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. A little early planning combined with the right knowledge can help ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable during your move. Read on for tips on moving with pets in hot weather, designed to make your summer move go more smoothly!
Why Summer Moves Can Be Tough on Pets
Hot summer temperatures create several challenges for pets, especially during the moving process. Although humans feel the effects of heat and humidity as well, pets face additional challenges from these conditions. Heat simply affects them in a different way than it affects people. For instance, dogs and other animals don’t sweat, so they’re unable to cool themselves the way people do. That puts pets at a greater risk of overheating, dehydration, and even heatstroke severe enough to 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. Pets under high anxiety may turn to self-harming or destructive behaviors, which can be tough on both the animal and its 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. Because of this, it’s wise to plan your move around the cooler early morning or late evening hours. Consider keeping pets in a quiet, air-conditioned room that sees little foot traffic for the bulk of the move—another smart approach. Making the move safer and more comfortable often comes down to avoiding the hottest hours and keeping pets in cool parts of the home or apartment.
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:
- Regular food and treats
- Portable water and food bowls
- Medicine your pet needs
- Harness or leash
- Pet waste bags
- Their favorite toys or chew items
- Comfort items like blankets or a bed
When all your pet’s supplies are on hand and ready on moving day, it can ease stress for you and your animal.
Keep Pets Hydrated Throughout the Move
Among the risks pets face during a summer move, dehydration is one of the most significant. Make sure your pets remain hydrated by providing fresh water regularly, scheduling frequent water breaks, and bringing along extra water for longer moves. This can be as easy as placing a water jug and bowl in the vehicle your pet rides in, or packing extra water bottles in a cooler.
It’s not unusual for some pets to be reluctant to drink water because of moving stress. But watch them carefully for signs of heat stress, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty walking, vomiting, and other signs of illness. When symptoms look severe or continue past the move, it’s time to bring your pet to the vet without delay.
Travel Safely in Hot Weather
Summer moves that involve extended travel can pose a real challenge when it comes to keeping your pet safe and comfortable. Even so, a little preparation can help lower stress levels and keep your pet 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. Setting the carrier up in a cool, quiet room while the move is underway can help reduce their anxiety too. Should you be particularly worried about your pet, or if a crate won’t work, hiring a pet sitter or boarding facility for the day is worth considering. Doing so keeps your pet protected and secure while letting you focus on getting the move done.
Traveling with your pet as part of the move means staying alert to the risks that high temperatures inside vehicles can pose. Do not leave a pet unattended inside a parked vehicle, under any circumstances. Even on days that feel fairly mild, a vehicle’s interior can heat up past 100 degrees Fahrenheit in no time, posing extreme danger to any pet. Run the air conditioning throughout, and only keep them in the car while you’re actually en route, to keep them safe and comfortable. On longer trips, plan for rest stops and pack plenty of water. A successful moving day depends on prioritizing their safety above all else.
Making Pets Feel Right at Home
With proper planning and the right information, keeping pets safe and comfortable during a summer move is achievable.
On the hunt for a pet-friendly place to rent? Real Property Management Lakeview offers quality rentals in your area, designed with residents and their pets in mind so everyone feels right 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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