Peanut is a 14-year-old pug. Because her advanced age puts her at the equivalent of a 98-year-old human, she isn't very fond of change. She wants stability and routine. So when her person (yours truly) decided to remove all of the comfy, soft carpeting in her home and replace it with cold, unforgiving hardwood, Peanut displayed her animosity by standing in the hallway and barking at the floor for hours. Considering the fact that she (like most senior dogs) doesn't like to do much, this must have taken extraordinary effort on her part. After all, she prefers to spend her days stretched out on the couch, watching TV, and eating.
So, when you aren't just making a small change to your aging fur-baby's environment, but rather changing his entire environment by moving to a new apartment, what is a pet parent supposed to do to lessen his anxiety? Here are some tips for helping your senior pet adjust to his new home:
- If you haven't found your new pet-friendly apartment yet, visit Apartments.com to get started. When you visit your potential new home, be sure to keep your pet in mind -- where will you place his dog bed and food bowls? If the apartment is on an upper level, will he be able to navigate the stairs? How far away is the nearest grassy area for those middle-of-the-night must-go moments? (He is old; it happens!)
- If your new apartment community will allow it and it isn't too far away, make a few trips to your new home before the actual move. This will make the area somewhat familiar and could ease your dog's stress. Walking him around the new neighborhood will help him get familiar with its sights, sounds, and smells.
- Older dogs often require more care, so be sure to transfer your veterinary records to your new vet as soon as possible.
- If your dog is on medications, keep them with you -- don't pack them. You'll save yourself a world of panic at medication time if you don't have to search through several boxes, trying to remember which one contains his meds.
- Since senior pets need their routine, don't move your pet's belongings until the very end -- keep his food dishes, toys, and his bed where they've always been.
- If possible, take your pet to a family member or trusted friend during the actual moving process. This way, he won't see his beloved belongings being carted off. This will also prevent him from running away or getting hurt during the move, when the door is often left open. Finally, this will help keep him safe -- he could get underfoot when heavy items are being carried out.
- Plan every step of your move. If you have a long trip ahead of you, make sure you pack what your dog will need during your journey. Also, make sure you aren't in a situation where you'll have to leave him in the car unattended -- this is dangerous, even in mild temperatures.
- Don't let him off the leash until he becomes familiar with his new home. Older dogs are sensitive to change and he may bolt (or, in Peanut's case, waddle slowly … she has arthritis and a bad back) out of fear or confusion.
- Once you get to your new apartment, make sure you put your dog's bed, food bowl, and familiar objects like his favorite blanket or toy out right away.
- You probably think it's a good idea to freshen up for your new home by washing everything -- don't! At least, don't wash your dog's bed or his favorite stuffed animal. The familiar scent will help him adjust to his new home.
- Keep his routine as much the same as possible. If you typically feed him in the morning and take him for a walk, keep doing this at the same time before, during, and after the move.
