How Does Paint Affect Pets?
Paint contains toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known carcinogens. They are released into the air as the paint dries. Lead paint is also harmful to animals. These chemicals emit toxic gasses, which can affect pets in adverse ways such as:
Signs of exposure to lead paint include:
Other dangerous products like varnishes and paint removers are harmful to pets too. Even after the painting is finished, it’s best to keep your pets out of harm’s way until the strong odor is nearly eliminated. Keep an eye on your pets. If they become unwell or come down with any of the symptoms mentioned, contact your vet immediately.
Always check the ingredients of the paint before you purchase. Problematic paints for your pets include those containing polyurethane, formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, fungicides, and biocides, all of which are toxic.
Most paints are not branded as being a pet-safe paint; however, by looking at the ingredients, you can make a better decision on which paint to use. Pet owners should choose paint products labeled “No VOC” or low VOC. Also, look for paints that are non-toxic and free from heavy metals. It is also important to do your research because paints that claim to have a VOC-free base might still use a VOC pigment.
Sherwin-Williams Harmony paints are good pet-safe products. They do not contain any VOCs. This brand also improves indoor air quality and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew. That’s why Walla Painting only uses Sherwin Williams paints.
Signs Your Dog is Getting Sick from Paint Smell or Ingestion
When it comes down to it, your dog can definitely smell paint, and dogs, being driven by their sense of smell, will most likely want to get up close and personal with your paint cans in order to properly investigate whats going on.
In a lot of cases, this isnt harmful, but with paint, its a different story. In short, pets and paint dont 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, cant focus, and frankly, looks a little drunk while theyre getting from point A to point B, its probably from the paint fumes. Additionally, your pup might face things like system depression, lethargy, weakness, difficulty breathing, and tremors.
Signs your dog might be affected by paint fumes or paint ingestion include:
Here are a few other signs that the paint youre using is affecting your dog:
Paint is best known as the group of emulsions that consist of pigments in liquid that help with design, protective coatings, and giving your house a splash of much-needed color. But did you know that paint, made up of chemicals and toxins, has had a long, complicated history? Paint, though still not a great thing to smell or ingest, used to be much more dangerous than it is now.
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 well dive into in a moment, which can make them dangerous to inhale and accidentally ingest.
What do I do if my dog or cat eats paint/varnish or inhales paint/varnish fumes?
If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to paint or varnish, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center at 1-800-213-6680 immediately for treatment recommendations.
Never attempt to induce vomiting or administer medications to your pet unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Attempting to induce vomiting may cause paint/varnish to be inhaled into the lungs, resulting in much more serious complications.
Rinsing your pet’s mouth with lukewarm water, encouraging your pet to drink water, or offering a small snack may be helpful to dilute the paint or varnish in the stomach and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Paint/varnish on the skin or fur can be washed off with mild liquid dish soap or carefully trimmed with clippers. Scissors should not be used, because you risk cutting the skin. Never use paint thinners, mineral spirits, or other products on the skin without consulting your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline first. These products can cause severe skin irritation and pain. In most cases, leaving some paint on the fur is preferred to causing further injury.
Paint Fumes Health Effect and Prevention Measures
If you’re going to paint at home, it’s important to know how paint fumes can affect your pets. Even though dogs and cats may be able to move away from a smell they don’t like easily, other pets, such as ferrets and guinea pigs, are contained to where you leave them.