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Reducing Moving-Induced Stress for Your Dog

 

Your dog may be showing signs of stress during the moving process. Symptoms often include poor appetite, lethargy, isolation, digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation, and aggression. If your dog’s behavior has changed in any of these ways, you can help relieve some of their stress by increasing their activity. Take Fido on an extra walk or take a trip to the park for a fun game of fetch. Exercise is the key to improving a dog’s mental health and can even help curb some of their more undesirable habits.

 

Another thing that may help your dog is a designated safe zone where they can retreat. Pad the area with comfortable bedding, set out their favorite toys, and give them a treat whenever they settle in to positively reinforce the idea that it’s their “happy place.” It should be in an area away from windows and any other parts of the home where loud noises can occur.

 

You can even take your pup on a weekend getaway, which can reduce not just your dog's stress levels but your own as well. Look for a pet-friendly vacation rental with plenty of amenities and nearby attractions so you don't have to worry about looking for something to do. If you're interested in hitting up the coast, Fort Myers is an excellent option. According to Turnkey, this destination is known for its miles of beaches and is an ideal location for fishing, boating, and golfing. Taking a little time away from the stress of selling your home can be just what you and your dog need.

 

Minimizing Your Pup’s Impact on Your House

 

After a while, dog owners don’t even notice some of the marks their pups leave behind. A scratched door or holes in the yard may not seem like a big deal to you, but for potential homebuyers, things of that nature can be a real turnoff. Before you even begin to show your house, you’ll want to go over the entire property and remove signs of your pet.

 

Make sure the interior of your home is cleaned thoroughly. Have your carpets cleaned professionally with an emphasis on removing pet spots and fur. Use enzyme cleaners (not air fresheners) to remove dog odors from the house. Vacuum daily or, better yet, invest in a robot vacuum that will do the work for you.

 

Don’t forget the outdoor areas of your home! Pick up any dog waste in the back or front yard or have a professional service do it for you. Fill in holes your dog dug in the yard and replace holes in flower beds. Also, buff out any scratches your dog has left on the door.

 

When Showing Your Home

 

Ideally, you should board your dog or have a friend pet sit on days you plan to show your house to potential buyers. If you can’t do that, have them stay in their “safe zone” and instruct people to leave them alone while they tour. Whatever you do, don’t have your dog hanging out in important rooms like the kitchen, living area, or master bedroom.

 

Before anyone comes into your home, take time to properly stage your home. Declutter, make the bed, and create clear pathways from room to room. Then, remove any dog-related paraphernalia, such as bowls, toys, leashes, and anything else that will alert a potential buyer that a dog lives with you. While you want to remove these items during the showing, be sure to put them back as soon as you are done. Keeping a familiar environment will reduce confusion and anxiety caused by your dog feeling displaced.

 

When you bring a dog into your life, you have to be prepared for the extra work that comes with being a dog owner. This is no less true when selling your house. By working to reduce moving-induced stress, minimizing the cosmetic damage they may have done, and prepping your house before a showing, you shouldn’t have any additional trouble selling your home because of your precious pup.

 

Charlotte County Realty can help you meet all your real estate goals. Reach out to us today at 941-883-4181.

By Tina Martin, Ideaspired.com