How to Ease Your Dog’s Anxiety When Moving to a New Home

March 21, 2024

Moving to a new home can be a thrilling adventure, filled with the promise of new beginnings. However, amidst the excitement, it’s important to remember that moving can be a source of stress, not just for you, but for your beloved companion as well. Your pup, who thrives on routine and familiarity, may find the transition to a new environment unsettling. But fear not! With some thoughtful planning, a little extra care, a dash of patience, and healthy foods and supplements, you can help your pup adjust to their new home smoothly, ensuring their comfort and happiness during this significant life change.

Before we jump into how to make the adjustment as smooth as possible, it is important to highlight some of the signs that may mean your dog is stressed. Dogs, like humans, can react to change in various ways. Every dog is unique, so it’s essential to pay attention to your dog’s individual cues and behaviors.

Signs Your Dog is Stressed

Gastrointestinal Problems: Diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues can be triggered by anxiety
Decrease or Loss of Appetite: If your dog is eating less or not eating at all, kt can be a sign of stress
Persistent Isolation: When a dog is keeping to themselves more than usual, this may be because they are feeling nervous and don’t understand what is going on
Increase or Decrease in Sleeping Patterns: An increase or decrease in sleep beyond the norm may be stress related
Restlessness: Dogs may pace or tremble if they are feeling particularly stressed and/or anxious
Change in Behavior: Aggressive, excessive whining, destructive chewing, etc. can be signs that your dog is feeling stressed or anxious
Hiding/Avoidance: If your dog is hiding and becoming unusually withdrawn, or is avoiding certain areas of the house, this could mean they are uncomfortable or scared

While it is important to be aware of these signs, preventing stress during a move should be your top priority. Not only does it ensure your dog’s well-being, but it will make the transition smoother for everyone. So, let’s dive into some proactive steps that you can take to minimize the likelihood of the stress signs listed above.

How to Minimize Stress

Gradual Transition: If possible, introduce your dog to their new environment gradually. You can try bringing your pup over to their new home for short periods of time before fully moved in to help him/her get acclimated
Familiar Items: Don’t pack up your dog’s bedding or toys, but instead bring them along during the move so they can have their familiar items with them right away. These items will carry comforting scents and can provide a sense of security
Maintain Routine: You’ll want to stick as close as possible to your dog’s usual routine. Try to feed, walk, and play with your dog at the times you normally would - even that means taking a break from unpacking. Predictability can help reduce anxiety
Positive Associations: Use treats and praise to create positive associations in your new home. Reward them when they are behaving appropriately
Patience: Be patient and understanding as your dog adjusts, especially if they are showing signs of stress. They will need time to fully adjust. Continue to provide your pup with comfort and reassurance
Consider a Supplement: Some dogs could benefit from a natural supplement that is meant to help ease anxiety. Dr. Harvey’s Relax supplement, for example, is intended to promote a calming effect and a sense of relaxation. This can be given prior to moving and during the adjustment period, and can easily be added to your dog’s meals

Implementing the tips listed above can significantly minimize stress for your dog during a move. Gradually introducing them to their new environment, providing familiar items, maintaining their routine, creating positive associations, and practicing patience will all contribute to a smoother transition. Additionally, considering a natural supplement like Dr. Harvey’s Relax can further promote a calming effect and relaxation during this adjustment period. By following these strategies, you can ensure your pup's well-being and make the moving process less stressful for both you and your furry companion.

Additional Ways to Keep Your Pup Healthy

Ensuring your pup’s health and overall well-being in their new home extends beyond the transition itself. One crucial aspect is their diet. By nourishing your companion with a fresh and wholesome diet, you can significantly contribute to their overall health vitality. In this section, we’ll delve into the benefits of feeding your pup a fresh diet and explore how it can positively affect their life in their new surroundings.

