According to a new study, 1 in 4 people would rate moving houses as one of the most stressful experiences that they have endured. Needless to say, your dogs probably feel really stressed about the entire situation as well, as they have no idea what is going on. The stress from moving can easily kick their internal defense mechanisms into high gear which can leave them depleted with energy, and more likely to become ill and sick. When moving, look for common signs of stress in your dogs, and implement these 3 tips to make sure that the move is more enjoyable for them. 

Signs of Stress

First of all, it is important to be able to recognize signs of stress. By recognizing these signs, you will be able to better handle the situation, and will be more understanding of your dog's mental state. According to PetCo  some of the more common signs of stress will include:

• increase number of accidents as your dogs may begin soiling themselves and many areas of the house.
• excessive barking and howling.
• increased irritability in the form of growling, snarling and even biting.
• displays of destructive behaviors, which may include chewing on the furniture.
• becoming more ill. Vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and even skin reactions are common forms of illness that emerge when your dogs become stressed.

When your dogs are stressed, it is important to be able to cater to their needs. Do not punish them. Spending more time with your dogs can help relieve them of stress. Take them out to a park or go for a run with them. It can help them get rid of their pent up stress and feel more relaxed in general.

Keep Up Your Basic Routines During the Move

If you regularly take your dogs out for walks in the morning, don't forget to do so even when you are packing. Dogs are creatures of habits, and keeping up a consistent schedule can be beneficial for them. It is important to maintain the same schedule before, during and after the moving process. In fact, you may find that by keeping up with the same routines, you may feel even refreshed.

Even after you have moved into your new home, keep up the same routines. Your dogs will be able to better adapt to the new environment.

Keep Your Dog In Another Room With Familiar Toys When You Are Packing

Everyone knows just how messy a home can get during the entire moving process. Not only will you have spare cardboard boxes lying around everywhere, but you may also have small trinkets lying around. Keep your dogs in a confined room that will be packed last. Make sure that this room has plenty of familiar toys and furniture around, so that they can keep themselves entertained.

Keeping your dogs in another room will ensure that you have plenty of space to work in. Also, you want to make sure that your dogs don't start chowing down on the cardboard boxes or other tools that you may have lying around. The havoc and chaos during the move can also cause unnecessary stress for your dogs. 

Keep a large "Do Not Enter" sign at the door, and make sure that friends, family members and professional movers helping you with your move know that your dogs are in the room. It is important to be respectful of their space.

Have a Vet Inspect Your Dogs and Get Needed Medical Documentation

If you are moving to another state or country, you will need to have proper documentation that shows that your dogs are in good condition. Before moving, take a look at the guidelines of where you are moving to. Your veterinarian can also help you out. Some of the more common documentation needed include:

• blood tests
• vaccinations
• microchip for identification
• health certificates

Have your veterinarian inspect your dog prior to the move, and verify the paperwork needed. If you will be moving with the help of professional movers, provide the professionals with a copy of all of the documentation too. Some veterinarians may recommend sedatives for your dogs if they are exhibiting signs of anxiety. 

Make sure that you have completed all of the paperwork prior to the move. There is nothing more devastating than having your dogs be denied entry to their new home. 

Conclusion

Moving with your dogs can be rather tricky. It is important to remember to create a stress free environment for your dogs throughout the entire time. Some professional movers—like http://www.affordablechicago.com—will go to great lengths to help your entire family be comfortable with a new and unfamiliar move.