Do you have a feathered buddy for a pet? Polly may be small, but she has a huge personality, and can take up a huge amount of space in your heart. One thing that is very important to your pet’s health and well-being is making sure that your home is safe for her. A local Wichita, KS vet lists some key dangers for birds in this article.

Fans

Fans are one of the biggest dangers to our feathered pals. Polly could get seriously hurt if she flies into a fan!

Windows/Mirrors

Birds don’t always recognize windows and mirrors as solid surfaces, and sometimes fly into them. Window coverings and even decorations, such as suncatchers, can help with this. Just choose things that Polly can’t get entangled in.

Chemicals/Medication

There’s a pretty long list of things that birds are allergic to. Household cleaners, automotive products, pesticides, fungicides, bug spray, and rodenticides are just a few of them. Medicines, both prescription and OTC, are also unsafe. Keep these things in locked cupboards Polly can’t reach!

Appliances

Keep appliances shut when they aren’t in use. Toilets, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers are all hazardous to your cute pet!

Fumes

Birds have very sensitive lungs. Your winged buddy could get very sick from breathing fumes, even ones that are safe for us. Cigarette smoke, perfume, aerosols, scented candles, air fresheners, paint, turpentine, and pretty much anything else that gives off strong smells or vapors is dangerous to pets. Even cooking fumes are hazardous. Many types of modern cookware emits fumes that are harmless to us, but toxic to birds.

Kitchens

It isn’t a bad idea to make the entire kitchen a no-go zone for Polly, especially when you are cooking. Fumes aren’t the only potential hazard. Your colorful little pet could also get hurt on a sharp knife, or scald herself on a burner. Pots of hot food or liquid are also a concern, as are filled sinks.

Small/Sharp Objects

Birds are very playful and curious, and love to investigate things. This can be a dangerous habit! Anything small or sharp is a safety hazard. This includes things like tacks, buttons, coins, safety pins, and fishing lures.

Fire

Fireplaces and candles are also dangerous. Don’t let your feathered pal out around open flames!

As your Wichita, KS vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care. Please contact us anytime!