Remember these tips for pet safety during home painting projects.
When it’s time to refresh your home with a new coat of paint, most homeowners think about color choices, finishes, and prep work, but if you have furry friends, there’s another factor to consider: pet safety during home painting. Paint fumes, wet surfaces, and unfamiliar activity can all create stress or even health risks for your pets. With the right precautions, though, you can complete your painting project safely while keeping your pets calm and healthy.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to pet safety during home painting that will help you protect your four-legged family members from start to finish.
Choose Pet-Safe Paint Products
The first step in ensuring pet safety during home painting is selecting the right materials. Traditional paints can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals that produce strong odors and can irritate your pet’s respiratory system.
To minimize risks, choose:
- Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints – These release fewer fumes and are safer for both humans and pets.
- Non-toxic, water-based paints – These paints dry faster and don’t emit harsh chemicals.
- Eco-friendly brands – Many paint manufacturers now offer products specifically designed to be environmentally and pet-safe.
You can find a variety of safe paint from Columbia Paint Company. Even when using these paints, however, it’s still important to ensure proper ventilation and limit your pet’s exposure to freshly painted areas.
Keep Pets Away from the Painting Zone
Curious pets can easily walk through paint trays, brush against wet walls, or inhale harmful fumes. During your painting project, set up a pet-free zone to keep them out of harm’s way.
- Close off the painted area with doors, baby gates, or temporary barriers.
- Create a quiet, comfortable space in another part of your home with their favorite toys, food, and water.
- Ask a friend or family member to watch your pets if you’re painting multiple rooms or using strong-smelling products.
This not only protects your pets physically but also helps reduce their stress while you work.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Fresh air is critical when it comes to pet safety during home painting. Even if you’re using low-VOC paint, fumes can still linger. To improve ventilation:
- Open all windows and doors in the painting area.
- Use fans or air purifiers to circulate air and speed up drying time.
- Avoid letting pets re-enter the room until the paint is completely dry and odor-free.
Depending on humidity and paint type, this could take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
Clean Up Thoroughly After Painting
Once you’ve finished painting, make sure to remove all materials that could pose a danger to your pets. Store brushes, rollers, paint cans, and cleaning supplies out of reach. Wipe down any surfaces where spills or splatters may have occurred.
If you’ve used chemical-based products, double-check that all lids are tightly sealed before storing them away. Pets are naturally curious and may try to sniff or lick items that still contain residue.
Monitor Your Pets for Signs of Distress
Even with precautions in place, some pets may still react to paint fumes or changes in their environment. Watch for symptoms like:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or unusual hiding behavior
- Red, watery eyes
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to fresh air immediately and contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Wait Before Letting Pets Return
The final step for pet safety during home painting is patience. Let the newly painted room fully cure before allowing your pets back in. Even when the surface feels dry, paint can continue to release fumes for several days. Use your sense of smell—if you can still detect a paint odor, your pet’s sensitive nose will too.
NEW LOCATIONS! VISIT THE US AND EXPLORE!
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Columbia Paint and Decorating, a Benjamin Moore Dealer
6822 Oak Hall Lane, Suite C2, Columbia, MD 21045
443-319-4001
Expect the same one-stop shopping for all your decorating needs. We are a full-service Benjamin Moore dealer offering the best quality decorating products at the best prices. We have an ample supply of paint and paint supplies, wallcoverings, custom window treatments, fabrics, and now NEW flooring selections from Kaleen Rugs and Luxury Vinyl Tile samples.
And, of course, the same excellent customer service, knowledge, and customer satisfaction that you’ve come to expect.
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