Home repairs and your pet | YourHub – The Know

With so many people tackling home renovations and improvements right now, its important to remember and prepare for the stress these activities can have on our 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 pets eye view as you search for hazards in your space.

Cleaners, chemicals and adhesivesPaint, 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 hazardsHome 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 youre 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 smellsHammers, saws and power tools sound like a cacophony to your pets 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 routesOpen doors and windows during repairs may serve as an easy escape for a stressed pet. But dont 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 renovationWhen youre working on major home repairs, sometimes it is best to put your pet in a calmer environment, like a boarding kennel or pet sitters home. If you do decide to keep your pet at home during the repairs, consider taking these steps to keep your pet safe:

Homerenovation projects are a challenge for everyone however, taking theseprecautions will help make the process go much more smoothly for both you andyour pet.

This article is provided by the veterinary medical professionals at VCA Deer Creek Animal Hospital. For more information: 303-973-4200 or https://vcahospitals.com/deer-creek-littleton.

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Home repairs and your pet | YourHub - The Know