How to Cater to the Dietary Needs of a Senior Dog

Much like any other biological organism, dogs grow older and experience the inevitable process of ageing. Age brings with it a certain poise, grace, and wisdom, as well as an inevitable change in diet and lifestyle. Catering to the lifestyle requirements of a senior or elderly dog may seem like a daunting task; however, with a little preparation and a few visits to your vet, you should have no problems keeping your old friend comfortable.

What is an ‘Older’ Dog?

While there is no fixed age at which a dog starts to be considered a ‘senior’ or ‘older’, an educated guess can be made based on the dog’s health, weight, and size. Larger dog breeds usually have shorter lifespans, so they are generally considered to be seniors at 6 years of age. Smaller breeds tend to have slightly longer lifespans, meaning they are considered seniors at around 9 years of age.

There are other factors besides size as well. A dog’s weight and general health are also to be considered, as ageing may not be visible until symptoms like a decline in vision show up. The weight of your dog matters because obese dogs age more quickly; there’s a reason maintaining a balanced diet and exercise regime is important after all.

Older Dogs Require Less Food 

For elderly dogs, the type of food does not require a change, but the quantity or serving size does. Senior dogs will not have a metabolism like puppies, meaning they burn fewer calories throughout the day and require fewer calories to function as a result. Your elderly dog needs to be at a healthy weight since the combination of slower metabolism, lower energy levels, and higher calorie intake is the one which leads to senior dogs being overweight or obese. Therefore, you must adjust their meals accordingly to ensure that their daily portion size isn't too much for them.

If you're unsure about how to do so, you can visit your vet to plan out a diet chart. Your vet will consider different factors and help you plan a diet for your dog based on its age, weight, and health. Remember, the goal is to make sure that meal portions are adequate, not to starve your dog. Too few calories will also be harmful, and the goal is to maintain a healthy balance of proper nutrition in proper amounts. Frequent exercise (within reason) will also help improve your dog's health along with a new diet.

Make Sure to Include Plenty of Protein 

Maintaining muscle strength is essential as your dog ages. Since an elderly dog may not be able to process protein as well as it used to, it will require plenty of protein in its meals. Meat and fish are high-quality sources of protein which your pooch will be able to digest easily. However, too much protein will be detrimental, putting unnecessary strain on their kidneys, which can be a problem if your dog already has kidney problems. Therefore, you should consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet and the sources of protein in it.

Older Dogs May be Picky Eaters

While it is normal for an older dog to eat less than a younger dog, they should still have a healthy appetite and a desire to eat. It is well-known that dogs are often passionate about food, and a sudden disappearance of their appetite can be a cause for concern. Cancer, kidney disease, dental problems, and diabetes, can all affect your dog's appetite, meaning you should visit your vet immediately if your dog’s appetite has suddenly vanished or if they refuse to eat.

If your dog is not seriously ill and simply finds their food unappealing, there are a few steps you can take: 

• Older dogs are likely to be picky eaters, so try giving them things they enjoy eating. Just make sure you don’t overfeed them while doing so. 
• Mixed feeding can help make food more palatable. If you’re using dry food, you can try mixing some water or pet-safe broth with it to make it more appealing and easier to eat. 
• If your dog struggles with large meals, try breaking them down into multiple smaller meals throughout the day. 
• Older dogs are prone to joint stiffness and pain. If your dog cannot bend comfortably to eat from their bowl, they will likely skip their meal, so try to keep their dish or bowl on an elevated surface. You can consult your vet for joint pain relief medication if this issue is chronic. 

To conclude, while it may seem like a daunting task to plan your elder dog’s diet, the general rules are fairly simple. Older dogs don’t require as many calories as younger dogs and a high-quality source of protein in their meals. Mainly, their diet will have to factor in for any medication they are on, and the serving sizes will need to be adjusted. Each dog is different, especially each senior dog, which means you should consult your vet and discuss your dog’s diet before making any changes.

How to Maintain Your Pets Physical & Mental Health

Mind and body go hand in hand. Or paw in paw, in the case of our pets. We know that pets are our cherished companions, loving us unconditionally. We also know that pets are a part of the modern family unit, as much a member of the family as any of their owners. However, while they are bundles of joy, our pets are also complex beings with mental and physical needs of their own. Since they cannot verbalize their needs, it is up to us as owners to look out for our pets and help maintain their mental and physical health. Here are a few ways you can do this .

