new home.
Lastly, this is not also the time to change your pet’s food brand, potty training routine, or sleeping arrangements. Avoid making any major changes until your pet has had a chance to adjust to their new home.
Common Behavior Problems of Your Pets and How to Deal With Them
Of course, you have to accept the fact certain pet behaviors will usually arise during your first weeks of stay in your new home. If this becomes a problem, here’s how to deal with them.
Anxiety
Pets may experience anxiety when they move to a new home because they are no longer in familiar surroundings. This can lead to a variety of behaviors, such as hiding, pacing, panting, and excessive barking.
All you need to do is create a safe space for your pet, such as a crate or a room where they can feel comfortable and secure. Provide your pet with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Barking or Meowing
Excessive barking or meowing is another common behavior problem that can arise when pets move to a new home. This may be due to anxiety, boredom, or excitement. Therefore, you must identify the trigger for your pet’s behavior. Once you know the trigger, you can start to work on desensitizing your pet to it and apply proper pet care. Reward them if they stop barking or meowing.
Marking
Marking is a way for pets to communicate and establish their territory. When pets move to a new home, they may mark their territory in an attempt to feel more comfortable. So, clean any marked areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner. This will remove the scent of your pet’s urine or feces, which will help to deter them from marking the same spot again.
With time and effort, you can help your pet adjust to their new home, especially if you move into a pet-friendly neighborhood like Asterra. We made sure that your pets can feel at ease and free from any stressful events that may trigger your pets’ worst behaviors.
For those fur parents looking for a new home, come and visit the Asterra community. We have best value for money condominium units with great spaces ideal for your pets. You can check our practical condo packages through our property listings page or get in touch with the nearest Asterra sellers.
