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Welcome to your guide on how to keep your pets safe from home water damages. With 67% of U.S households, around 85 million families, owning a pet according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, it is crucial to ensure that your home is pet proofed against all elements, particularly water. For this purpose, you may need to seek advice from a Water Damage Specialist.
Understanding the Risks Associated with Water Damage
Firstly, understanding what risks are associated with water damage can better aid you in protecting your furry friends. Water can invade your home through a myriad of ways like leaks, floods, or overflowing sinks and toilets. This not only affects the structural integrity of your house but can also produce damp and moldy environments which can pose serious health risks to your pets who are especially susceptible due to their constant presence at floor level.
The Danger of Mold to Pets
Mold presents particularly nasty health hazards for pets. Its spores can cause respiratory distress alongside allergic reactions that manifest in symptoms like excessive scratching, licking or biting at themselves. With mold typically thriving in damp environments, any degree of water damage can potentially create this dangerous situation for your animals.
Dangers of Standing Water for Pets
Standing water resulting from leaks or floods in your home is another concern. These deposits not only risk drowning for smaller pets but are also breeding grounds for pests like mosquitoes which carry and transmit deadly diseases to both humans and animals. It is crucial for their safety that areas of standing water are drained as soon as possible.
Ways Pets Contribute to Water Damages
Interestingly enough, while your four-legged friend’s health can be endangered by water damage, they may ironically be contributors as well. Pet activities like knocking over water containers, causing pipe damage during outdoor digging or even blockages by shedding hair in sinks and tubs can cause water damages in your home.
Basic Home Waterproofing Strategies
Start by implementing basic home waterproofing strategies. Checking and repairing any leaks in your roof or walls, keeping gutters clear, ensuring yard drainage is not directed towards your house, and maintaining a good state of repair in your general plumbing can significantly reduce the risk of water damaging incidents.
Keep Your Pets’ Water Areas Dry
One simple step to take is to keep the areas where your pets drink from or have their baths dry. Consider using mats with high absorption rates under pet water bowls, this will not only ensure that any spilled water is quickly absorbed but also prevent any unwanted slip accidents for your furry friends.
Safe Bathroom Practices for Pets
Regarding safe bathroom practices, if your pets are accustomed to frequent baths, ensure that the area is properly ventilated to prevent excessive moisture build-up which can breed mold. Regularly clean shower drains to prevent blockages resulting from pet hair.
Prevent Outdoor Digging Activities
To prevent any outdoor pipe troubles caused by playful digging activities, ensure that your pets have ample toys and distractions so they are less inclined to dig. If digging is particularly problematic, consider creating designated areas for such activities away from potential hazard spots like pipes or sprinkler systems.
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
By keeping on top of regular plumbing maintenance, you can prevent potentially harmful issues such as pipe breaks or leaks. Employing the services of a professional for periodic inspections will ensure all internal systems are functioning correctly and are able to withstand pet-induced accidents.
The Importance of Quick Action
Should water damage occur, it is imperative that you act fast. Quick drying of all damp areas, thorough cleaning, and sanitation will help keep the damage from worsening and prevent growths like mold or bacteria which are harmful to your pets.
Importance of Sufficient House Ventilation
Adequate ventilation within your home ensures lesser moisture accumulation. By keeping your home well ventilated, you reduce the risk of mold and mildew which pose threats to your pet’s health. It is necessary to keep spaces like basements and bathrooms, which are more susceptible to becoming damp and stuffy, continuously aired out.
Pet Emergency Plans Involving Water Damage
Always have an emergency plan in place. If a serious water intrusion incident like a flood occurs, having a plan detailing safe evacuation methods for you and your pets can ensure their safety in such extreme situations. Ensure that emergency kits include items like spare collars or carriers as these may facilitate easier evacuation of pets.
Final Thoughts
Preventing water damage in your home is more than just about maintaining your property. It is also about providing a safe environment for those living within it, including your beloved pets. Their well-being prioritizes implementing preventive measures against water damage and timely mitigating actions if it does occur.
