Home renovation projects are exciting times filled with visions of updated spaces and fresh beginnings. According to a survey by Houzz, around 48% of pet owners completed home improvement projects in the last two years. But amidst the thrill of new countertops and paint swatches, it’s easy to overlook the impact these changes can have on our pets.
Dogs and cats thrive on routine and familiarity. The commotion, unfamiliar noises, and disruptions to their environment that come with renovations can trigger anxiety and stress in our beloved pets.
This blog post will help you create a calm environment for your pets during home renovations. We’ll explore practical strategies to minimize stress, keep your pets comfortable, and ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the household.
Preparing for Home Renovations
A study published in PMC highlights that 85 decibels or higher noise levels can cause hearing loss in animals. Noise also increases heart rate and breathing in animals, leading to stress. Therefore, before the hammers start swinging and the dust begins to fly, take proactive steps to prepare your home and pet for the upheaval.
Choose a quiet room away from the renovation activity and designate it as your pet’s haven. Fill this space with familiar comforts, such as your pet’s bed, favorite toys, and a cozy blanket. Keep food and water bowls in an easy-to-reach spot. This room will become your pet’s shelter amidst the chaos.
Doors and windows frequently open during renovations, making escaping routes a real concern. Carefully inspect all entry and exit points, including windows, doors, fences, and gates. Reinforce any weak spots or gaps to prevent your pet from slipping out unnoticed. If your renovation involves areas where your pet usually spends time, pack up its belongings and move them to its place. This minimizes disruption and helps maintain a sense of normalcy.
Reducing Stress During the Home Renovation
With careful planning in place, it’s time to focus on keeping your pet comfortable during the renovation. Here are some practical strategies for minimizing stress and maintaining a sense of calm during construction.
Provide Engaging Activities
Keeping your pet mentally and physically stimulated is essential during home renovations. Enrichment activities provide an outlet for their energy and help distract them from the surrounding chaos. Interactive puzzle toys are a great option. These toys challenge your pet to solve problems and work for rewards, keeping their minds engaged and preventing boredom.
This is backed by a study (in MDPI) that examined how different activities affect dogs’ behavior. It shows that giving dogs a variety of activities, especially social play and things to explore, can make them happier and less stressed.
Outdoor Time
Even with a safe shelter inside, remember the importance of fresh air. If your yard is safe and accessible, provide your dog (or any of your pets) with regular outdoor breaks away from the renovation activity. This allows them to burn off energy and relieve stress. However, finding suitable outdoor spaces can be challenging, especially with ongoing construction.
The constant presence of workers, machinery, and building materials can make it difficult for your dog to find a quiet spot to relax. With limited outdoor access, clutter is bound to happen. Between the stress of the renovation and the disruption to the pet’s routine, even the most house-trained dog might mess things up.
Cleaning up your pet waste becomes even more crucial during this time. But who has the extra time to deal with this during a home renovation? In this situation, a professional dog waste removal service can ensure your yard stays clean and sanitary. It gives you one less thing to worry about while your home is in disarray.
This allows you to focus on managing the renovation and minimizing your pet clutter without the added worry of maintaining a clean yard. Scoop Soldiers says a professional service can provide regular and reliable waste removal. They can ensure a hygienic environment for your family and peace of mind during a potentially stressful time.
Stick to Routines
Maintaining your pet’s daily routine provides stability and comfort between the changes and disruptions of a home renovation. Pets thrive on predictability. Sticking to their regular feeding times, playtime sessions, and walking schedules helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of normalcy.
For example, dogs are creatures of habit and feel secure with a daily routine. American Kennel Club highlights the importance of a routine in every stage of a dog’s life:
Puppies: Helps them settle into their new home, learn house training, and bond with their family.
Adult Dogs: Reinforces training, helps them learn new things, and makes them more confident, especially during changes like moving or a new baby.
Senior Dogs: Reduces anxiety and confusion, helps maintain learned skills like potty training, and provides comfort.
This shows that everyday interactions provide comfort and reassurance to pets during a potentially unsettling time. Remember, consistency is key. By prioritizing your pet’s routine, you’ll help them navigate the renovation period with less stress and anxiety.
Use Calming Aids
In addition to environmental adjustments, several calming aids can help soothe your pet’s nerves during renovations. Pheromone diffusers, for example, release synthetic versions of natural pheromones with calming effects. These can help create a sense of security and well-being in your pet’s environment.
A comparison study published in Frontiers examined a gel-based diffuser of feline pheromone and a plug-in diffuser on cats. The study found that both products worked equally well in reducing unwanted behaviors in cats. However, cat owners preferred the longer-lasting gel that didn’t need to be plugged in. They said they would be more likely to use this product regularly throughout the year.
It’s important to note that every pet is different. What works for one may not work for another. Observe your pet’s response to calming aids and adjust accordingly. If you’re unsure which option is best for your pet, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Monitoring Your Pet’s Well-being
Throughout the renovation process, monitor your pet’s behavior and overall well-being. Be mindful of changes in their appetite, sleep patterns, or bathroom habits. Research published in ScienceDirect found many behaviors that help us understand dogs’ feelings and well-being.
For example, panting, pacing, or lip licking are signs of stress. However, it also found that not all ways of watching dogs have been properly tested to ensure accuracy. Technology can help people take better care of their pets in this situation.
In another study (in Research Gate), researchers developed a system to analyze dog videos and automatically provide summaries of their behavior. This can help owners understand a dog’s health and well-being. The system creates a log of the recognized behaviors and provides visual summaries, like charts and graphs, to help understand the dog’s activity patterns.
Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning changes. They can offer guidance and suggest additional coping strategies. In some cases, your vet might recommend medication to help your pet manage their anxiety during this stressful period.
FAQs
How do pets improve your well-being?
Having pets can make your life better in many ways. They keep you company, help you relax, and get you moving. Their love and playful nature can ease feelings of loneliness and sadness, which is great for your emotional health.
What is a perfect day for a dog?
A perfect day for a dog is full of simple joys, like a morning walk, during which the dog sniffs all the interesting smells. This is followed by a tasty breakfast, a playful game of fetch, or a cuddle on the couch. The dog then takes an afternoon nap in a sunny spot and meets some friends at the park. It ends the day with dinner and snuggles with its loved ones.
How do we celebrate pets’ lives?
We celebrate pets’ lives by cherishing the moments we have with them. This includes providing them with love, care, and enrichment. Regular playtime, healthy treats, and comfortable spaces are simple ways to show appreciation. Celebrating milestones like birthdays or adoption anniversaries with pet-friendly treats or toys can add to the joy.
Home renovations can be rewarding, but it’s essential to consider the impact on your pet. By prioritizing your pet’s well-being throughout the process, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for everyone. Create a haven, maintain routines, provide engaging activities, and offer calming support.
Monitor your pet for signs of stress and consult your veterinarian if needed. With some planning and empathy, you can renovate your home while keeping your beloved companion happy, comfortable, and safe.
