PRIME TIME TO MOVE..

NEW Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s family pooch made her first public appearance outside 10 Downing Street last week.

And while Nova looks to be settling in well, moving home can be incredibly stressful for our furry friends.

“Dogs are creatures of habit, and any changes can be unsettling and potentially distressing for them, so it’s important to be patient with your pet if you’ve moved house,” comments Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home.

Here are some steps you can take to ease anxiety when moving home…

● Stick to their usual schedule. Pets can become distressed when their routine is disrupted, so try to keep their meal times, walking and sleeping schedules the same to minimise the impact.

● Bring in home comforts. Get their bed ready with lots of toys and blankets to make them feel at home.

● Let them explore. Be patient, and allow them time to check out their new environment at their own pace. Keep them on a lead around the new neighbourhood, too, so they don’t get lost while on walks somewhere unfamiliar.

● Play games. Keeping them busy with fun activities will tire them out and make them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

● Update your details. Make sure their microchip details and ID tag are updated with your new address. Don’t forget to register with your new local vet too.