A home renovation can be a little rough on pets. They don’t understand the loud noises (their hearing is much more sensitive than ours) or why their world is being turned upside down.
If it’s at all possible, it’s best to remove pets from the home while a renovation is taking place. It’ll keep the contractor concentrating on the task at hand (he won’t be distracted by barking or have to be careful not to let the cat out), and it’ll keep the pets happy too. But if removing a pet from a home isn’t possible, veterinarian Karen Halligan offered some tips on 
- Have your pets microchipped. If they escape your home, they can be identified if brought to a shelter or vet clinic. The stress a pet feels from a loud renovation can cause it to do things it doesn’t normally do — like flee.
- Drown out construction noise by turning on the TV or, better yet, by playing soothing classical music. Make sure your pet has its favorite toys and bedding so it feels a sense of normalcy. Also, stick to your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule.
- Make a vet appointment for a simple checkup prior to your renovation. “A pet that is masking signs of illness will become stressed, causing symptoms to develop,” Halligan advised. “It’s best to detect any underlying problem prior to the construction.”
To read the full article about pet safety and home renovation, click here.