Any pet owner will know that it’s practically impossible to prevent dogs and cats from shedding – but it’s crucial to ensure that minimal pet hair ends up outside.
Loose pet hair might seem like a harmless material when it comes to wildlife, and some birds will use it to line their nests. However, it can be dangerous for a number of reasons.
‘Soft dog hair can be used to line nests; however, if the hair is long or has a high tensile strength, it can become entangled around birds and cause injuries,’ explains Dr. Pilar Fish, Senior Director of Zoological Advancement and Avian Medicine at the National Aviary in Pennsylvania.
‘Plus, if dogs are treated with topical flea and tick products, their hair can pose a potential problem if ingested by fragile birds and chicks.’
Dr. Pilar Fish serves as the Senior Director of Zoological Advancement and Avian Medicine at the National Aviary. She has 21 years of experience leading the National Aviary’s veterinary department and advancing avian medicine on a global level. Dr. Fish has taught hundreds of interns over the years and collaborated with zoos and rehabilitation centers around the world, sharing her expertise and cutting-edge advancements in avian medicine.