Pet Stress On Moving Day: Signs To Watch For And How To Help

In the days leading up to your move, you might feel like you’re going bananas. Are you going to be done packing in time? Did you remember to start services at your new place? If you have pets, you may suspect that they are feeling the stress as well. The good news is that you can make it better. Look for these signs of pet stress and follow this advice to improve your pet’s ability to handle the pressure. 

Signs Your Pet May Have Stress 

In order to know whether your pet is suffering from stress due to the move, you need to understand what it looks like. Signs vary depending on the pet and its temperament, but you’ll usually notice one of these: 

• Excessive vocalizations, like barking, growling, or whining 

• Loss of appetite 

• Aggression 

• Excessive drooling 

• Hiding or refusing to engage with familiar faces 

• Hair loss 

• Lethargy 

When you observe any of these, it’s wise to schedule a checkup with your vet. They can identify whether your pet needs additional help to get through the moving process. 

How to Manage Pet Stress on Moving Day 

Moving is stressful at the best of times, but even more so for your pets who don’t understand what’s going on. Try these tips to help your pets handle the activity of the big day. 

Get a checkup in advance 

Pets suffering from hidden conditions are more likely to feel stress, so it’s important to get the all-clear before you move. Schedule a checkup at least a month before the big day. Request regular screenings and blood tests if necessary, especially for older pets. Talk to your vet about transferring paperwork and changing the chip address when you’re moving out of the area. If your vet points out any health issues, try to resolve them in advance of moving day. 

Handle your own stress 

Pets can be a lightning rod for stress in the household. If you are frazzled and crabby about the move, your pets will pick up on it and respond accordingly. Instead of trying to ignore your own stress as you prepare, challenge it head on. Talk to your friends about your difficulties so you can let off steam. Take time for self-care, making sure that you get enough sleep, a healthy diet, and time to relax. If you are really struggling, ask your doctor for advice in stabilizing your mood.  

Follow regular routines when possible 

Pets thrive on routines, so you should try to stick to them as much as possible. If you know you’ll need to adjust feeding or walking times as you prepare to move, start the change in advance. Give your pets time to cope and be prepared for a little misbehavior as part of the adjustment. On the day you move, consider asking a familiar friend or relative to help your pet keep the routine. 

Create safe spaces 

Your pet needs to feel safe during and after the move. On moving day, set aside a room in your old home with your pet’s food, bed, and toys. Remove items the movers will need to access. Once you arrive at your new place, set aside a room for your pet once more. If possible, ask someone familiar to pet sit during the most hectic part of the day, so they feel safe. 

Request help for stress  

If your pet is showing signs of severe stress, it’s time to get a professional opinion. Request a visit with your vet. Write down the symptoms you’ve observed, including the frequency and extent of the behaviors. With this information, you can ask your vet for recommendations of pet calming products. You may need to try more than one approach to help your pet relax in the lead up to the move. 

Moving can be hard on pets, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. By following these tips to manage your pet’s stress, you can focus on your move and ensure that everyone arrives in good health.