IMAGINE how anxious you would feel if, without warning or explanation, you were packed up and moved to a brand new location.
Adjusting to a new home can be challenging, especially for your furry companions, and so, to prevent your pets from running away or inflicting harm upon themselves, homeowners need to take precautions when moving house.
Adrian Goslett of RE/MAX of says one of the first things responsible pet owners should do is find the closest vet in their new area and get their pet’s tags and chips updated with their new address.
It might also be a good idea to have a recent photo of your pet available, just in case they wander off.
Building up to the move, take your dogs for walks in the area to get them used to the scent and layout of their new suburb.
‘That way it won’t all seem so new to them when you eventually move in,’ he says.
‘After the big moving day, continue to walk your pet daily to help them use up their anxious energy and to become familiar with their new neighbourhood.’
Cats
Helping your feline friend adjust to its new surroundings is somewhat trickier.
If your cat is the anxious type, it might be worth keeping it indoors for a while, and to carefully supervise her outdoors until she finds her feet.
Familiar objects and routines are useful ways to help your pets adjust to their new environment.
‘Make sure that all of your pet’s favourite things – their cushion, chew toy, drinking bowl – are unpacked before they arrive.
‘Though you might think that a new home presents the perfect opportunity to purchase new things and develop new habits for your pets, it is better to hold off on anything new until your pet has become comfortable in the unfamiliar space,’ he says.
As a final piece of advice, he reminds homeowners that in this new territory, they are they one of the only things that are familiar to their pets.
‘It can be easy to get so caught up in all the logistics of unpacking and redecorating your new home that you neglect to spend time with your pet.
‘Now more so than ever, your pet needs you to be around.’
Boxes can always be unpacked later, but the wellbeing of your pet cannot wait.
Five signs that your pet is stressed
1 Diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issues
Although they are more commonly attributed to disease or food intolerance, gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation can also be brought on by anxiety.
Speak to your veterinarian if the diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive issue is abnormally severe, especially if it has lasted longer than 24 hours or if the diarrhea is bloody.
2 Change in appetite
Animals don’t go on fasts or diets like we do, so it’s important to consult a veterinarian if your pet suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating altogether.
It could be due to stress or to an underlying health condition, including anorexia, which can cause your dog to refuse to eat totally and its food intake to decrease so much that it leads to drastic weight loss.
3 Isolation
Some dogs like some alone time now and then.
However, a dog that is constantly isolating him or herself from other pets or people may be suffering from anxiety or a sickness.
Your veterinarian can help you identify the cause of this strange behavior.
4 Lethargy
By now you will have become accustomed to your pet’s sleeping schedule.
Speak with your vet if your dog or cat is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic.
Lethargy is often the first symptom that a dog is sick, injured or traumatized.
It can also be a symptom of conditions including diabetes, heart and liver problems, tumors, diarrhea and severe dehydration, hypothyroidism, anaemia and poisoning, among others.
5 Aggression
Aggressive actions toward animals or people can be a sign of a stressed or sick animal.
Consult your vet before the problem gets worse.
Many aggressive signs are accompanied by a fearful body posture and facial expression, and with submissive behavior.
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