Home renovations can be stressful for humans and dogs, especially interior renovations. Not only is construction loud but also it provides plenty of opportunity for a curious pet to get into trouble. Nails, power tools, and other dangerous equipment can be hazardous to your best friend, as can paint fumes, chemicals, and construction dust.
Even exterior construction, such as roofing work, can be very loud inside and can stress your pet. You can take several actions to help your pet deal with the disruption to your home.
Crate Your Dog
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe is use a crate. Your dog knows that the crate is a safe place and can find refuge there. You can further minimize noise by moving the crate to a room far away from the construction and keeping the door closed. Give your dog a yummy bone, chew or treat dispensing toy to keep him or her happily occupied.
Be sure to take your dog out for walks every couple of hours for a break from the construction noise, maintain routines, and have a chance to get exercise.
Consider Doggie Daycare
If you must work during renovations, you might consider doggie daycare, even if your pup normally stays home all day. The noise and strange people in your home might be too stressful, even if you crate the dog.
Take Your Dog on Errands
If you have to run out for a few errands, consider taking your dog with you, unless the outside temperature is too high. Remember, a vehicle gets too hot for a dog to stay inside, even for just a few minutes with the windows cracked. You can still take your dog with you if the places you need to stop allow dogs inside or if you are visiting drive-through businesses.
Make Introductions
Before the contractors start tearing things apart, let your dog meet them. You can even keep your dog at your side before the noisier part of the job begins. That will help the dog get used to louder noises and bangs that are sure to come. Once work starts, it’s safer to keep the dog crated or on a leash so there is no chance of your dog encountering dangerous chemicals or getting injured on nails, screws, and tools.
Add White Noise
While your dog is in the crate or gated in another room, provide some noise to help distract from the construction sounds. You can play the radio or turn on the TV. While the noise won’t entirely drown out the construction banging, it will be minimized and your pup will have something familiar to listen to.
Maintain Routine
If your dog has a routine, stick to it. It will bring comfort knowing it can expect to eat or go for a walk at the regular times. Even if you have playtime in the construction area, keep it at the same time but move it to a different room or, if possible, outside.
Discuss Pet Safety With The Construction Crew
Let the workers know that they should tell you if your dog escapes and gets in the way. You can even show them where the dog should be and give them permission to put him in that room if you are not right there to do it yourself. While you try to keep your dog safe using barricades, some dogs are escape artists, so prepare yourself and the construction crew for that.
Create Sound Barriers
If your dog is overly sensitive to loud noises, you may have to create temporary sound barriers. Insulating foam boards, room dividers, and heavy curtains can all minimize sound that reaches your dog’s room, making it less stressful for your pet.
Read Your Dog’s Body Language
Most importantly, you should know your dog’s body language so you can take action if needed. If he pants a lot, licks his lips, yawns, or is overly restless, your dog is becoming overly stressed and it is time to give him a break. Even if you take your dog outside with you for a short walk or hang out in the shade for a while, it can reduce your dog’s stress.
Author bio: Ricky Salyers is the founder of Lane's Contracting, a top-quality roofing, siding, and window replacement services company dedicated to providing reliable and professional solutions. Established in 2005, Lane’s Contracting serves the greater Raleigh and Fayetteville, NC areas.
Sources: