Best Ways to Comfort Dogs During Remodeling  

Noise from power tools, strangers moving in and out, and sudden changes to their environment can trigger stress. For instance, my sweet Teddy and Bear had difficulty understanding why the pleasant smells of fresh food in the kitchen were replaced with dust, paint, and unfamiliar scents.  

Signs of Stress in Dogs  

It’s important to recognize when your dog is feeling overwhelmed. Some common signs of stress include:  

• Panting or drooling (outside of hot weather)  
• Pacing or restlessness  
• Barking, whining, or howling  
• Hiding or retreating to a corner  
• Loss of appetite  
• Changes in potty habits or accidents indoors  

I noticed Teddy and Bear getting unusually clingy during the initial days of remodeling; I knew I had to do everything possible to keep them calm.  

Tips for Comforting Dogs During Remodeling  

1. Maintain Their Routine  

Dr. Karen Sueda, a veterinary behaviorist, emphasizes the importance of consistency, saying, “Maintain your dog’s routine as much as possible. Dogs find comfort in predictability.” Meals walks, and playtime should happen at the usual times to give your dog a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.  

For example, despite the dust and noise in our home, I made sure to stick to their exact feeding schedule—and the look of relief on their faces was worth it.  

2. Create a Safe Space  

Cesar Millan suggests creating a safe space that’s removed from the commotion. This could be a designated room or area where they feel secure and can retreat to. It’s important that this space is familiar to your dog, with their bed, toys, and other comforting items. If possible, this space should be away from the construction area and have a door or barrier to block out noise and dust.  

For Teddy and Bear, my home office became their haven. With French doors that I could close, they had a view of the outside world but were comfortably shielded from the chaos. Add a soft bed, their favorite blankets, and maybe a toy, and you’ve created a sanctuary.  

3. Mask the Noise  

Remodeling comes with its fair share of clanging, drilling, and banging—sounds that can startle even the calmest dog. I found simple solutions that worked wonders. I placed a fan in their safe space to create consistent white noise and paired it with soft music or a conversation radio channel to drown out the harsh sounds of construction. This not only reduces the intensity of the construction noise but also provides a consistent, soothing background sound that can help your dog relax.  

4. Minimize Stressful Smells  

With all the dust and chemical odors, I worried about how the air quality affected Teddy’s and Bear’s sensitive noses. Regularly vacuuming and using air purifiers helped reduce the dust, while keeping windows open allowed fresh air to circulate.  

5. Shower Them with Comfort Items  

Familiar and comforting items can be a great security source, whether it’s their favorite squeaky toy, a chew stick, a cozy blanket, or even an extra belly rub. Keeping plenty of water handy and sticking to their usual treats also helped alleviate stress for my pups.  

6. Never Leave Them Alone  

This one is likely the most important. Even with all these adjustments, Teddy and Bear are happiest with me. During the remodeling, I prioritized keeping them by my side rather than leaving them alone to figure it out. Their anxiety visibly lessened when they had my calm presence and attention.