Our pets are very sensitive when it comes to change in their day to day routines and habits. The slightest difference can set off a pet in the way they act, sleep, eat and even interact with others. Anytime you know as a pet parent that a major change it going to occur try to find to someway to alter the situation to allow the maximum amount of comfort for your pet. An example being a situation we see a lot at work is a new addition joining your family and a baby is now the newest funny smelling thing thing in your pets life. Sometimes we allow our pets to feel like they are 2nd place in a household to the newest "baby" in our lives. Always try to allow special attention to make Max or Bella feel like they still are #1 and possibly try to familiarize them with the baby's smell before their first meeting by laying a used baby blanket down with their dog/cat bed. When our pets start to feel hints of replacement or that they're not the center of attention to mom and/or dad they can sometimes act rebellious and act out of character. Maybe you bought a new car and now you find Felix doesn't want to willingly get in or out of the big scary moving box. Try a familiar blanket and a special treat to allow comforting smells and a positive reinforcement snack to ensure everything is OK. Try a toy or bone if they prefer these to foods. Moving to a new house? Try confining your pets to a quarter of the house first before opening them up to free roam. This can sometimes feel overwhelming and can be kind of a scary situation with a large new area. Always try to bring the same bowls, bedding and toys from the old home to show that this is their new home too and then your pet can adapt to their new castle at a more comfortable pace.Change always settles a little easier with some familiar comfort.
