Moving takes a toll on everyone’s nerves, especially when you’re bringing pets along for the ride. The summer season poses distinct challenges for pets, with high temperatures and humidity raising the odds of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety. A little early planning combined with the right knowledge can help ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during your move. Read ahead for tips on handling hot-weather pet moves, so your summer relocation goes more smoothly!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Summer heat brings a range of challenges for pets, especially amid the chaos of a move. While people also struggle with heat and humidity, pets face further challenges as a result of these conditions. The way heat affects pets is simply different from how it affects people. As an example, dogs and other animals can’t sweat, leaving them unable to cool down the way humans can. This makes them more susceptible to overheating, dehydration, and heatstroke, a condition that can be life-threatening.
The upheaval of a move can be hard on pets as well, since breaking from routine or facing unfamiliar surroundings can leave them feeling anxious or scared. High levels of anxiety can result in destructive or self-harming behaviors, something that’s upsetting for both pet and owner.
To avoid these issues, it is important to include pet safety in your summer move plans.
Beat the Heat Whenever Possible
The most important aspect of keeping pets safe during a warm-weather move is to manage how much they are exposed to high temperatures. That’s why one of the smartest moves you can make is scheduling your relocation for the cooler hours of early morning or late evening. You might also plan to keep pets in a cooled, closed-off space with little foot traffic during most of the move. Steering clear of the day’s hottest hours and keeping pets in cooled parts of the home can make the move safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
A move disrupts your pet’s normal routine, so make sure key items stay within reach all day long. Assembling a “pet essentials” bag or box that goes wherever your pet goes can help ensure their needs are covered and their routine stays as normal as possible. Be sure to include:
- Food and their favorite treats
- Water along with travel bowls
- Required medications
- A harness or leash for walks
- Waste disposal bags
- Go-to toys or chew items
- Comfort items, for example blankets or beds
With all the necessary pet supplies close at hand on moving day, stress can be reduced for you and your pet alike.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
One of the biggest risks your pets face during a summer move is dehydration. To help your pets stay hydrated, offer plenty of fresh water throughout the day, pause often for water breaks, and pack extra water if you’re moving long distance. It doesn’t have to be complicated—a jug and bowl in your pet’s travel vehicle, or a few extra water bottles in a cooler, will do.
Because of the stress involved, some pets may be hesitant to drink water, and that reluctance can be fairly normal. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. Severe or ongoing symptoms after the move call for an immediate trip to the vet.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
A summer move can make it difficult to keep your pet safe and comfortable, especially when the trip involves extended travel. Still, some advance planning can go a long way toward reducing stress and keeping them safe.
When your pet can tolerate it, a crate or carrier is a good way to keep them secure and prevent escapes during the day. Keeping the carrier in a cool, quiet space during the move can further help calm your pet’s anxiety. If a crate isn’t an option, or you’re especially concerned about your pet, consider a pet sitter or boarding facility for the day. This keeps your pet safe and secure while freeing you up to focus on the move.
Should your pet be traveling with you during the move, it’s essential to remain aware of the risks posed by hot vehicle interiors. Leaving a pet alone in a parked vehicle is never a good idea. Even mild weather can allow a vehicle’s interior to quickly climb well past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a dangerous condition for any pet. For their safety and comfort, keep the air conditioning on and restrict their time in the vehicle to when you’re actually driving. On longer trips, plan for rest stops and pack plenty of water. Their safety should be the top priority for a smooth, successful moving day.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
With the right knowledge and planning, it’s entirely possible to keep pets safe and comfortable during a summer move.
Searching for a rental home that welcomes pets? Real Property Management Alliances has quality rental properties in your area designed with residents and their pets in mind, so everyone feels at home. Contact our team today to learn more about available pet-friendly rental opportunities near you!
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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