Proper Food

Anyone who spends any amount of time in the gym will testify to the importance of a proper diet with high-quality foods. The same goes for your pet – to maintain your pet's physical health, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet comprised of high-quality ingredients. The key term to note here is 'balanced diet' since overfeeding will lead to obesity and only pose further problems. High-quality foods will contain proteins, fats, fibre, calcium, and carbohydrates in the right amounts to encourage a healthy growth rate, while low-quality foods will use fillers instead of quality ingredients. A planned diet will benefit your pet's respiratory, skeletal, cardiovascular, and digestive systems, while unplanned free feeding will be detrimental to them. If you’re unsure about how to draw up a new diet plan, consult your vet for a few tips on the same.

Recognize Distress 

To conclude, provided you feed your pet good quality foods, follow a balanced diet, stimulate them physically & mentally, and socialize them at the right time, you should have no issues maintaining your pet’s health. Do remember to visit your vet regularly, as they can help you spot problems in advance, but other than that, you should be good to go.

Provide Emotional and Mental Stimulation 

A pet will be truly healthy when it is in a good state, both physically and mentally. While we pay attention to a pet’s physical needs, we often forget the mental enrichment. Keeping your pet engaged mentally will prevent boredom, restlessness, and the eventually destructive behaviour a pet may exhibit in the absence of such stimulation. Play dates, puzzle toys, and enrichment toys can all help, especially when supplemented by your daily walks outdoors. Remember, when a pet is bored, that energy will manifest itself as destructive behaviour like chewing, whining, or biting, so try to help them release their energy at such a time instead of scolding them. Affection is a far more powerful motivator than anger, so make sure you show your pet you adore them. shower them with hugs, kisses, cuddles, brushings, and belly rubs (for dogs). Training your pet has numerous benefits, one of which is reduced stress and anxiety levels, which can be beneficial if you embark on pet travel frequently.

Routine & Regular Exercise 

Mind and body go hand in hand, so your pet’s enriched mind requires an equally capable body to truly flourish. Hiking, walking, running, and swimming are all brilliant ways to exercise your dog, while cats will benefit from cat toys that stimulate them indoors like puzzles. Alternatively, you could set up an obstacle course, teach your pet tricks, or hide treats instead of handing them out to make things more interesting for your pet. A quick ten-to-fifteen-minute game of fetch can work wonders for your pet’s physical and mental health. Since different species and breeds of pets require different levels of daily exercise, consult your vet before making any changes in routine.

Socialization 

Much like a human child, the early years of a pet play a crucial role in their socialization and their understanding of what’s right & wrong.  Pets should be socialized from a young age around humans and other animals to prevent any behavioural issues down the road. You can do so by visiting family with your pet or organizing playdates. Most behavioural issues pose a problem for your pet’s health and well-being, and since they stem from a lack of socialization, you should do so while they're young. Exploring the world is a great way to socialize your pet, so if your pet is old enough, you could consider pet travel to do so. Doing so will require you to crate train your pet, which will teach them to be relaxed in your absence and when travelling.

Vet Visits

As pet parents, our pets are the world to us. However, while nobody could ever love them more than us, some are better equipped to identify, diagnose, and treat potential issues our pets may have. You and I know these people as veterinarians. A vet specializes in pet healthcare and can spot issues that even the most loving pet parents would miss due to a lack of medical experience. Not just for times of crisis, a vet can help you with diet plans, routine check-ups, and further health exams to ensure your pet is fit and fine all the time.

To conclude, provided you feed your pet good quality foods, follow a balanced diet, stimulate them physically & mentally, and socialize them at the right time, you should have no issues maintaining your pet’s health. Do remember tovisit your vet regularly, as they can help you spot problems in advance, but other than that, you should be good to go.

 

A Guide to Long-Distance Pet Relocations

Human beings are creatures of habit and repetition. Any event that disrupts this repetitive schedule often turns into a stressor, especially an event like moving to a new house, state, or country. Pets are like their owners in this respect, wherein a sudden disruption of routine is likely to stress them out. The good news is that with proper planning and a little bit of patience, you and your pet are sure to have a smooth journey.

