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  • Helpful Resources

Tips for Pet Owners When Downsizing Your Home

7/28/2022

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Written by Aurora James for Chitra Walmsley
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Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show 29.8 million people moved in 2019. While many moved into larger homes, others downsized to save money or to have a more manageable home. If you're joining those looking to downsize and you have pets, follow these tips to keep your pets safe.

Getting Your Home Ready

Since most home buyers choose a previously owned residence, you have the advantage. But most buyers also want a house that doesn't require major renovations. Make repairs and fix pet-related issues, such as stained carpets or chewed trim. Having your home professionally cleaned and removing most of your pet paraphernalia helps make the home more appealing to prospective buyers who don't have pets.

Finding Pet-Friendly Homes

As you check out new homes, look for pet-friendly features, such as a fenced-in yard or an out-of-the-way spot for the litter box. Determine what your budget can handle, and proceed quickly when you find a pet-friendly home that meets your requirements. With the rates changing on a daily basis, you should check on current mortgage rates throughout your home search process to know if you are getting the best deal possible. Lower rates can also mean more cash on hand to make pet-friendly modifications to your new home should it be missing important features, like a fenced yard or doggie door.

Downsizing Your Belongings

Evaluate your new space to determine how much stuff you can keep. Take measurements to ensure your furniture fits, and sell or donate things you no longer need or want. If you need a self-storage unit to hold some items, expect to pay $100 to $300 per month, which can cut into the savings you realize from downsizing.

Keeping Your Pets Safe

As you prepare to move, keep your pets in a safe area away from where you're working, such as a bedroom or the backyard. On moving day, hire a pet sitter or take your pet to a kennel to keep them out of harm's way. At your new home, keep a close eye on your pet when they're outdoors.
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Hiring movers for the big day can help you to get through your move quickly. Plus, it will allow you to focus more on keeping your pet safe if they are present with you. You can find local movers online, but make sure to read reviews before committing. If your pet will be on the property for move day, look for reviews or ask specifically about how they handle pets. Some companies will be more accommodating than others.

Preparing Your New Home

Your new place may need some upgrades to make your pet feel at home and be safe. For example, adding a fence to contain your dog will require you to spend some money, but the total depends on your location, yard size, and fencing material. Meet with local contractors to get a written quote and discuss your needs. Read online reviews, verify the contractor you choose is licensed and insured, and make sure they follow safety guidelines, such as checking for underground utility lines. Other possible upgrades include dog doors, an outdoor catio for feline friends, and removing poisonous landscaping.

Helping Your Pet Acclimate

In your new home, stick to your normal routine when possible, including regular mealtimes and walks. Set up your pet's space immediately, so they have comfortable, familiar things. Be empathetic and patient with your pet, and keep the home as calm as possible.
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Make sure that you have a good leash, harness, and/or collar for your pet so that you can safely keep them with you on walks and in the yard. Look online for product reviews from veterinarians to find the right way to secure your pet. Remember, this can be a stressful time for your animals, and they may not respond in their normal ways. It’s always better to be safe and keep your pets secured for awhile until you’re sure they are comfortable in their new home.

Staying Calm

Controlling your stress is one of the best things you can do for your pet throughout the downsizing process. Pets pick up on your anxiety, stress, and worry, and they may become anxious. Work on reducing your stress and spending time with your pets in a calming, loving way.

Start the Process

Keeping your pets in mind makes the move smoother and safer for them. If you're ready to downsize with your furry family, invest in some additional training time to strengthen your bond and solidify basic commands that will come in handy in your new neighborhood. Chitra offers on-site and virtual dog training sessions using positive reinforcement. Visit her other pages to learn more about her  methods and to read reviews about her work.
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12 Top Tips for the Dogs of Summer

7/2/2022

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(plus 4th of July considerations!)

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  1. The best times of the day to walk your dog are either early in the morning when it is still cool or later in the evening when the heat of the day is reducing.

  2. Invest in a portable dog water bottle so that you can take water for your dog while on walks as they can become dehydrated very quickly.

  3. Remember to ensure that the ground is not too hot before you take your dog out. If it is too hot for your barefoot or the back of your hand, then it will be too hot for your dog’s paw pads and could potentially burn them.

  4. Joggers out there, please remember, dogs do not sweat like humans, they only have a small number of sweat glands in their paw pads therefore excessive exercise in hot weather can cause your dog to overheat which can be dangerous.  Take them for a run with you when the weather is cooler and consider a dog cooling vest which helps to keep their body cool while running with you.

  5. Don’t keep your dogs tethered outside in the heat as this can cause heat stroke. Always ensure that they have shade when they are outside and that they have access to clean drinking water at all times.  Don’t leave them out when it is too hot.

  6. Brachycephalic breeds of dogs (flat faced dogs) such as Pekinese, English and French Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant effectively. Therefore, it is best to keep them in cool air-conditioned rooms.

  7. Don’t leave your dog alone in any parked vehicle! Remember, very quickly your car can become like an oven and can cause your dog to have heat stroke which can be fatal.

  8. Signs of heat stress are excessive panting, increased salivation, pale gums, glassy eyes. If you suspect that your dog has overheated, get some cool towels and apply to the head, neck and paws.  DO NOT use icy cold water as this could shock your dogs body and seek veterinary attention immediately!

  9. It is barbecue season. Food that humans consume is not always good for our K9 family.  Keep them away from alcoholic beverages as this can lead to depression in some dogs or even a coma and remember to be vigilant with them around food items especially those that are poisonous to dogs.

  10. July 4th celebrations are around the corner which means firework displays, and for a lot of pets in general this is a very scary time. Therefore, walk your dogs early so that they are exercised and tired. Maybe do some mental enrichment work with them with puzzle toys or practice some trick training so that they are both physically and mentally tired. As the fireworks are going on consider having a “safe zone” for your dog such as a crate or a room away from the noise.  Have their bed a favorite blanket, some toys, turn the volume up on the TV or play some calming music for them ensuring the volume is up to hopefully drown out the sound of the fireworks. If your dog gets very traumatized by fireworks, you can look to use dog appeasing pheromones by Adaptil or a Thundershirt. These are natural remedies that work well for some dogs or else consult with your vet.

  11. Taking your dog to the beach during any time of the year is fun but is something owners particularly like to do in the summertime so that their dog can have a dip in the sea to cool them down and to swim.  Just be mindful of 2 things:
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    - ​When your dog is swimming, if you notice them lapping up too much sea water, stop them as the salt, parasites and bacteria in the water can make your dog very sick.

    - If you are playing frisbee or fetch on the beach and your dog swallows enough sand it can cause a blockage in the intestine called "sand impaction".  Signs of this are dehydration, vomiting or abdominal pain and require urgent veterinary attention.

  12. For some delicious and refreshing treats for summer look at making canine pupsicles!  It’s fun and a delicious way to hydrate and keep your dog cool. You can either use broth (only use broth for dogs which can be purchased from pet stores which is different to human broth as it has little to no sodium), or goats milk. Fill up an ice tray and freeze over night for your dog to enjoy as a pupsicle the next day. If you want to be a little more extravagant you can make watermelon and yogurt pupsicles!!!

Have an enjoyable and safe summer!

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