January 24, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Supplies

Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Many owners notice that their dog is thrown off even if it gets its dinner a little later than normal, or if you walk it at a different time of day then usual. Even if you have never put your dog through a major change like a move, you can see how it would be stressful for it. Whether you are moving down the street or across the country, it is important to understand how your dog will react to the change in routine, scenery and other adjustments you might have to make, according to The Miami Herald.

The first thing to plan out for your dog is the actual move. Make sure your pooch will be safe and comfortable for a drive or airplane ride in a Vari Kennel Traditional Dog Kennel, for larger breeds, or a Dog Car Seat and Travel Carrier, for smaller breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that it is important to try to maintain the dog's routine throughout this process as much as you can, so bring along its normal pet food like Iams ProActive Health Chunks Adult Dry Dog Food and make sure you have extra of any pet drugs like Dasuquin that it normally takes.

Once you have arrived in your new home, make sure you continue to maintain a pretty normal routine, the news outlet reports. If your new job makes it harder for you to take your pooch for its morning walk, consider getting up earlier to maintain this ritual or look around for a dog walker. The more your dog maintains its schedule, the easier the transition to this "new life" will be.

Once you move, you should make socializing your dog a priority, according to the AKC. Bring it on walks around the new neighborhood or along with you on errands so it meets people and sees all the new places, the publication reports. This will help it adjust. It is also important to make sure your dog is well socialized before the move. Taking it to new places in your old town will help it get used the phenomenon of different areas, making the actual move that much easier. 

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