Preparing Your Pet for a Long-Distance Journey

Unless you’ve done so already, the first step is to acclimate your pet to travel and travel over shorter distances before you can embark on long-distance pet travel. Since your pet can only fly or travel in an IATA-accredited pet crate, you should first train them within the house before gradually moving outdoors.

Once your pet is happy and comfortable inside their crate, you can slowly start taking short trips in the car so they can get used to the experience of travelling inside their crate. This process is not an overnight one, so provide your pet with this training ahead of your planned travel time.

Aside from crate training, there's the matter of the crate itself. You'll need to choose an appropriate crate based on the size of your pet; such a crate should allow your pet to sit, stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Depending on the mode of transportation you're taking to reach your destination, you may need to plan. 

Things to Pack for a Long-Distance Trip

The essentials of long-distance pet travel differ from mode to mode, as do the preparations. Food, treats, toys, a leash & harness, and a first aid kit are all important requirements if your move is more local than international. A blanket or soft toy or item of clothing that’s familiar to your pet can be used to line the inside of their crate, to calm them down and give their temporary crate a more homely feel to it. 

Remember, the mode of transport should also be selected after considering the needs of your pet. A pet that is too young, i.e., under 3 months of age, will not be able to fly, so you'll need to arrange for alternative means of transport if you've just welcomed a new baby pet. Similarly, if your pet is elderly, it will require extra care during transit for a comfortable journey. Plan your pet's travel once you've considered such factors, so your pet has the best possible journey.

Land vs Air Travel 

Different modes will require preparation. For instance, while rest and refreshment stops are managed by the airline when flying with your pet, you’ll need to plan them yourself when travelling by road, along with things like extra food bowls, dry food, road laws, and so on. Planning smoothens a journey immensely, so plan according to the mode of transport you end up choosing. 

If you’re travelling by road, you will need to account for bathroom breaks and time spent walking your pet outside their crate. If your pet is prone to getting motion sick, these breaks will need to be more frequent. Hydration is equally important, especially if you’re travelling through a hot or humid region since most household pets cannot sweat like people do. Make sure never to leave your pet alone or locked in a car, especially on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can soar to the point of being fatal, so it is best to keep your pet within arm's reach.

 

Air travel is a little different when travelling with a pet. For one, your pet’s admission is at the airline’s discretion. Some airlines will let your pets fly with you, some will only allow pets to travel in the cargo hold, and others refuse to fly pets under any circumstances, so make sure to conduct your research before making any bookings. Air travel is far more secure and safer than its alternatives, but that also means it involves more documentation; vaccination records, health certificates, and more may be required. Make sure to keep your pet’s documentation handy, as it is more than likely you’ll end up needing it.

Schedule a Vet Check-Up Before Travel 

Any travel with your pet is exponentially more dangerous if your pet is sick or injured. As such, when planning to travel with your pet over longer distances, you should always visit your vet. your vet can help you with specifics of travel like a health certificate and vaccination record and can also make sure your pet is fit to travel safely.

Remember to clear any travel or medical doubts while you're there since your vet is a pet health expert and can advise you on aspects of the journey like feeding when on the go. As a safety note, it is crucial to remember that you cannot sedate your pet before travel unless expressly recommended by your vet in writing. At altitude, sedation can prove fatal as it affects regular bodily functions like breathing, heart rate, and body temperature.  

To Conclude 

While there are various methods and modes you can use for pet travel over long distances, it is important to select the one safest for your pet. When in transit, the best thing you can do is be aware, vigilant, think ahead, and prioritize the comfort & safety of your pet. Proper planning prevents poor performance, so plan to ensure an enjoyable journey for all.

Looking for pet transportation?  Need experts you can trust while travelling? Carry My Pet offers pet flight services for your comfort and convenience. Call 08908909020 or reach out to us at enquiry@carrymypet.com to make a booking today.

Fruits for Dogs: What to Serve & Avoid

Fruits are universally acclaimed, no matter the country or culture. And for good reason; fruits are chock full of vitamins and minerals, with the benefit of being as delicious as they are healthy. Including a selection of fruits in a diet helps avoid deficiencies, strengthens the immune system, and aids digestion. They also serve as brilliant alternatives to the typically fried and nutritionally deficient snacks.

