Blog

---

 

Thanks to all the clients and their pets for making our National Pet Week Open House such a huge success!!  We had such a good time with the 'Wheel of Fun' and lots of gift cards, prize bags, and nail trims were given out as well as the 10% discount on all services in celebration of our pets and the difference they make in our lives!  We look forward to next year's celebration... and if you would like to enter the poster or poem contest, just go to www.avma.org and find the appropriate section to enter. They hold their contests kind of early so check soon!

 

This week we're going to talk about 'Moving Day' with our pets. Everyone has had to move at one time or another, and anyone that has been through it knows it can be stressful....not only on themselves, but our pets go through turmoil as well. I found a great article from Firstline (a veterinary magazine) with 5 Moving Day Tips so thought I'd pass it along. Ready? Here we go!!

 

1. Keep pets safe and secure.... 

With all the noise, open doors and potential chaos involved in a move, it’s important for you to make sure your pet is safe, happy, and secure. Place your pet in a quiet and safe place. This quiet spot should be a place that the pet is familiar and comfortable with. Maybe it’s a travel crate placed in an out of the way place, or perhaps a bathroom. Be sure that the pet can't escape during the move. If the pet is in a room, you can place a sign on the door alerting others to not enter. Another option is to have your pet stay at a friend or relative’s house or a doggy-kitty day care on moving day.

2. Check on pets regularly....If you will be keeping your pet at home on moving day, you need to check in on it regularly. It’s important to maintain the pet’s regular routine for feeding, walks, bathroom breaks, and of course cuddling time.
 

3. Create familiar surroundings....

One of the best ways you can help your pet become comfortable in a new environment more quickly is to have their things in it before introducing the pet into the new place. Whether it be a favorite chair, dog bed, throw rug, toys, or all of the above, you should surround your pet with familiar things. You should be prepared with all the necessary items your pet will need from day one in the new home.
 

4. Keep pets on leash....

Pet parents need to be aware even dogs that are excellent under voice control can become distracted easily in a new neighborhood and surroundings. To prevent your best friend from running off, you should keep your dog on a leash or in a secure, fenced yard.
 

5. Keep a photo handy....

In the unfortunate event that your pet runs off (yikes!)... you should keep a recent photo of your pet on hand. In addition to the pet’s ID tag and microchip, a photo of the pet will help to ensure the pet’s (hopefully) safe return home.

 

Above all, remember to try to maintain a calm energy. Pets pick up on our emotions, so please take nice deep breaths during this whole entire process. Moving is an adventure, and a new beginning—try embrace it and enjoy it with your pet!

 

Until next week, get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather we're having!  Thanks again for joining us at Heart Arrow for National Pet Week!  :)

 

*******************************************************