Moving takes a toll on everyone’s nerves, especially when you’re bringing pets along for the ride. Summer adds its own set of challenges for pet owners, since high heat and humidity can raise the risk of dehydration, overheating, and anxiety in animals. With the right knowledge and some early preparation, you can keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the moving process. Here are some hot-weather pet moving tips to help simplify your summer move!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Pets face a number of challenges from summer heat, particularly when a move is underway. Heat and humidity impact people as well, but pets encounter extra obstacles because of them. Pets experience heat in a fundamentally different way than humans do. Since dogs and other animals don’t sweat, they can’t regulate their body temperature the way people can. That puts pets at a greater risk of overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke severe enough to be life-threatening.
A move’s disruption takes a toll on pets, who may become anxious or fearful when routines change or surroundings feel unfamiliar. When anxiety runs high, it can lead to self-harming or destructive behavior, which is difficult for both pets and their owners.
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. Another good strategy is keeping pets in a closed, air-conditioned room with minimal foot traffic for most of the move. If you avoid the hottest stretches of the day and keep pets in cooled rooms, the move can be safer and more comfortable for all.
Pack a Pet Essentials Bag
Because your pet’s routine gets disrupted during a move, having important items close at hand throughout the day is essential. 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. Consider including:
- Food and their favorite treats
- Water along with travel bowls
- Required medications
- A leash or harness
- Bags for cleaning up after your pet
- Toys or chew items they love
- Blankets, beds, or other comfort items
Making sure pet supplies are readily available on moving day can reduce stress levels for both you and your pet.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
During a summer move, dehydration ranks among the most significant risks for pets. 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. This could be as straightforward as keeping a jug and bowl in the pet’s travel vehicle, or storing extra water bottles in a cooler.
Moving stress can make some pets less willing to drink water, and some degree of reluctance is typically normal. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. Should symptoms appear severe or persist after the move, get your pet to the vet immediately.
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. Even so, a little preparation can help lower stress levels and keep your pet safe.
If your pet tolerates it well, using a crate or carrier throughout the day can keep them secure and prevent them from getting loose. Anxiety can also be reduced by placing the carrier in a cool, quiet room throughout the move. 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.
If your move includes traveling with your pet, be sure to stay aware of just how dangerous hot temperatures inside a vehicle can be. A parked vehicle should never be left with a pet inside alone. Temperatures inside a car can quickly soar past 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even on relatively mild days, putting any pet in serious danger. Run the air conditioning throughout, and only keep them in the car while you’re actually en route, to keep them safe and comfortable. Longer journeys call for planned rest stops and a good supply of water. To make moving day a success, their safety needs to come first.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
A summer move can be safe and comfortable for pets, as long as you have the right knowledge and plan ahead.
Need a pet-friendly rental home? In your area, Real Property Management Concordia offers quality rental properties built to help residents and their pets feel truly 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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