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Surviving a Renovation
by Julia Szabo
Published in Country Living , February 2006
You see home improvement; your pet sees disruption. Here's how to get through it together.
All the noises and odors that accompany remodeling can be very frightening and stressful to pets. Peaceful creatures of habit, they like their everyday home routine
to remain calm and quiet, and construction often spells one noisy, dusty upheaval after another. It's enough to drive a pet to distraction!
Protracted stress could result in your animal displaying neurotic behaviors long-term, so take a few preventative steps before construction begins.
Like people, pets need their own space. Arrange a private retreat for them until work is complete (a guest bedroom or a bath will do nicely). Seal off the doorway with a plastic drop-cloth and tape, so construction dust doesn't irritate their sensitive respiratory systems (this is especially
important if you have birds, who are better off boarded at the bet for the duration of construction). Remember that pets' olfactory powers are far more refined than ours,
so take care to use an interior paint that's low in smelly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To ensure pets' cooperation, lavish them with toys and treats; sure, it's bribery - and it
works. Soft, soothing classical or new-age music works wonders at keeping pets calm, as harpist Susan Raimond proves with her compilation CD "Wait for the Sunset," used successfully
in shelters, zoos, and other places where animal experience stress (to order, long on to PetPause2000.com). To prevent animals from escaping via open doors or windows, make sure all contractors with access
to your home are alerted to pets' preferences - especially small, fast-moving pets such as cats and ferrets - and instruct them to keep key windows and doors closed.
And as long as you're building things, why not undertake a project designed just for a beloved cat, rabbit, or ferret? Cut a small archway into the door of a closet or cabinet, and stash the litter box behind it for the
ultimate in private pet space. Your animal companion will enjoy this retreat long after fix-up work is done.
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SUSAN RAIMOND
Author, Lecturer, and Harpist
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