Our poor pets. While we're deciding whether or not to initiate that big home remodeling project, we think about many things--cost, timeframe, and the misery we will have to endure before it is finished. But few among us ever think about the safety (and happiness!) of our pets during home renovation. Our pets cannot protect themselves the way we can--so we must look out for them. Here's how:
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 1 hour
Here's How:
- Remove or elevate all electrical wires. Most animals, given the chance, will chew through electrical wires. True story: when our dog Gus was a puppy, he managed to chew through a live extension cord that was dangling into his wire cage. What saved him? The plug was so loose in the outlet that it came out--just prior to his teeth chewing all the way through the wire's protective plastic sheathing.
- Secure any loose or wobbly items: i.e., have you stacked up some studs against a wall? Think about how cats love to brush against walls and table legs. They don't know the difference between a stable wall and a loose stack of plywood, and can easily upset anything that is not secure and stable.
- Be mindful of open doorways and windows. When replacing windows and doors or working on exterior walls, you may have the house exposed for some length of time. It is guaranteed that cats and dogs, if they have enough time, will wander out.
- Nails, staples, tacks, and anything sharp can cut tender paws.
- Leaving pets alone with remodeling workers is a dangerous proposition. The workers are not in a position to mind for the animals. Not only that, you can be sued if the dog bites them.
Tips:
- Consider boarding animals during home renovations.
- If not boarded, dogs should be securely fenced in the backyard.
- If you expect workers to access the backyard, then the dog should be tied up as well as fenced.
- Let all family members know that they are expected to watch out for the safety of the pets--not just "Mom and Dad."
- Workers (or you, if this is a DIY project) must faithfully clean all work areas at the end of each day and stabilize all loose items.