Benefits of Feeding Fresh

Improved Digestion: Fresh diets often contain digestible ingredients that can reduce the risk of digestive issues
Better Nutrient Absorption: Wholefood ingredients allow for nutrients to be properly absorbed, allowing your dog to get the most out of their meals. This can lead to increased energy levels and better overall health
Healthy Weight Management: Fresh diets can help your pup maintain a healthy weight since they will be from unnecessary filler and additives
Enhanced Skin & Coat: Nutrient-dense foods promote a healthy shiny coat and can improve your dog’s skin
Improved Oral Health: Whole food diets can naturally keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean and improve their breath
Boosted Immunity: Fresh diets are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support a strong immune system
Higher Energy Levels: Higher quality ingredients can provide your dog with sustained energy throughout the day
Reduction in Allergies: Many commercial dog foods contain allergenic ingredients. Fresh diets typically avoid these, reducing allergy symptoms
Optimal Hydration: Fresh diets have a higher moisture content, which will help keep your pup hydrated
Reduced Risk of Disease: A natural diet can help lower the risk of certain health conditions by providing them with beneficial and nutrient-dense ingredients

Transitioning to a fresh, whole-food diet is an investment in your dog's long-term health and happiness, ensuring they thrive in their new home. With Dr. Harvey's making this transition is easier than ever. Dr. Harvey’s offers a wide range of natural whole-food diets that help simplify the process of providing your pup with the benefits of feeding a fresh diet. These carefully crafted foods allow you to prepare delicious, homemade meals that cater to your dog’s unique dietary needs, ensuring they receive the best nutrition possible, right from the comfort of their new home.

Dr. Harvey’s Foods

Dr. Harvey’s offers a variety of different foods. Once water, fresh protein and oil are added to any of our base mixes, your dog will have a complete and balanced meal. Canine Health contains six organic grains and nine dehydrated vegetables. This food has an oatmeal consistency and can help with a dog’s overall digestion. Veg-To-Bowl and Veg-To-Bowl Fine Ground are both grain-free and contain nine dehydrated vegetables. Dr. Harvey’s low-carb, lo w-glycemic, grain-free food is called Paradigm. Holistic vets agree that a low-carb, low-glycemic diet can help dogs prevent, manage and overcome serious health problems. Dr. Harvey’s newest base mix, Raw Vibrance, contains a unique blend of 24 incredible whole foods - including goat's milk, green lipped mussels, shiitake mushrooms and eggshell membrane.

Dr. Harvey’s also has three complete foods, Allergy, Healthy Weight and Garden Veggies. These foods only require you to add water to them. Dr. Harvey’s Allergy formulas come with either salmon or turkey as the first ingredient and are intended to relieve allergy symptoms and can help boost your dog’s immune system. Healthy Weight was formulated for dogs that need help managing their weight. These mixes come with either beef or chicken as the first ingredient. Garden Veggies come in both grain-free and whole-grain varieties with either beef or chicken as the protein source. These foods contain 7 nutrition veggies and 3 fruits, intended to provide your pup with clean and balanced superfoods.

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In conclusion, moving to a new home can be a significant life event for both you and your canine companion. While it may bring excitement and new beginnings, it can also introduce stress and anxiety. Recognizing the signs of stress in your dog is the first step in ensuring their well-being during this transition. By taking proactive measures, such as gradual transitions, keeping familiar items, maintaining routines, creating positive associations, and practicing patience, you can minimize stress and help your pup adapt to their new environment more smoothly.

Moreover, considering natural supplements like Dr. Harvey's Relax can provide that extra layer of support to keep your dog calm and relaxed throughout this adjustment period. Remember, your pup's comfort and happiness are essential during this journey, and by prioritizing their needs, you strengthen the bond between you two.

Additionally, providing your dog with a fresh and wholesome diet is crucial for their long-term health and happiness in their new home. Dr. Harvey's offers a wide range of natural whole-food options that make transitioning to a fresh diet easier than ever. These carefully crafted foods ensure your dog receives the best nutrition possible, right from the comfort of their new surroundings. By following these tips and embracing a fresh diet, you set your pup on a path to thriving in their new home, making the entire moving process a positive and enriching experience for both of you!

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Author Bio:
Alexis McCagh, who holds a Masters of Science in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, passionately fulfills the role of Dr. Harvey’s Influencer/Community Manager. Alexis holds Pet Food Nutrition and Canine Nutrition certifications from the Feed Real Institute and dedicates herself to enlightening others about animal nutrition. Through her insightful blog, Love + Tail Wags, she shares a wealth of knowledge to foster a community nurtured with understanding and love for animal wellbeing. Visit Love + Tail Wags!