Stress is a bad thing. My poor pal Buster found this out the hard way two weeks ago. We moved.

Our new place is great. It even has off-street parking, which is a very big deal in San Francisco. But I hate moving. And apparently so does Buster.

Buster developed diarrhea two days before the move. It lasted until three days after, when I finally gave up on a mild protocol of easily digestible food and resorted to antidiarrheal medications.

During the move Buster also developed severe itching. He constantly scratched his abdomen. He engaged in excessive licking of areas that only dogs (and cats) can reach. At first I suspected that the itching was related to switching from Advantage to Frontline (which happened shortly before the move), or from an allergy to some chemical, contaminant, plant or mold in the new house. But now that we’re settled in, Buster is no longer itchy.

I suspect that both of these problems were caused by stress. Although Buster didn’t show any obvious outward signs of stress during the move, rehousing is famously and predictably stressful in dogs, cats, and humans.

Stress is a well known cause of diarrhea in all three species mentioned above. Stress is also known for causing skin issues in cats and humans. I now believe that it contributes to skin problems in dogs as well.

Stress also weakens the immune system, predisposing animals of all species to disease. In humans it has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In cats there is a well documented link between stress and severe gum disease as well as certain potentially life-threatening urinary conditions.

Moving, unfortunately, is a fact of life. But if you have to move, try to settle in quickly. And once you’re in your new home, take time to pet the cat and walk the dog.

Photo: Buster settles in to his new digs.

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I have a sweet but sensitive Bichon/Terrier mix
who has gone through a lot of change in the past
year. He had a brief stint in an animal shelter
and then got a brand new neighbourhood, family and
owner (me!).

Sarah
Toronto

There is no doubt about it. Moving is stressful. This is true for pets, just as it is true for people.

Pets generally are creatures of habit. They tend to be most comfortable in stable environments and they usually enjoy predictable routines (although a surprise trip to the park or beach rarely seems to bother most of the dogs I know). Moving houses upsets that stability.

First, take heart from the fact that your dog has already gone through quite a few big changes in his life. It sounds like he was able to tolerate those changes and remain well-adjusted. That bodes well for the future.

I have two recommendations for easing your dog’s transition to the new house. First, try to maintain as many of your normal routines (regular walks, feeding times, belly rubs and so forth) as possible during the move. He will suffer less stress if fewer elements of his life are disrupted.

Second, and this is easier said than done, you should try not to get stressed out during the move. Dogs make wonderful companions in part because they are highly attuned to human emotions. If you are distressed or nervous, your dog will pick up on it. And he probably will become stressed out as well.

Dogs are highly adaptable creatures. I’m sure it won’t be long until he settles in and becomes comfortable in his new home.

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