Surviving Renovations: Pet Safety
It's an issue a lot of people know about and that isn't always easy to manage. If you thought your renovation project was stressing you out, imagine the strain it's taking on your pets. Not only do they feel your stress, but they will also need to deal with the loud noises and the strangers in their environment.
Although for larger jobs, it is best to relocate your furry friends, this option is not always available for everyone. Here are some solutions to help, and some warning signs that you should stay alert for that will indicate the state of your animal.
How to make sure your pets are safe
during any renovation project
SOME INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR PETS DURING THE WORK
Contrary to humans, animals have an acute sense of hearing and smell. Any changes can create a high level of anxiety since they are creatures of habit. Some signs to look for are:
Hair loss;
Rapid breathing (especially in cats that seem to be breathing like dogs);
Loss of appetite;
Aggressive behavior;
Accidents around the house;
Barking, meowing or damages to your furniture.
The single best piece of advise…
KEEP YOUR BELOVED PETS IN A SEPARATE ROOM FROM THE RENOVATION AT ALL TIMES.
Do not let them roam freely. Yes this is their home and environment but they have no idea what is happening and having strangers coming in and out of the space can be very upsetting. It is not necessary for them to meet and greet everyone involved.
The nicest, sweetest pets can become aggressive and defensive of their space putting your family, your contractors and your pet at a great risk. Avoid the situation all together and set them up a safe space as far from the noise and commotion as possible.
DEFINE A SAFE SPACE
Your little friends have favorite toys and favorite spots in your house. If the renovations are taking place close to these areas, it's important you move your pet's belongings to a room that is secure and comforting to them. Recognizing a familiar scent in a new room will facilitate their adaptation.
By securing your pets in a safe space and keeping them away from the commotion you will avoid your pet:
Making an escape out an opened door
Getting under foot of a contractor and accidently stepped on
Getting too close to tools or blades
AT THE END OF THE DAY
Clean up after each day of work. By keeping the space clean, you'll avoid your pets stepping on any dangerous materials that could harm them.
Hide the tools and electrical wires at heights. Like mentioned in the previous point, keeping dangerous tools away in a secure room will prevent any accident.
Stay alert. Keep track of your pets' behavior, evaluate their temper, change their water frequently. Also, make a habit of creating a rotation of new toys to keep them distracted.
