Tips to protect your pet bird while painting the interior of your house
Q: I’m painting the interior of my house soon. What’s the best way to protect my bird?
A: You’re smart to take that into consideration. Birds have delicate respiratory systems that can be adversely affected by paint fumes. And fumes aren’t the only concern. Here’s what to know.
Look for paint that is low in VOCs — volatile organic compounds. They’re the molecules that cause the smell of fresh paint. Paint with high levels of VOCs can produce toxic fumes that you don’t want your bird to inhale. Be aware that colorants added to paint can have high levels of VOCs and that paint labeled zero-VOC can still contain up to 5 grams per liter — or more once tinted. Ask at the paint store to be sure you make the best choice for your bird’s safety.
Another reason to consider paint safety is that it’s not unusual for birds to scratch or chew at baseboards or other painted surfaces — my writing colleague Kim Campbell Thornton knows that from personal experience. You don’t want them ingesting potentially toxic paint, so ask about safety.
The best way to protect birds during painting is to board them with their avian veterinarian or at a bird-savvy boarding facility or with a pet sitter who keeps animals in their own home. You may also have a friend, neighbor or relative who’s willing to care for them for a few days.
If that’s not possible, move the birds to another room where you can close the door to protect them from fumes. The room being painted should be well-ventilated (windows open, fan running) while painting is taking place. An air cleaner with a special VOC filter is also a good idea. Wait until paint is thoroughly dry, which can take a few days, before moving birds back into the room.
— Dr. Marty Becker
PET BUZZ
Know signs of plague in pets
A cat in Fremont County, Wyoming, was diagnosed last month with plague. The serious bacterial infection can affect pets and people and should be treated immediately with antibiotics. Plague — spread by fleas coming from infected animals — typically occurs in rural areas, in particular northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon and far western Nevada, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs of plague in pets include enlarged lymph glands; swelling in the neck, face or around the ears; fever; chills; lack of energy; coughing; vomiting; diarrhea; and dehydration. Take pets to the veterinarian immediately if they show these signs, especially if they spend time outdoors and aren’t on a flea-control preventive.
Helping a pet cope with mental stress
Pets who shows signs of compulsive behaviors such as tail chasing, sucking on wool or other fabric, pacing or chewing at themselves maybe experiencing mental stress, says Ashley Navarrette, DVM, a clinical veterinarian at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. When those behaviors prevent pets from having a normal daily routine or lead to physical harm, seek the advice of a veterinary behaviorist who can rule out medical conditions and help you develop a management plan. Never scold pets when compulsive behaviors occur, but redirect them if possible and praise them when they’re behaving normally. Enhancing the pet’s environment with puzzle toys, calming pheromones, scent work games or other dog sports, and regular walks can also help, as can medication combined with behavior modification.
Meet the Schipperke
Unless you frequent dog shows, you might never have seen a schipperke (pronounced “skipper-kee”). The uncommon dogs have a foxy face, prick ears and a thick black double coat with a ruff around the neck. The small but active dogs weigh 10 to 16 pounds, are great at dog sports and have take-charge personalities.
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker. Pet Connection is produced by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, journalist Kim Campbell Thornton, and dog trainer/behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Pet Connection: Keep birds safe during painting
