4 Tips to Stress Less When Moving - Repairing Home Damage Caused by Pets

How to Repair Cat and Dog Damage before Moving

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, March 30, 2016—

 Moving can present an exciting opportunity, but if you’re a pet owner and a renter, the normal chaos of packing up could be accompanied with stress over how to handle the damage your pet has done to the property over time. As you notice each thing your furry family member has been responsible for, you might get a sinking feeling there’s no way you’ll get your security deposit back or worse, your home might have lost a significant amount of value. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to fix the unsightly pet-related problems around the house.

                      Clean Carpeting with Baking Soda and Vinegar

                        

Even if you have a thoroughly house-trained dog or a cat that understands how to use the litter box, you’ve probably had to deal with pet urine stains on your carpet. However, they’re more stressful if they happen when trying to get the house spruced up for a move-out inspection. Act quickly and use a natural solution. That way, you won’t have to worry about your pet coming in contact with chemicals during your remaining time in the house.

If you’re dealing with a very recent stain that’s still moist, carefully blot it with a paper towel.

Then apply a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar and soak it. If the stain is especially bad, use pure vinegar instead. Once you’ve soaked the area, scrub as hard as possible to get down into the deepest carpet fibers. After that, add a bit of baking soda and leave the spot until it’s dry. Finally, vacuum the area.

It’s crucial not to wait too long before cleaning pet stains. If the urine reaches the padding underneath the carpet, the method above may not be powerful enough. You might have to rely on a carpet cleaning company that uses water extraction methods to get the job done.

                       Remove Pet Odors from Hardwood Floors

                                   

Perhaps the home you’re moving out of doesn’t have visible pet stains, but you’ve noticed areas covered with hardwood material seem to have absorbed the odor of your pets. Because certain cleaning agents can be very harsh on hardwood floors, it’s important to find some that are gentle, yet effective.

Vinegar starts removing bad smells almost immediately. Alternatively, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can also do the trick. All three could weaken the sealant or cause bleaching if not applied carefully or if left on too long, so don’t leave the area unattended.

            Improve Wood Furniture That’s Been Chewed by a Dog

                      

It’s certainly stressful to come home from a day at work to discover your dog has decided wooden furniture is a more adequate chew toy than the items you’ve provided for playtime. If it seems your dog is repeatedly chewing wood furniture and eating the shavings, it may be a self-inflicted injury worth consulting your veterinarian about.

Once you’re satisfied the dog isn’t intentionally chowing down on the furniture due to a behavioral or physical problem that needs attention, turn your efforts toward improving the damaged wood. Take a utility knife and cut small, diagonal hatch marks across the chewed area. Hold the blade directly in your hand if possible to maintain good control, and put masking tape over the sharp parts to protect your skin. Then, make a batch of auto-body filler according to the packaging instructions. You’ll probably have to put several applications on the affected area to build up the surface so it’s flush with the part that hasn’t been chewed. However, once applied, the substance dries in about five minutes, so be careful not to prepare too much at once.

Put the auto-body filler on a paper plate and mix it well for 30 seconds. Then, cover the chewed wood with the filler and wait until it’s dry, but not hardened. If necessary, use a knife blade to carve away excess filler, and sandpaper to smooth out the surface. You can also run a wax fill stick over the sanded surface to fill in any remaining small holes. This wood repair method may seem a little involved, but it’s something you can try even without having carpentry knowledge.

                       Conceal Claw Marks on Leather Furniture

                       

Cats are arguably more likely than dogs to scratch leather furniture with their claws, especially since they naturally need to sharpen them on surfaces regularly. Ideally they’d use scratching posts, but that doesn’t always happen. Furthermore, dogs may unintentionally leave claw marks on leather, especially if they feel they are slipping and try to grip the surface. Luckily, there are ways to make claw markings less visible.

If the area is only slightly affected so the leather appears to have an abrasion, try applying white vinegar with a soft cloth. The vinegar makes the leather swell, which may hide the marks. Using leather polish after the vinegar should conceal mild scratch marks even more.

If the marks are so severe they have created tears, you’ll need to use a leather repair kit that includes a solution tinted about the same color as the damaged material. Insert a scrap of fabric, such as an iron-on patch, into the hole to add stability. Put grain paper with the grain side down over the material after you’ve applied the repair solution. Iron the grain paper as a finishing touch, then pull it away to see the results.

Moving can be stressful, but thanks to these tips, you can stress less when getting the property ready to vacate.

Megan Wild is a dog owner who loves spending time at home with her pup, Tucker. When she’s not on a hike outside, she loves designing and improving her home. You can find her tips and ideas on her personal blog, Your Wild Home.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends.

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MOVING PETS: How to keep your pet healthy and happy while making the move !

Moving Day Madness: How to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy throughout the Process By Keith Loria When it comes to moving, there’s no shortage of things to think about as you go through the process, but one thing that many people don’t think much about is the impact a move can have on a pet. Cats and dogs get used to a routine and like familiar surroundings. When they’re yanked from a home and placed in a new environment, it could lead to behavioral changes, loss of appetite or overall sadness. According to the American Humane Association, prior to moving day, pet parents should make sure pets are fitted with collars and ID tags with your name and current cellphone number. Microchipping is also recommended, serving as a backup if your pet loses its collar. Before the move, be sure to check with the City Clerk’s office in your new town to find out about local ordinances. Not only are leash laws and licensing common, but so are limits on the number of pets per household. For pet owners with more exotic pets, make sure you know the pet laws and regulations of the state to which you're moving. For example, if you own a monkey or reptile, you might need a special permit. Zoning laws may prohibit certain animals, as well. When traveling, if your pet is prone to car sickness, make sure you visit your veterinarian a few weeks prior to your move to get any prescribed medications and feeding recommendations. The last thing you want is a sick pet adding to the stress of moving day. For long-distance moves, be sure to identify pet-friendly hotels along your route and reserve rooms ahead of time. Once you arrive at your new house, create a pet-friendly space filled with your pet’s favorite blanket and toys. It’s also important that you spend some time with your pet—whether it’s a cat, dog, bird, rabbit or even guinea pig—to help them get comfortable. Make sure they know where their food is, and for cats, where the litter box is located. Moving with pets doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Most pet owners treat their pets like members of the family, so don’t forget about their needs when a move is made. A happy and healthy pet can make any move go smoother. For more tips to make your move easier on your pet, contact our office today. Copyright© 2016 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission.