How to Move With an Old Dog

Older dogs need a sense of security to help them settle into a new home.

Moving house can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Older dogs in particular have difficultly with changes to their routines, and moving to a new home can be a difficult time. However, you can help them adjust and settle into their new home by following a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. 

   Offer your older dog a familiar toy to help him deal with the change.

   As soon as you arrive, give your dog as many familiar objects from your old house as possible. Familiarity brings comfort, so before you start unpacking, make sure the older dog has his bed, blanket and a favorite toy, and ensure his things are in the same position as in your previous house.This will offer him comfort and a sense of security in his new home, and lower his stress level.

2. 

   Older dogs will naturally look to you for reasurrance in your new home.

   Spend time with him. An older dog will be feeling anxious, and might be suffering from separation anxiety from no longer being in his old house. Having you with him as much as possible will offer him comfort and reassurance. Dog's are also pack animals, and he will look to you as the leader of the pack for protection during unsettling experiences.

3. Keep to the same walking and feeding schedule. Older dogs are particular sensitive to changes in their daily routines, and your dog will be feeling uneasy being in a new home. By trying to offer him as much regularity as possible, you will help him relax and adjust quicker to his new home.

4. Closely monitor your dog's health. Stress and anxiety can cause problems for older dogs, including excessive barking, house soiling and increased aggression. If such behavior, or anything else unusual, continues for more than a few weeks take him to a veterinarian.

Tips & Warnings

• If you new house is not too far away, it will help to ease the transition if you take your dog to the new neighborhood a few times before moving. You can park outside the new house, and show him around the area.

• Older dogs might bark during the night in their new home. They do this to demonstrate that they are upset and anxious. They are asking to be comforted, and it can be a good idea to let your older dog sleep in your bedroom for the first few nights to help him settle. However, be careful not to let him sleep in your room for too long, or this might become part of the new "routine," and you may have difficultly readjusting him.

• Do not return to your former house or neighborhood with your older dog, even when he is settled. This will cause anxiety and confusion in your old dog.

• If your older dog has a medical condition, consult a veterinarian before moving house to see if your dog needs any extra medication, or if there is anything else you can do to help ease the transition for him.

• Older dogs who have been quiet and subdued in the past often become energetic and excited about their new surroundings. They may want to explore the house, so you should ensure the new house is safe for dogs, and keep all valuables out of the dog's reach for the first few weeks.

• If you are moving out of state, check you have all the right dog documentation and identification required by the state and city to which you are moving.

References

• “Your older dog”; Jean Callahan; 2001
• Pet Education; Senior Dogs: Common Behaviouir Changes; Holly Nash, DVM MS;
• Dog Owners Guide: Moving Day