How to manage your dog safely during home renovations

Having work carried out on your house, whether building a conservatory, converting an attic, adding an extension, or updating your décor, can be stressful for everyone involved—including your dog. Managing your dog carefully during this time is essential to keep them safe, calm, and comfortable.

This guide outlines practical strategies to handle your dog safely while work is underway, helping you minimise disruption and protect everyone.

1. Create a Safe, Quiet Space for Your Dog

Set up a dedicated area away from the construction zones where your dog can retreat to feel secure and relaxed. This might be a separate room or part of the house with minimal noise, hazards, and foot traffic. Provide familiar items such as blankets, favourite toys, chews, and puzzle feeders to give comfort and mental stimulation. If your dog is crate trained, consider using their crate as a portable safe zone.

2. Keep Your Dog Away from Work Areas

The safest approach when having work done is to physically separate your dog from the renovation areas. Close doors or use baby gates to block access. If doors will be removed during work, install reliable barriers or gates wherever possible. Always check that construction materials, tools, debris, and hazardous substances are out of reach or safely stored. If you need to take your dog through a work area, inspect first for potential dangers and ensure workers pause noisy tools and are aware of your movement.

3. Introduce Your Dog to Workmen Before Work Starts

Dogs can feel anxious or confused by unfamiliar people in their home. Before the work begins, arrange supervised introductions so your dog can meet the workers and start recognising them as permitted visitors. This reduces stress and discourages defensive or aggressive behaviours. If workmen need to access your home when you’re out, ensure your dog is comfortable with them, and monitor initial interactions closely.

4. Maintain Your Dog’s Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and maintaining regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions is vital during renovation to provide stability. This consistency helps reduce stress and confusion for your dog. Plan walks to avoid construction traffic and any noisy machinery hours where possible to provide calm outdoor time.

5. Communicate Clearly with Contractors

Keep open communication with your renovation team about your dog’s needs and whereabouts. Inform them about restricted areas, your dog’s temperament, and safety precautions needed. Ask workers to securely store hazardous items like paint thinners, sharp tools, or live electrical wires when not in use. Signage may help remind workers to keep gates shut and prevent accidental access.

6. Monitor Environmental Hazards Carefully

Renovations can expose your dog to harmful substances such as asbestos dust, mould spores, fibreglass particles, or toxic chemicals. If asbestos removal or mould disturbance is involved, keeping your dog well away from affected areas is non-negotiable. Consult with your vet if you notice allergy-like symptoms or respiratory distress in your dog during this period.

7. Provide Extra Comfort and Calming Aids

If your dog becomes nervous, consider additional comfort options like calming pheromone sprays, thunder shirts, or natural calming supplements after consulting your vet. Long-lasting chews or puzzle toys can distract your dog from disturbance noises and keep them mentally engaged.

Conclusion

Managing your dog safely during home renovations takes thoughtful planning and communication. By creating safe spaces, maintaining routine, keeping your dog away from hazards and work areas, introducing them to workers, and monitoring environmental risks, you can help your dog navigate the disruption with less stress. Your proactive care will protect your pet’s health and wellbeing, making the renovation smoother for your whole family.

Remember, responsible management includes never leaving your dog unsupervised in potentially dangerous areas and always prioritising their safety throughout the process.