In the Process of Moving? How to Help Your Dog Cope

When you are moving to a new home, it can be easy to get all caught up in the stress and the excitement of the whole process. However, one factor that you may not have previously considered is how your dog will react to and handle the move. Whether you are currently in the process of packing and sorting or you are almost all ready to make the move, your dog will need extra special care and attention. Get to know some of the dog care tips that can help you take the best possible care of your dog when you are in the process of moving. Then, you can be sure you are helping your dog with this major transition in their life. 

Try to Keep a "Normal" Area of Their Stuff

One of the scariest parts of the moving process for your dog is that they begin to see their stuff disappear as you are packing. They will react as if you are taking their toys, beds, etc. away from them and will understandably panic. They may also think that you are planning to leave them behind. 

To help make the whole process a little easier on your dog, you will want to keep an area of your house as "normal" as possible for your dog. Make sure they have a bed, a few toys, a blanket, their food and water dishes, and anything else that might comfort them. Having this one area of continued familiarity will help your dog to feel less anxious and more secure in their place in the home and the family. 

Watch Out for Signs of Depression

Dogs are highly emotional animals as you may or may not know. Because they are so emotional, they can come down with depression just like human beings can. When big changes are happening in a dog's life, they might become emotionally distressed and develop depression. 

Some of the signs of depression in dogs to watch out for include lethargy, isolation, lack of appetite, aggressive or agitated behavior, loss of interest in play or walks, and even having accidents in the house. If you notice a few of these symptoms in your dog during your move or even after you get to your new home, you should take your dog to the vet. If they do indeed have a case of depression, your veterinarian can prescribe them an antidepressant to help get them back to their normal self. 

Now that you know some of the ways that you can help your dog cope when you are moving, you can be sure you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy and happy throughout the process. For more information, contact a dog care service.