Can my Dog Eat Fruits?

The benefits of fruits aren't just limited to humans either, since nature's goodness can be enjoyed by our four-legged friends as well. However, dogs cannot eat everything we can, and every dog owner is well aware of the list of human foods that can be detrimental to a dog's health. Dogs have different dietary requirements to humans, and since they like to sample everything while not knowing what is/isn't harmful to them, the onus is on us to make sure they only eat foods which are safe for them. 

You may be wondering then, is it even healthy for my dog to eat fruits? The answer is yes, provided you feed them the correct fruits. Dogs are omnivores, and a balanced diet for them includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains. So, yes, your dog can eat fruits. The next thought you may have is, how do I know what fruits are good for my dog? What fruits are going to boost their health, and which ones are detrimental to it? What precautions should you take before serving certain fruits, and which ones to avoid altogether?

What Fruits Can I Serve to My Dog? 

Fortunately, there are a host of fruits your dog can enjoy safely. Here are a few of them you can serve.

1. Apples: Apples are great snacks, as they are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Do remember to remove the core and seeds before, as those aren’t good for them like they aren’t for us.
2. Oranges: These colourful fruits have Vitamin C and fibre in abundance, just remember to remove the flesh and seeds before you serve it.
3. Cucumbers: These fruits are high in water content and serve as a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Bonus: it’s a fruit with a low sugar and calorie count, meaning it can be safely served as a snack.
4. Peaches: They make for a juicy treat, provided you remove the pits before serving.
5. Watermelon: This water-rich fruit is great for beating the heat and staying hydrated on a scorching summer day. As with all fruits, remove the seeds if any.
6. Mangoes: Affectionately known as the king of fruits, mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, but also high in sugar. You can serve mangoes as a treat on special occasions.
7. Bananas: Packed with potassium and vitamins, bananas are a great treat, provided you do so occasionally. Its high sugar content makes it a less-than-ideal daily treat. 

What Fruits Are Harmful to My Dog? 

There are plenty of fruits to choose from to supplement your dog's diet. That being said, there are also some fruits and vegetables which you should avoid at all costs, as they can cause serious harm to your dog if ingested. Since dogs like to eat first and think later when confronted with any sort of food (unless you’ve trained them not to), there are some things you should keep well out of your dog’s reach. Here are a few of them. 

1. Grapes: Grapes, and by extension raisins, are toxic to dogs, to the point where even a small amount can prove fatal. Keep these well out of reach of your dog if they're a staple in your fruit basket, and pay attention to its dry-fruit cousin during the holiday season.
2. Cherries: The cherry plant and its seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Avoid them and dispose of the seeds and stems if they are around your house.
3. Tomatoes: The tomato fruit itself is not harmful to dogs. But, the green stem that's often left attached to it can upset a dog's stomach, so it’s probably best to avoid them altogether.
4. Potatoes: Raw potatoes contain solanine, which can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep out of your dog’s reach.
5. Avocados: The seed, leaves, and skin of the avocado fruit all contain the toxin persin, which can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Keep these healthy breakfast staples well away from your dog. 

What if my Dog Eats Such a Fruit? 

If you think your dog has ingested something that can be harmful to them, there are a few symptoms you can look out for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Twitching
• Low energy levels
• Fatigue
• Constipation and change in normal posture

If you observe one or more of these symptoms immediately or shortly after you suspect your dog of ingesting something they shouldn’t have, get in touch with your vet ASAP. Timely action can make a huge difference and save your pet’s health in such a scenario. Keep these foods off the shelves or tables where your dog might reach them, and make sure you follow precautions when serving your dog fruits. While some fruits are good for your dog and bring health benefits, others are detrimental to their health, and it is upon you as an owner to make sure your dog is eating well and eating healthy.

 

Medication To Carry for Your Cat When Relocating

While you may imagine carrying an entire medicine pouch while travelling internationally with your cat, the reality is far from it. You only need to carry medication with you if your cat has a chronic condition or currently on medication. You don’t need a lot of medicines to travel, but your pet will need a clean bill of health before you can embark on your journey together.

