Have you ever forgotten to feed the cat at precisely the same time every morning? Did you decide to skip your daily walk with your dog? If so, you’ve seen the looks of confusion on your pet’s face when their routine is disturbed. Our pets rely on us for everything, including ensuring their safety and security while going through a home remodel.
Communication is Everything
The best thing you can do for your pet before starting a remodel is having a conversation with your contractor. Although this may be your first remodel, your contractor has likely dealt with pets before. They will be your best asset in ensuring your pet is safe during the whole process. They can inform the workers that will be on-site, so that everyone can do their part to keep your pet safe.
Create Safe Spaces for the Pets
If you have a crate-trained pup, this is the best way to keep them calm. Construction can be noisy and may be scary for some pets. Dogs naturally are den animals, and their crate is a safe space for them when they are nervous. Move their crate to a quiet easily accessible space. You can also use baby gates to keep them out of certain areas of the home. This will enable them to roam free but still be out of harm’s way.
This can be a little more difficult for cats since they typically do not use a crate, and a baby gate would be ineffective. Instead, if possible, you might try dedicating a whole room to your cat. Adding their favorite toys, distracting scents and a bed will help keep them safe and entertained.
Go for More Walks
If you’re fortunate to be home all day with your pets, taking them on more walks throughout the day is a great way to give them a break from all that noise and disruption. Even if you are unable to go for a walk, you can let your dog into the backyard for extra playtime and maybe initiate a lively game of fetch to help tire them out. It will be good exercise for you both!
If you are not lucky enough to b home with your pets all day, you have other options. There are reputable pet-walking services available or you may want to consider taking them to a doggy daycare. This is an excellent way to give them the benefits of socialization as well as exercise away from the construction chaos.
Routine, Routine, Routine
Nothing disrupts your routine as much as construction. However, it’s important to maintain your pre-construction routine as much as possible. Dogs and cats both thrive on a regular routine. You’ve probably experienced a confused pup or an irritated cat when you didn’t feed them at the expected time or go for that regular after-work walk. Even with the ongoing construction, try to keep your pet’s meals, walks, play, and snuggles on their regular schedule as much as possible.
Early Christmas Gifts
Another way to distract your pets from the anxiety caused by the noise and strangers in their homes is to try some new treats or toys. Just like humans, pets get bored with the same chew toy or cat tree and a home remodel is the perfect time to enrich your pet’s environment with new things to explore.
Crash with a Friend
If none of these suggestions work and your pet is too stressed by the mess and noise, you may want to consider boarding them or letting them stay with a friend. This can be hard since remodel projects may last for weeks or even months, but if your pet showing signs of severe distress, it might be in their best interest.
Our fur babies are important to us, and keeping them safe and happy during a challenging time is critical.