Home repairs and your pet
Renovations and repairs are stressful for everyone, including your pets! When planning your home repairs, be sure to take the comfort and safety of your pets into account. Remember that pets love to climb, investigate and rub against things, so try to take a “pet’s eye view” as you search for hazards in your space!
Cleaners, chemicals and adhesives
Paint, insulation, spackle, glue . . . Even minor home improvement projects use a ton of chemicals! Ingesting these products can not only cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, but can also be toxic for your pet. Cats are at particularly high risk because they tend to walk through the construction area and then lick the chemicals off of their paws and coats later.
Construction hazards
Home renovations often involve sharp tools, stray nails and other hazards that pose a major safety risk to your pet. A curious pet in the construction area is a recipe for disaster, so be sure to keep them safely locked away while you’re working. At the end of the day, carefully clean up the work area and check for any hazards that may be a risk to your pet.
Loud noises and strange smells
Hammers, saws and power tools sound like a cacophony to your pet’s sensitive ears. Even pets that are not bothered by noise may react differently when faced with the additional stressors. Sawdust and chemical odors can also irritate the respiratory tract, which may affect pets with underlying health conditions like asthma or a collapsing trachea.
Escape routes
Open doors and windows during repairs may serve as an easy escape for a stressed pet. But don’t overlook the less obvious escape routes that may emerge during a home improvement project. Homeowners should be especially cautious of open vents, holes in drywall and missing ceiling tiles. Pets may become trapped when the repairs are completed!
Keeping your pets safe during construction and renovation
When you’re working on major home repairs, sometimes it is best to put your pet in a calmer environment, like a boarding kennel or pet sitter’s home. If you do decide to keep your pet at home during the repairs, consider taking these steps to keep your pet safe:
Home renovation projects are a challenge for everyone, but taking these precautions will make the process go much more smoothly for both you and your pet!
Want some added peace of mind? Be prepared for anything that may happen with unlimited Live Chat through the myVCA app, where our licensed veterinary professionals are available 24/7 to answer all your pet health and wellness questions.
