Adapting to a new life and environment can be difficult, especially for pets that have just arrived in Hong Kong. They may have lived in a backyard before, but they will have to slowly adapt to and learn the new environment, new rules, and new toilet habits.
Pets prone to stress or anxiety can benefit from aromatherapy products containing pheromones , which can help regulate their mood and make them feel more comfortable, relaxed, and safe. Pheromones are a unique scent that only pets can detect, and this scent has no effect on humans. Pheromones are not drugs or sedatives; they are very safe, have no side effects, and can effectively soothe emotions.
The following methods briefly explain techniques to help your pet adapt to a new environment more easily:
dog
My advice is to carefully choose your new home, considering the impact of the new environment on your pet. First, many housing estates in Hong Kong do not allow pets, so make sure your new home permits pets. Second, ensure that there are easily accessible places for your pet to relieve itself and go for walks nearby. Many smaller dogs can also choose to use pee pads indoors, and owners can choose a suitable location for their dog to go to the toilet, such as the balcony or the toilet area. Once you've decided on the location of your dog's toilet, try not to change it to avoid confusing your dog and causing "accidents."
After moving to a new home, owners can start taking their dogs for walks. It's best to have a regular schedule, keeping each walk short and focusing on the neighborhood initially to help the dog get used to a smaller area before gradually expanding the walk distance. Take the dog for walks at least twice a day, making sure to let it rest and drink water regularly.
Hong Kong summers are very hot and humid. Try to avoid walking during midday, or limit it to no more than 10 minutes, to prevent heatstroke, and remember to bring water. Early morning or evening temperatures are more suitable for walking, and you can extend your walk slightly further.
If your dog is potty trained indoors, you need to teach it the right and wrong behaviors. When it goes to the wrong place, you can immediately raise your voice to remind it. Don't be too harsh on your dog or hit it; all behavioral adjustments take time. If your dog goes to the wrong place, make sure to use an appropriate and animal-safe cleaning agent to remove the urine odor. As long as the urine smell remains, your dog will think that's where it wants to go, making potty training more difficult. You can spray the cleaning agent on floors and furniture.
If your dog has difficulty adapting to a new environment, you can spend a few days focusing on basic life skills training. If necessary, you can also seek assistance from a professional dog trainer.
cat
Cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment, so owners should plan ahead before making any changes. Before moving, place the cat crate in the living room and put its food near the crate to help it get used to using it. Owners can also spray pheromone -containing air fresheners on and around the crate to try to reduce the cat's anxiety.
Before moving to your new home, choose a quiet room where you won't be moving too much stuff. The bathroom is a good choice, and you can use aromatherapy candles there. After placing your cat in the bathroom, open the cat carrier and place the food, water bowl, and litter box inside or near it. Hang a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door to prevent the cat from being frightened by the movers during the move. After the move is complete, make sure there are familiar items in the house for your cat, such as its bed, blankets, or scratching post.
Owners should ensure all windows and balcony doors are kept closed while the cat is adjusting to its new home. Cats unaccustomed to indoor living may not be aware of the dangers of roaming freely in Hong Kong, such as falling from heights or heavy traffic. Using child-safe windows and door locks is also a very good idea until it's certain the cat will attempt to escape.
If you are planning to move to another country, you should check if your new location sells cat supplies. Try not to change your cat's usual items, such as food, litter, and toys, to minimize unnecessary anxiety for your cat. If these items are not available locally, you may need to bring a small amount of your cat's usual food and litter, and gradually adjust as you settle in.
Finally, despite the busyness of moving, owners should try to spend at least 10 minutes each day with their pets. Give them attention and comfort, making them feel like part of the family. Even just 10 minutes a day can have a significant impact.
