Relocating to a new home can be exciting for us, but it’s important to remember that our pets also experience the stress of the move. Just like humans, pets need a safe place to retreat, recover, and rest during such a big transition. However, unlike us, pets live in the moment, relying on their senses to assess new environments. For them, the process of acclimatizing to a new home involves figuring out whether the space is safe, comfortable, and positive or potentially harmful.

Understanding Your Pet’s Needs

Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment, and their sense of smell plays a huge role in their ability to assess new places. Dogs rely heavily on their olfactory senses to gather information about their surroundings. They often relate new smells to previous experiences in their lives, and that’s why moving to a new home can be disorienting. To help them through this, make sure you provide reassurance and consistency. Your pet needs your presence and calm energy to feel secure.

When you first arrive at your new home, it’s a great idea to set up a comfortable, quiet area with your pet’s familiar bedding, toys, and anything that smells like “home.” This will give your dog a secure place to retreat to while they begin adjusting to the new surroundings. Placing their food near their comfortable bed and sticking to regular mealtimes is also crucial to help maintain a sense of routine and normalcy. Slowly introducing them to different parts of the home can help them feel less overwhelmed, giving them the time they need to get used to new smells, sounds, and visuals.

Signs of Stress in Dogs

It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms of stress in dogs during a move. Some dogs may show signs of anxiety and unease, such as:

• Withdrawal – They may seem more distant or unwilling to engage.
• Hypervigilance – They might be constantly on alert, watching their surroundings intently.
• Excessive barking – Your dog may bark more frequently, especially if they’re feeling unsettled.
• Pacing or restlessness – Dogs may struggle to settle and pace or move restlessly around the house.
• Loss of appetite – Stress can cause some dogs to lose interest in food.
• Seeking attention more than usual – They may want more affection or reassurance from you.
• Shaking or freezing – Some dogs may visibly shake or freeze in response to the stress of the move.
• Escaping attempts – In extreme cases, if a dog feels unsafe, they may try to escape or flee from the new location.

To help alleviate these symptoms, keep your dog indoors and avoid overwhelming them with too many new sights, sounds, and people until they’ve had a chance to adjust. Take extra care to ensure that they feel secure and gradually explore their new surroundings.

Cats and Their Sensitive Nature

Cats, on the other hand, are even more sensitive to change. A move to a new home can be a major stressor for them, as they are creatures of habit and need to feel secure in their environment. The transition can be especially challenging for cats because they are more territorial and may not respond well to sudden changes. For cat owners, it’s crucial to take extra care during the relocation process to make the transition as comfortable as possible.

Start by creating a quiet, dark, and comfortable space where your cat can rest and observe the new home at their own pace. Just like dogs, cats appreciate having their familiar bedding, toys, and even a blanket or piece of clothing with your scent. Cats also benefit from pheromone diffusers or sprays that help create a sense of calm in their new environment. These products mimic the natural pheromones that cats use to mark their territory and help them feel safe. Offering familiar food near their bed and keeping their regular feeding schedule will also help reduce stress and keep them feeling secure.

Signs of Stress in Cats

Cats under stress may show different behavioral or physical signs. Common symptoms include:

• Toileting issues – Cats may urinate outside the litter box or hold it in for too long due to stress. This can lead to urinary tract infections, especially if they are not drinking enough water during the adjustment period.
• Appetite changes – A stressed cat may eat less or avoid food altogether.
• Hiding – Cats often seek out secluded areas to retreat when feeling stressed.
• Excessive grooming or scratching – Stress can lead to abnormal grooming behaviors.

By addressing these symptoms early on and ensuring your cat’s comfort, you can help them feel more secure and settled.

Taking It Slow and Gradual

For both dogs and cats, one of the most important steps in easing their stress is giving them time to acclimatize slowly. Avoid overwhelming them with new people, animals, or outdoor areas in the early days. Instead, start by allowing them to explore the inside areas of the new home, especially the spaces where they will spend the most time. Once they are comfortable with their indoor environment, gradually introduce them to the outdoors and other areas of the property.

Reassurance and Positive Training

Throughout the process, your presence and attention are key to helping your pets feel secure. Spend plenty of time with them, offering comfort and reassurance. Stick to your usual routine of feeding, walks, and playtime to help them feel grounded in their new environment. You can also reinforce positive behaviour with training sessions. Reward your pets for their focus on you and praise them when they approach new objects or areas with confidence. Offering treats and affection will help them associate the new place with positive experiences.

Final Thoughts
Relocating to a new home can be a stressful experience for both you and your pet, but with patience and proper planning, the transition can be much smoother. While comfort, routine, and reassurance are key, it's important to remember that sometimes additional support is necessary. Tailored professional advice can be invaluable when your pet’s anxiety is severe, and in some cases, temporary anti-anxiety medications may be required to help them cope during this stressful time. If you’re unsure of the best approach for your pet, our expert team is here to assist.

To learn more about how we can help your pet through their move or if you believe your pet may need professional advice and medication, give us a call or book an appointment online today. We are here to support both you and your furry companion through every step of the transition.

Call us at Avoca Drive Animal Hospital on 02 4365 1086 or  book an appointment online.