26 East Baltimore Street
P.O. Box 669
Funkstown, Maryland 21734
301.733.7579


 

What's Toxic to our Exotic Pets?

• Teflon - Highly Toxic to Birds, Teflon when heated releases a toxic gas that can effect a birds sensitive respiratory system and lead to death. 
• Avocados - Although avocados are known to be toxic to many species of animals, birds are the most sensitive to their toxic effects. Although experts are still not sure of the exact mechanics of its effects on birds, it is thought that all parts of the avocado (stems, leaves, skin and fruit) are toxic. The symptoms can include depression, lethargy and labored breathing, seizures and death.
• Lead and Zinc - As with dogs and cats heavy metals are also highly toxic to birds.  Lead based paint in older buildings is a key way that birds ingest such toxic metals.
• Cedar and Pine Chips - Despite the odor absorption abilities of both cedar and pine chips they should never be used as bedding for any of the common pocket pets.  Hamsters, Gerbils, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and others can have serious respiratory complications and liver changes if cedar or pine chips are used.
•  Aerosol Sprays - Birds have highly sensitive respiratory systems.  Items such as insect repellents, spray paint, and furniture stain repellents can be vary harmful to your pet.
• Poisonous plants - Plants such as Azaleas, Holly, English Ivy and bulb plants if ingested can be highly toxic.
• Household chemicals - Just as with cats and dogs, house-hold cleaners, antifreeze, certain perfumes, mothballs, weed killers etc. can be potentially fatal to birds and other exotic pets.

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