Living with a pet brings a lot of joy and happiness. However, it brings a lot of worry too. It takes a lot of work to make your pet feel safe and comfortable with you. Some of the most important things they rely on are routine and your closeness.
Unfortunately, when you move or change parts of your life drastically, these things may not be available to your pets. No matter the reason or life transit you are encountering, there are some things you can do for your pet. Keep reading to find out how to put your pet’s needs first and always maintain their emotional well-being.
Understanding Your Pets
A happy pet usually relies on three factors. Those are predictability, access to you, and familiar sensory cues. When your life changes, not all of these factors are available. This can, sometimes, end up in pets responding with anxiety or withdrawal.
It is your job to pay attention to these and other behavioural changes and act accordingly. To stay one step ahead, you should prepare the pet for the change to come. Consistency and preparation will help both you and the pet to adapt smoothly to new circumstances.
Breaking Routines
What kind of life event can be uncomfortable or even traumatic for your pet? Any big change can be disrupting for your cat, dog, or some other pet you might have. Moving, having a new baby in the house, or having a big shift in your work schedule can all affect the well-being of your pet.
When you change work schedules or start working night shifts, your pets may easily get confused. Usually, pets sync their internal clocks to your presence. Having a new roommate or your ex leaving the house are also things that can affect your pet’s well-being. Pets always notice who’s there, who’s feeding them, and who leaves.
If you are moving to a new home, the pet will need some time to accommodate the new smells and sounds of the space. With no territorial markings, your dog may become more clingy than usual or hypervigilant. Cats, on the other hand, might hide more or stop eating due to losing familiarity. If you are going away for longer, your pet might feel some separation anxiety. For instance, if you decide to apply for popular gap year volunteer programs, make sure to prepare your pet for your absence too.
Bringing a newborn home is another thing that can shift the household dynamic. Unfortunately, babies come with new smells, a lot of noise, and plenty of altered routines. Pets can react differently to new babies in the home – some will get overly protective, while others may retreat completely. It is necessary to show your pet that a baby is an addition to the family and not a loss to them.
Signs of Struggle
There are numerous signs that your pet is having a hard time accommodating to their new way of living. For instance, the most common signs are changes in their appetite or sleep schedules. Pets are creatures of habit and any change in their behaviour might suggest an issue.
Another sign is increased clinginess or increased vocalisation. Excessive grooming and pacing will tell you that something is wrong, as well as aggression and withdrawal. Your reaction to these signs should be appropriate. Remember that your pets aren’t defying you – they are trying to communicate something important.
Supporting Your Pet
To better manage any major transition, you should try and anchor at least some of the existing routines. If you change apartments, make sure to keep the same feeding and walking schedule. To keep their surroundings as familiar as possible, create a space with the same bedding or toys to keep already known smells.
When possible, try and introduce changes gradually and make sure to reward their calm behaviours. Your pet is likely to have some stress responses. If they do, don’t punish them. This could only be counterproductive.
Try to be as observant as possible. Carefully watching and logging their behaviours will tell you what exactly bothers them and what isn’t working for them. Make sure to identify patterns in their behaviour and act accordingly once you recognise stress triggers.
Tips and Tricks
There are numerous ways to be there for your pet while they accommodate their new circumstances. For example, keeping the same walking routes even after you move could help them adjust faster to the new space.
If you have to leave them alone, use some background noise to help them feel less lonely. If possible, schedule playtime more often than normal to reduce stress. In case their mood is constantly bad or that behavioural changes persist, make sure to schedule a vet visit and see what more you can do for your furry friend.
Conclusion
Pets are creatures with complex emotional life too. They will react to any change you bring in their life. It’s up to you to maintain their mental well-being, especially during major transitions. Be patient and pay attention to their needs in order to reduce stress, protect their routines, and make them feel safe and secure.