PREVENT PET-RELATED
DAMAGE TO THE
HOUSE
The benefits of having a pet
are innumerable. Pets can be
companions, protectors, service
animals, and even help produce
products that can be sold,
such as eggs from chickens.
While there are many positive
attributes to pets, one potential
concern is the impact they have
on the home.
Pet-related damage can occur
when pets are angry or happy.
Boisterous animals may scratch
or claw at furniture and floors.
Some animals may climb or
chew. Woodwork and furniture
can be damaged by pet paws
and teeth, but that’s not where
it ends. The following are some
potential pet-damage problems
and how to avoid them.
Marking
Many animals use scent markers
to establish their territory
and communicate with other
animals. As a result, both
male and female pets may
spray urine in certain areas
of the house. While it may
not eliminate the problem
immediately, making sure to
neuter or spay cats and dogs
can reduce the likelihood
that they’ll mark indoors or
attempt to seek out and mate
with feral animals they smell
canvassing the property.
Accidents
In addition to marking, pets
that have not been
properly trained
or were trained
and are experiencing
a behavioral
or medical issue
may begin soiling
in improper areas,
such as outside of
the litter box or in
the home. Obedience
training
can head off some
issues, but if a
medical condition
is suspected, consult
with a veterinarian
promptly.
Dirt, fur and
more
An investment in
regular grooming
can help keep certain damage
at bay, states Home Advisor.
Regularly brushing and
trimming coats, keeping nails
clipped and bathing will keep
a home fresh and minimize
damage. Other pets may not
be groomed but require cleaning
of cages or other habitats.
Bird droppings and feathers
can get on surfaces. Cleaning
daily or very frequently can
help keep a home tidy.
Provide toys and
scratching posts
Pets need an outlet to tame
anxiety and energy. If they
don’t have suitable outlets,
pets may cause damage to a
home. Cats will take to furniture
to stretch their paws
if they don’t have scratching
posts or special mats. Dogs,
particularly puppies, can be
orally fixated. When the urge
to chew sets in, unless there
are appropriate chew toys,
furniture, moldings and other
items around the house may
become fair game.
It is important to note that
declawing a cat to prevent
damage should not be a consideration.
It is a surgery that
can cause ongoing health
problems. Nail caps can be
used as a safe alternative.
Escape artists
In some cases, pets may chew
or scratch their way through
doors and window screens.
Others may dig under fencing
or climb, leaving damage in
their wake. Boredom, anxiety
or lack of training may be behind
these behaviors, according
to Pets Weekly. However,
the urge to roam also may be
tied to pets not being fixed.
Work with the vet or a trainer
to help stop these issues.
Pets can cause damage around
the house. But certain strategies
can help decrease the
likelihood that pets cause
damage around the house
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