Animal Health (General)

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From the Charleston Post and Courier

http://www.charleston.net/stories/?newsID=58489§ion=petc

Safety campaign for pet bird owners

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, in conjunction with the Association of Avian Veterinarians, has endorsed a brochure titled "Breathing Easy: Safeguarding Your Pet Bird From Dangers in the Kitchen."

This educational pamphlet is sponsored by DuPont and the Cookware Manufacturers Association and includes safety tips by Dr. Karen Rosenthal, director of special species medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

"The kitchen is just one of many places in the household that could pose danger to pet birds," says Dana Farbman, CVT, spokeswoman for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "Our center is very excited about this new brochure, as it can help bird owners safeguard their feathered companions from common household hazards."

Birds are extremely sensitive to inhalant fumes, and it is important for bird owners to be aware that any type of cookware can be harmful to a pet bird if left unattended and allowed to overheat.

Many bird enthusiasts are familiar with the hazards that overheated nonstick cookware can pose, but may not know that other cookware preheated with oil, fats, margarine or butter also could emit dangerous fumes if allowed to overheat.

"It's crucial that bird owners always keep their birds out of the kitchen while cooking," advises Farbman. "Cookware should never be left unattended or preheated on high heat, and steps should be taken to make sure that the kitchen is properly ventilated."

Cooking fumes, smokes and odors that have little or no effect on people can seriously sicken birds, often quite quickly. Birds also are highly sensitive to a variety of other common household fumes such as: aerosol sprays, perfumes, potpourri, scented candles, tobacco smoke, pesticide sprays, glue, paints, self-cleaning ovens and cooking gas.

Send your pet-related information to Petc., The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, SC 29403, or e-mail it to petc@postandcourier.com.