Introduction
So, how can you keep your pet safe from paint when they can't get enough of the smell? How can you make sure that your paint situation is safe for your pooch? Read on to find out!
Signs Your Dog is Getting Sick from Paint Smell or Ingestion
In a lot of cases, this isn't harmful, but with paint, it's a different story. In short, pets and paint don't mix, especially when it comes to the fumes and potential for accidental ingestion. Your pup is far more sensitive to the fumes than you realize, and if your doggo is having trouble with the paint, you need to be aware.
Look for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination. If your pet is unable to walk normally, can't focus, and frankly, looks a little drunk while they're getting from point A to point B, it's probably from the paint fumes. Additionally, your pup might face things like system depression, lethargy, weakness, difficulty breathing, and tremors.
Body Language
- Shaking
- Cowering
- Panting
- Weakness
- Tail tucking
- Pupils dilated
- Whale eye
- Sleepiness
Other Signs
- Vomiting
- Drunk walking
- Confusion
- Incoordination
- Diarrhea
The History of Paint
Initially paint pigments were made with lead, a type of paint that is illegal to use now because of numerous case of paint chips (which were eaten by children) causing mental retardation, death, and other ailments. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead in consumer paint in 1978, making paint much safer. Still, paints contain VCOs, something we'll dive into in a moment, which can make them dangerous to inhale and accidentally ingest.
The Science of Paint Being Bad for Dogs
Paint contains chemicals called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, and they are released into the air as you paint. These VOCs are dangerous because they are known carcinogens, which have been linked to cancer. Another reason these VOCs are dangerous is because they contain other chemicals like benzene, methylene chloride, and more.
Training Your Dog to Leave Paint Be
For example, never leave paint trays or open cans of paint laying around. Your dog, who can definitely smell the paint, will be attracted to the strong smell and likely will want to sniff, lick, and inhale the paint. Additionally, during the painting process, make sure your dog is either outside or in a different, ventilated room and cannot access the paint.
Both ingesting the paint and smelling the fumes can be very dangerous for your dog, so keeping them away from your paint project is going to be vital. That being said, make sure you've trained your dog to feel comfortable in their crate or in their special room so they don't take on any destructive behaviors while you have them secured away during your project. Additionally, you must make sure you have windows and doors open while you're painting in order to keep your dog away from the harmful fumes.
Safety Tips for Pets Around Paint:
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Leave your dog outside while you paint.
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Look for dog-friendly paint options that won't hurt your pup if digested by accident.
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talk about precautions with your vet.
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keep your dog outside or in their crate while your paint is drying.
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Make sure you open and windows and doors while you paint to fan the fumes out.
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!do not allow your dog to smell the paint.