A home renovation can make pets uncomfortable or even stress or injure them; see how to avoid problems
In Brazil there are approximately 62.2 million dogs and 30.8 million cats living in homes or apartments with their owners. Therefore it is foreseeable that there will be many of them families who are renovating their homesRight? The problem is when this ends up affecting the animal’s welfare.
“In addition to objects, smells and sounds that can hurt and annoy pets, it is necessary to take into account their emotions,” comments Marina Meireles, veterinary behaviorist at Nouvet, a hospital veterinary center in SP. In other words, to renovate your home with pets, you need to take some precautions to make your pets comfortable.
One of these, according to the specialist, is to reserve a space in the home where they can stay and feel welcomed and protected, as well as trying to keep their routine as normal as possible, continuing with meals and walking times. It is also essential to pay attention to some materials used in the renovation.
Some of the dangers that deserve attention are: paints with toxic substances (the ideal is to opt for natural paints); contact with dust, which can cause allergic reactions or affect the skin; acids present in cement or grout removal products, which can cause burns; materials left on the floor, such as wood chips, electrical wires, nails and broken glass, which can injure them or end up being swallowed.
To avoid these risks and keep your pet safe and comfortable during the construction period, the Nouvet veterinarian reports some good practices. Check:
Pay attention to the materials in your home
As already mentioned, some products used in construction work can be harmful to pets. The right thing to do is to store objects safely – even for children – and choose non-toxic paints and materials, as well as isolating the animal from contact with objects scattered around the house.
Barriers can be used to prevent them from entering the most “at risk” spaces. Before work begins, it is recommended that you speak with a veterinarian to explore best pet management practices.
Observe behavioral cues
When renovating a home with pets, it is essential to observe the pet’s behavior throughout the process. After all, he may become more aggressive, scared, sad or agitated due to the impact on his routine, and if this happens, it is crucial to seek professional help.
Even if your pet shows any symptoms, such as itching or coughing, go to the vet immediately.
Create a welcoming space
Provide a clean, quiet environment, away from noise, so that pets can stay during the renovation hours. Leave snacks, water, toys, cots and a hygiene area available. An important point is to protect windows and other furniture that could hurt pets.
In the case of dogs, while the work lasts, consider having them attend behavioral school throughout the day. In this way he spends energy and has fun, keeping himself away from a potentially stressful environment.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
