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Moving home is stressful for people, and it can be for the family dog too.
Dogs cannot tell us how they feel, so you have to watch their behaviour. This page covers the signs of stress to look out for, what to do before, on and after moving day, and when to call your vet. It is general information, not veterinary advice.
Most of the advice comes down to one idea: keep things as familiar as you can, for as long as you can.
Signs A Move Is Causing A Dog Anxiety
The VCA lists these signs of stress in dogs:
- pacing, whining or barking;
- yawning that is longer and more intense than a sleepy yawn, drooling or lip-licking;
- panting when the dog has not been exercising;
- shedding more than usual;
- cowering, a tucked tail, ears pinned back, or hiding behind a person or object;
- needing to urinate or defecate more urgently, vomiting, diarrhoea, or refusing food.
Some of these can also mean your dog is unwell. If a sign is severe, does not settle, or comes with vomiting, diarrhoea or not eating, call your vet. The VCA says to see your vet if your dog is stressed often or by many triggers; the vet checks for a physical cause first and may refer you to a trainer or a veterinary behaviourist.
Before The Move
The VCA says to introduce your dog to new situations several weeks before the move and to keep their bed and blankets until you leave. If you can, visit the new home first so your dog can smell it. Get your dog used to short car rides, and to a crate if you plan to use one; the ASPCA suggests building up crate time with treats and play.
Update your dog’s microchip details and ID tag with your new address and phone number before moving day, as Dogs Trust advises, and register with a local vet near the new home. Our guide to dog ID tags is here: 4 Dog ID Tags To Compare, And Why A Microchip Matters Too.
Moving Day
Keep your dog out of the chaos. The ASPCA suggests a quiet room with the door shut, or a friend’s house, so your dog cannot bolt while the door is open; Dogs Trust suggests asking a friend, family member or pet sitter to look after them, with their bed, toys and water bowl unpacked last. Never leave your dog in a parked car. Keep to their usual feeding and walking times as much as you can.
Pack a small bag for your dog’s first days: food, water and bowls, treats, any medicine from your vet, and a favourite toy. On a long journey, stop to let your dog stretch their legs and drink.
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Set up a quiet “home base” with your dog’s bed, water and toys, and let them settle into that room first before opening up others (ASPCA). The VCA suggests setting up the sleeping area to resemble the old one and keeping toys and food in familiar spots. Dogs usually cope well when the routine stays fairly consistent. The VCA says to avoid leaving your dog alone in the new home for one to two weeks, then to increase time away gradually, leaving at a time your dog normally rests. Dogs settle at their own pace; if yours is struggling, talk to your vet.
Be patient: dogs pick up on how you feel, so your calm helps.
If the move takes you across a border, check the paperwork early — a screwworm rule changed what dogs need in order to travel.
