When something new appears in the life of our pet, it can generate nervousness and stress. This is the case, for example, of a move. If this change is not managed well, it can generate emotional and behavioral problems in our pet. But not everything is cause for alarm, a move is also an opportunity and can be an ideal time to change some behaviors.
Let’s put ourselves in their place
In addition to being animals of habit, dogs and cats are territorial: they mark their space and make it their own. For this reason, when we force them to change their house, we are taking them away from their property and bringing them closer to a new one that they will end up making and feeling as theirs over time. New smells, new sounds and new customs that, a priori, do not generate any type of security and to which they will have to be progressively adapted until they become their own.
Up to this point, the new stimuli can cause them nervousness and stress, which they will channel through barking, sniffing every corner of the new place and showing a rather restless attitude. These are common behaviors that occur in this type of situation and in front of which the owners should not be scared, but they should be attentive in case they get prolonged in time. If so, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet to discuss the situation and see how to solve it.
The importance of the adaptation process
We all need time to get used to a framework of new circumstances and more so if they are situations that are imposed on us. For dogs and cats it is essential that this adaptation process be done progressively so that they do not suffer any type of trauma or acquire unusual habits.
Keeping a toy, respecting their eating and walking schedules, keeping the smell of their belongings and adapting a place from the first moment, will help them to make this change not so sudden and facilitate the adaptation process. In addition, it is convenient that the first days do not feel alone, so it is advisable to spend as much time as possible with them.
Little by little they will feel the new place as their own, familiarize themselves with the new smells and noises of the environment and they will stop missing their old home.
New opportunities (for you and them)
A change of address also presents new opportunities for our furry ones to acquire new habits, new norms. A different environment will facilitate training and incorporating new routines, such as not getting on the couch or finally sleeping in your bed.
