Moving house with pets
In this article I want to discuss issues which affect cats and dogs when moving house. It can be a stressful event for humans and especially stressful, confusing and upsetting for animals. Cats and dogs are attached to their own territory and moving can be disruptive and disorientating so what can we do to keep our pets calm for emotional and physical wellness during this transition.
It is a good idea to set aside a quiet room in your house that has been emptied and shut the door to reduce any noise. Provide their usual bedding, toys, food and water and leave them in some peace and quiet in between their toilet breaks.
Keep to your pet’s daily routine and continue once you have moved to make your pet feel more at home giving them plenty of reassurance and attention during and after the move. I Believe that distance Reiki would be a great help to them during this time by creating consistency and stability.
Pets are creatures of comfort and may take time to settle. It is best to move when you have time off work, to leave your pet alone in their new environment can lead to anxiety. Limit your pet to an area of the house, furniture free, as even a fully trained dog can revert back to destructive chewing if they are stressed, toilet training can also become a little hit and miss. Reassurance and a recap on training may be needed. Redirect their focus between treats and training.
If you are moving to a new area of the country for example in the United States and other parts of Europe, it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian surgeon prior to the move how a new climate could impact your pet. You could also ask your vet for advice in keeping your pet calm during the move and if they can recommend a veterinary surgeon in the area you are moving to.
Holistic therapy in conjunction with conventional veterinary care can work hand in hand, Animals feel fear, anger, happiness, depression, jealousy and joy just like us. Flower essences and Crystal healing are excellent holistic treatments.
Bach Flowers can change an animal’s negative emotions to positive. Dr Bach said, “for flower essences to work you need to have a soul, animals are the most soulful creatures to grace this earth”. That is such a beautiful quote from Dr Bach and so true.
In this situation of transition and change, if I was choosing Flower essences to treat an animal, I would prescribe Mimulus and Walnut.
Mimulus is the bravery flower and can be given short to medium term, starting before you move and see how your pet is settling into their new environment. For any period of change flower essences help to ease them into their new surroundings. It is just so wonderful to see your pet become more confident and courageous being able to enjoy life again without fear.
Walnut
Walnut breaks links with the past and is very useful in all transition situations and big changes. It protects against outside influences and breaking with the pas,t so that they can move forward more easily.
Crystal Therapy
While going through change or transition crystals can make it easier and smoother to calm emotions creating a positive energy. Animals respond to the healing energy of crystals and it can help to make transitions easier and smoother for your pet.
In the hustle and bustle of the move I would place the crystals near a photograph of your pet, pointing towards the picture. This will help to send long-distance healing and protection to your animal while they are safely waiting in a quiet room.
Before you move it may help to make some crystal water to treat your animal before you move and when you arrive at your new home. I would put the crystal water in a separate water bowl as I believe that the animal will drink as much as they need so it is good to have their normal drinking water available for them as well. If you are not experienced with crystals ask a qualified Crystal healer to help you as there are two methods, the direct method and indirect method. You can also make a crystal grid
Crystal grid for peace and harmony in the home
Place clear Quartz, Flourite, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine and Jade on a flower of life Crystal Grid Cloth as seen below.
Place clear quartz, fluorite, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Citrine and Jade on a flower of life Crystal Grid Cloth.
Clear Quartz is a master healer that is effective for all conditions
Amethyst calms nerves, and is an all-round healer.
Jade is used to resolve blockages and re-balance the heart chakra.
Rose Quartz dispels feelings of despair, fear, and resentment to bring out feelings of happiness.
Citrine brings happiness, joy and positivity in life by eliminating negative energies transforming them into positive energies.
There are many more crystals that can be used.
Blue Lace Agate promotes sleep, and calms an anxious pet.
Sodalite can calm a nervous pet and is good for settling down during travel
Chrysocolla boosts confidence and gives the courage to deal with situations and helps to relieve stress and tension.
Jet is a grounding and protective crystal which removes negative energies, reduces emotions such as fear, and sadness and has the ability to balance yin and yang energies.
Watermelon Tourmaline relieves stress and supports inner peace so your pet can move through this transition as painlessly as possible.
Do not wash their bedding until a couple of weeks after the move as a familiar scent in the new house will be of comfort to them. Ensure that your pets ID tags and microchip details are up to date with your new home address. Unpack your pet’s belongings first and when you walk them through their new home show them where familiar toys, bowls, and beds are placed. Do not let your pet loose in your new garden before checking fencing and walls. When you are sure that your garden is secure stay with them outside until they are confident in their new surroundings. Socialise them to new neighbours, street traffic and noise. And may I wish you good luck and happiness in your new home.