The basic requirements remain the same, regardless of the various import requirements imposed by different countries. Your cat’s vaccination record, a rabies titer test, and a health certificate are usually the basics. However, some countries require your cat to be fully immunized, which means getting the basic group of vaccinations:

• FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
• FelV - Feline Leukemia Virus

Some countries also require parasite treatment, internal and external. Different kinds of worms need to be treated for shortly before departure, and you’ll need to check for and treat ticks and fleas. Treatment time depends on the country you’re visiting and the testing parameters they require you to comply with.

The validity of a vaccine is also important to remember and consider. Some countries only accept a one-year rabies vaccination, while others accept three-year vaccinations. Some are happy with a rabies vaccination recorded in your cat’s record, others require the vaccination to be within a specific timeframe before travelling, conduct a rabies titer test, and cooperate with cooling periods. Countries like Canada have relatively lenient requirements, whereas Australia requires you to prepare for half a year before you can fly.

Health and Safety Import Paperwork

As mentioned previously, your cat needs clean bill of health before it can travel anywhere overseas. The risks associated with longer-distance flights mean your pet will be grounded if in poor health or injured, so make sure your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Proof of your pet’s health is a fit to fly certificate, also known as an international health certificate. Each country has their own health certificate which you need to get signed and stamped by a vet, who will do so after a check-up.

Keep an eye out for miscellaneous requirements which may go unnoticed in the fine print and can derail your whole journey. An example? the UK requires the rabies vaccination to come from a specific manufacturer, and all other kinds of vaccinations are deemed invalid. Another example is the U.S, requiring the health certificate to be stamped by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited vet. They also require blood titer tests to be conducted at a Center for Disease Control (CDC) certified facility, failing which, your pet will be returned to the country of origin at your expense. Permits and tests can take time, so do not leave your preparations for later; the earlier you start, the better. 

Your pet can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate, as these crates are manufactured with the safety requirements of pet transportation in mind. Buy an appropriately sized crate and crate train your cat, so it is less anxious and nervous while travelling than it otherwise would be. Account for ventilation and size your crate accordingly if you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pet. The import criteria are often deemed stringent, but they are in place to safeguard the ecology of a state or country. It may seem a bit extreme, but if any import criteria are not met, a country reserves the right to return your pet at your expense.

Once you’re done with the health check-ups and paperwork, you need to comply with safety regulations. Your destination may not list it as a requirement, but a pet microchip is recommended before any travel. A microchip serves as ID proof for your pet, and your pet’s microchip number is their ID which appears on their documentation. Microchips must be of the standard, 15 Digit, non-encrypted, ISO 11784/11785 variety, which are accepted internationally.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning will be your best friend during a relocation. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and there’s no such thing as being too prepared for a complicated transfer which involves your pet, your pride and joy. You can take care of most of the regulations by yourself if the country you’re flying to doesn’t impose stringent import laws. You can prepare with relative ease and focus on the specifics of your new life overseas.

However, if the country you’re headed to has stringent import laws, you can prepare to meet them given enough time. If you’re struggling to meet your pet’s travel requirements, you can always hire a professional pet relocation service. Having conducted international pet relocations and being well versed with the international laws, such a company can guide you through the process and shoulder the inconvenience of having to procure numerous pieces of documentation and meet safety requirements. The fee a relocator charges goes towards guaranteeing your journey is hassle-free, and that no detail, minor or major, is overlooked in the preparation process. You may not need a bag full of medication for your cat when traveling, but you do need to fulfil the import criteria, which means a good deal of preparation beforehand you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com. 

Travel Conditions Stressful to Flat Faced Cats

While they are adorable to behold and beautiful, animals with flat faces do come with certain issues one must be aware of. Any animal belonging to a flat faced/snub nosed breed come with health concerns pertaining to breathing and the respiratory system, which is why mitigating any stressors is a must. But what is one to do when travel makes your pet anxious? Stressors can exacerbate issues, after all.

Don’t get me wrong, you can travel with your flat-faced friend perfectly safely, regardless of the misconception that such breeds cannot fly. However, it is important to understand why such a journey can be stressful for them, as you’ll then be able to make good decisions regarding your journey. Travelling with your pet can become a memorable experience, provided you carefully consider the various aspects of travel and stressful situations.

