Michelle Krieger – Dr. Krieger is a small animal veterinarian and certified acupuncturist with over 23 years of experience. She is a current associate of the At Home Veterinary group which is a mobile practice serving Greater Boston and Metrowest.
1. How can someone make their new home more animal friendly?
To make a new home more animal-friendly, first and foremost cat/dog-proof your new home as you would for a baby. Make sure there is no exposure to chemicals, such as cleaning products, rat/ant baits, lead paint, toxic plants, human foods, certain essential oils, exposed wires, nails, etc. I would actually bring an old toy, blanket, bed, or old piece of clothing to the new home, so the pet feels more secure.
2. What is a safety feature you think all animals-owners should have in their homes?
There are a few safety features that all pet owners should have in their home. Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and even some over the counter medications are helpful in an emergency setting. Benadryl for allergic reactions, styptic powder to stop bleeding, and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting for toxic ingestions. Please check with your veterinarian before using any of these medications.
3. How can someone make the moving process more comfortable for their animals?
To make the moving process more comfortable for your pets, I would recommend boarding them during the actual move. I would purchase some natural remedies for stress/anxiety such as Adaptil collars for dogs and Feliway pheromone products for cats. There are also prescription medications that can be helpful for anxiety/stress as well. Your veterinarian can dispense these medications if appropriate.
4. What’s the one item you would get for your animal if you were moving into a new home?
One item I would get for my pet moving into a new home is ironically an old toy or bed. Your pet will enjoy something that has comforting smells from their previous environment. For a cat, I would get a tall scratching post with a high landing so the cat can get away from the stress of a new environment.
5. What home feature(s) would be problematic for animals that buyers should avoid?
A few home features that could be problematic for some pets include living on a busy street if you have an anxious dog/cat or one that likes to bark when he/she hears voices and sounds. Lack of a backyard or a fence can be problematic for a very active dog if multiple walks per day is not an option. For older animals, hardwood and tile floors can be very slippery. Multiple steps going into the home or steep staircases can also pose a problem to a geriatric dog or cat as well. Cats love to walk on beams and railings so beware of those in a home if you have adventurous cats!