Dealing with a home renovation can be stressful and it’s easy to get tied up with the tasks at hand, but it’s important to not forget about your furry friends during this process. The home renovation scene can be just as, if not more stressful for your dog. They aren’t aware of what is going on and why there is so much commotion. Thankfully, there are steps you can take before and during your home renovation to make sure your dog doesn’t get overly stressed out.
Call your contractor
To stay ahead of the curb, it’s a good idea to get in contact with your contractor. That way you’ll know what to expect from your home renovation. This will give you the information on when you should expect work on your home to be done and how long it will take. Giving you the ability in advance to make a plan for your canine companion!
To make it easier not only for you and your pet, but your contractor, notify them that you have a pet. Ask them if there is anything you can do to make the renovation process easier for the. That way they can be mindful of the noise they are making and also making sure to be cautious when opening and closing doors. Having your dog crated or behind a dog gate when your contractors come to start the renovation will alleviate stress for both parties.
Make a vet appointment
Another great precautionary step you can take before your home renovation starts is to make a vet appointment. Having your vet provide a routine checkup for your pet is important so you know if your dog is healthy enough to handle the stress that comes with a renovation. This is critical if you have a senior dog with any previous underlying health conditions.
Be straightforward with your vet and tell them about the upcoming renovation. There is the likely chance they will be able to provide useful information about keeping your dog safe and sound. Your vet may recommend your dog to take pet anxiety medication to help with the stress. Talk to your vet about which anxiety medication is the best fit for your dog if you are concerned with their stress.
While you’re at the vet, another great idea you could take advantage of is getting your dog microchipped. A microchip is an electronic chip, no bigger than a grain of rice, that is activated by a scanner which will provide an identification number for your dog that is linked back to you, the owner! This is especially useful during the renovation with the amount of doors people will be coming in and out of, by the off chance your dog manages to escape.
Create a safe place
To prevent the possibility of your dog escaping all together, dedicating a safe place for your dog while construction is happening will not only limit their ability to get loose, but also provide a calm environment they can be in. If you have a spare room, you can set up an area with all of your dogs' necessities to try and give them a strong sense of safety.
When picking a room that’s right for your dog, make sure it will be able to successfully cancel out most of the loud noises so they can feel secure. Be sure to take in account of not only the noises, the debris and sharp objects as well. Try and use a room that is as far away from the construction as possible.
Keeping your dog away from all this is good, but you also don’t want to neglect them during the process. Regularly check up on your furry friend and continuously see what ways you can reduce your dog's stress. Bringing your dog treats and toys to play with is a great start. Simply keeping them company throughout the day will go a long way as well.
If you are unable to use a spareroom, you could always use a backyard for your dog (with the weather permitting of course!). Giving your dog access to the yard and being able to play will be a great way for them to get through a day of construction.
Pickup your home
Once the construction is done for the day, make sure you take time to review the areas that are being renovated. Be sure to pick up any loose debris that may have not been disposed of. Your dog may mistake the debris as toys and some of the materials could be holding toxins.
Some common materials around a renovation zone that could lead to health issues for your dog are:
- Power Tools - Dangerous to anyone, a pet could easily try to paw at a curious new item laying around only to find out that it is a sharp blade. Make sure to unplug and remove any power tools from an active construction scene.
- Poisonous Materials - Many construction materials are made up of toxic materials that could impact your dog’s health if eaten. Things like spackle that contains ethylene glycol, insulation that contains asbestos, or even cleaning materials like bleach and alcohol could easily be eaten by your dog, which will result in immediate health issues.
- Wires and Cords - Similar to power tools, a curious pet might try to chew or play with an electrical wire in the project area. Anytime you or the crew are done with any electrical equipment, make sure to unplug and wrap up the cords.
Another tip for picking up your home is making sure to sweep up any dust or wood shavings that may be lying around before letting your dog run through the house. If your dog has asthma, this could potentially trigger symptoms to occur. Make sure to call your vet if your dog has an excessive amount of coughing, wheezing, or panting with a wide mouth.
Daycare is always an option!
If all else fails, and you don’t have the ability to check off some of the safety precautions on this list, you can always take your dog to a doggy daycare or hire a dogsitter. Ultimately, you want to do what is safest for your pet and what will make them the happiest during the chaotic time that is a home renovation. So always trust your own judgment first when deciding whether to keep your furry friend at home with you, at a daycare running around with other dogs, or having a dog sitter take on the responsibility in the meantime.