Regardless of the breed, cats are cats; they are creatures of routine, and change is not something that they welcome with open paws. If anything, cats enjoy a familiar and predictable environment. Travelling is the farthest thing from familiar and predictable, so the situation will likely put your cat on alert from the get-go. Add to this the fact that their only prior experience with travelling is to and from the vet, and you have the stressful conditions your cat abhors. 

Here Are A Few Aspects for the Same While Travelling with Your Pet.

Airflow and Ventilation 

Brachycephalic or flat faced cats will always have trouble breathing, regardless of the conditions, due to the way their respiratory systems have evolved to fit in the smaller area of a flat face. The first thing to ask before your journey is if your chosen airline allows flat-faced cat to fly at all, as some airlines refuse to fly such breeds citing the risk, and some airlines impose rigorous regulations for a snub nosed/flat faced animal to fly. If your travel is domestic in nature, try looking for airlines which will let you carry your cat in the cabin with you. Internationally, flat faced cats are typically allowed to fly in-cabin if the flight duration isn’t prohibitively long, and if the country you’re entering does not require pets to arrive as cargo.

Regardless of whether your pet is flying in cabin or in cargo, they will need to be inside an IATA-approved fiber crate. While you might think you can take your pet out of the crate and cuddle them in your lap while flying, airline regulations highlight the fact that your pet must be in their crate for the entirety of the journey. For them to travel in cabin with you, their crate will have to fit under the seat in front of yours, so you might need to re-plan if you have a large crate measurement.

If your cat must travel in the cargo bay, make sure you go for a pet friendly airline. This is important, as such an airline will have planes with pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, meaning your pet gets the same environment down there as you do in the cabin. For flat-faced and snub-nosed cats, opt for a pet crate/kennel with extra headroom, maybe going a size or two above the normally mandated size in their sizing guides. Bear in mind that your crate can only fly inside an IATA approved crate, as they are designed to be durable and have plenty of airflow throughout it; the latter being especially important for your flat faced friend. 

Temperature and Climate Control 

Both extremes of the weather scale are not ideal for travelling with your pet. Airlines themselves will refuse to fly pets during certain months of the year, as the risks associated with travel during extreme climate are simply not acceptable. If your cat is flat faced, plan your travels to be in cooler climate.  The risk in travel is minimized greatly if done in cooler climate and with the shortest route possible.

Hot and humid climate only worsens their already laboured breathing, and they can suffer from heatstroke if their bodies aren’t cool enough. Unlike a snub-nosed dog like a pug, a flat faced cat cannot pant. Couple this with the fact that their breathing isn’t the easiest during the best of times, and you have every reason to avoid travelling during hot climate. Avoid travelling with your flat faced cat in temperatures exceeding 25^o Celsius. 

Distance to Destination 

Shorter trips are less likely to stress your cat out than longer ones. So, while making a choice of airline and route to your destination, opt for the option with the least travel time; avoid flights which stop-over and go for direct routes, and make sure you always choose a pet friendly airline. If you need help regarding either of these aspects of travel, you can contact us for a complete and comprehensive itinerary with the shortest travel time to guarantee your pet’s safety and comfort.

Health and Fitness 

Its no secret that a healthy pet is a happy pet. For flat faced cats and brachycephalic breeds, them being fit is important, as obesity contributes to health and breathing problems when in transit. Age is another factor to consider while travelling, and senior pets require extra care to avoid any issues. Consult your vet in either case and follow their advice when it comes to your pets health and safety while travelling. Under any circumstance, do not tranquilize or sedate your pet, as this can prove fatal while travelling. 

If you have further queries or require help planning your trip with your pet, call (890) 890-9020 or mail us at enquiry@carrymypet.com. We provide domestic and international pet relocation services, with your pet being picked up from and delivered to your doorstep, and our team of experts ensure your flat faced friend is safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the journey. 

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Adjust After A Move?

Moving residences is taxing on the whole family. Whether embarking on domestic travel or on international pet relocation, leaving behind a familiar place is disorientating. Dogs are especially likely to feel anxious or nervous in the initial stages of your move. Its natural, considering that they have no familiar scent or sight in a new home. Given time though, your pet will be comfortable as ever in their new home. All it will take is a little patience and effort on your part. Here are a few things you can do to make your pup more comfortable and adjust after a move.

Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

The first thing you can do to help your pup settle in is create a familiar space. Use items which they interacted with daily in your previous home; you can make a nice corner with a bed and their toys, as well as blankets or any other items they associate with the comfort of home. Patience is key while they become accustomed to their surroundings, so be patient, and let your dog explore their new home at their own pace.

2.      Make & Maintain Routine

An unfamiliar schedule can contribute to making your dog nervous, especially as they are often creatures of habit. Plan a routine for their mealtime, play time, and walks/exercise. If your dog had a routine in their previous home, try to replicate that. Do not make sudden changes to their diet or exercise routine and minimize loud noises to maintain a calm environment at home. If not, you can always start fresh; a schedule will help them adjust in their new home and help introduce a sense of familiarity quickly.

3.      Attention & Affection

During this adjustment period, it is important to shower your dog with love and affection. You can do this in a few ways. Give them extra attention, play with them more often, and give them extra treats. The more love and affection you show your dog, the quicker they will relax in their new home.

During this acclimation period, there may be times when you have to leave your dog alone. This is something which would not have been a problem in your previous home, but in a new and unfamiliar environment, it becomes an issue. They key to teaching them to be calm is to take one step at a time.

Start by leaving your dog alone in a room and going to another part of the house for a few moments. Slowly extend this period of time, until they don’t mind you being out of the house for five minutes. Continue to gradually increase this time period, until your dog doesn’t mind being alone while you run errands or step outside for work.

To conclude, you must remain patient and loving with your dog while they settle in after your move. Don’t expect them to settle in straight away. Try to fix a routine, give them plenty of love, and let them explore their new home at their own pace. Given time, they will become as comfortable in your new home as they were in your old one. If you need any help or tips on how to alleviate your dog’s nervousness or anxiety, call us on 08908909020. Having conducted over 6000 domestic and international pet relocations, we are well versed in the anxiety preceding a move and the anxiety after it faced by a pet.

Pet Transportation Experts are Here to Save the Day

Pet transportation can be very stressful. It is challenging when you need to oversee such countless things together during your change to another area. Why not connect with an expert organization for pet movement to alleviate pressure? Allow us to discover the top advantages of employing a worldwide pet travel service.

Advantages of Hiring Pet Transportation Experts:

Regardless of whether you are going for migration or fun, you should deal with your family's beloved little companion. To live it up with your pet on an excursion, you should enlist a pet travel service without a doubt. Here are the top advantages of employing a pet travel agency.

1. Proficient Approach - Relocating a pet isn't some tea. It is a living being in need of care throughout the excursion. The best way to accomplish the ideal conditions for international pet transportation export, international pet transportation import, or domestic pet transportation is by recruiting an expert for the gig. The expert organization will show outrageous commitment and will adjust the business - standard ways to deal with the migration your pet to anyplace. From looking for point-by-point data about your pet's highlights and to checking the conventions of the country, the whole work will be capably dealt with. The specialist organization will select its group of experts for various positions, for example, picking a pet-friendly hotel, pressing pet stuff, recognizable proof prerequisites, quarantine reservations, and so forth It will likewise organize to pick and drop offices for your pet as well.

2. Eliminates Stress - Planning a migration is a huge task to perform. Envision what you need to go through to guarantee a protected movement for your pet. Why take such a lot of pressure when it tends to be dealt with by experts in return for a reasonable help charge? Try not to hustle to discover pet-friendly aircrafts or reaching the experts for understanding pet quarantine terms. Allow the expert organization to deal with it and make it less distressing for you.

3. Saves Money and Time - By seeking proficient help from an organization for pet relocation inside India and abroad, you can without much of a stretch observe the best assets utilizing its mastery and contacts. It implies that you will actually want to coordinate top courses of action at a reasonable rate inside a brief period. Henceforth, you can set aside both time and cash in this endeavor.

4. No Worries During the Progress - Why stress the whole trip for your pet? There is not a remotely good excuse to fall into the intricacies of check-outs and customs. Get an expert required to deal with everyone of these and travel bother-free.

Being a pet parent, you want what's best for your pets. You want your pet to be safe and comfortable. That is where pet transportation experts can help you. Choose the best-suited pet relocation expert and have a wonderful time with your pet.