How to safely incorporate painting into your home while protecting your pets
Many conventional paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to pets. VOCs can cause respiratory issues, nausea, or dizziness, especially in small animals like birds and rodents.
This is why we recommend pet-safe paints. There are now eco-friendly, low-VOC, or no-VOC paints that are specifically marketed as pet-safe. These are often water-based, free from harmful chemicals, and ideal for homes with pets.
Some pet owners opt for all-natural paints made from ingredients like clay, milk, or plant oils. These paints offer a chemical-free option that’s both eco-friendly and safe for animals.
Lead Paint Risks
While most homes no longer use lead-based paints, older homes may still have remnants. Lead poisoning from old paint chips or dust can severely affect pets, leading to health issues like kidney damage or neurological problems. If you suspect your home may have lead paint, especially if it was built before 1970 (lead-based paint was commonly used in Australia until the mid-1970s), here are some ways to identify it:
1. Check the Age of Your Home
Lead paint was most common in homes built before the mid-1970s. In Australia, homes built before 1970 are more likely to contain lead-based paint, especially in older layers under newer coats.
2. Lead Test Kits
Lead test kits are widely available at hardware stores or online. They usually involve swabbing a painted surface and checking for a colour change that indicates the presence of lead. These kits can be useful for a quick check, but their accuracy can vary.
3. Professional Lead Inspection
Hiring a professional lead inspection service is one of the most reliable methods. They can use more advanced tools, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) devices, to detect lead in paint without damaging the surface. Professionals can also provide comprehensive reports on the level of contamination and suggest safe removal methods.
4. Visual Signs
Lead paint can chip and deteriorate over time, which may leave behind signs like:
Cracking and Peeling: Lead paint tends to crack in a characteristic “alligator” pattern.
Chalky Dust: Older lead paint can produce a chalky white dust when it begins to break down. This dust is hazardous and should be cleaned up carefully.
5. Laboratory Testing
For absolute certainty, you can send a paint sample to a certified laboratory for testing. They will analyse the paint for lead content, providing the most accurate results.
6. Local History or Building Records
Check with local building authorities or historical records to find out if lead-based paint was likely used during the construction period of your home.
If lead paint is found, it’s important to take precautions, especially in areas where pets and children are present, as they are more susceptible to lead poisoning.
Drying Time is Critical
Pets should be kept away from freshly painted areas until the paint is fully dry. Wet paint can stick to their fur or paws, leading to ingestion if they groom themselves, and can also cause skin irritation. Drying time is a crucial aspect when it comes to pets and paint. While paint may seem dry to the touch in just a few hours, it can take several days to fully cure depending on the type of paint and the environment. During this time, it's important to keep pets away from freshly painted areas for a few reasons:
If pets encounter wet or tacky paint, it can stick to their fur, paws, or skin. This not only creates a mess but can also lead to health risks.
Pets, especially cats and dogs, groom themselves by licking their fur or paws. If they come into contact with wet paint and ingest it, they could be exposed to harmful chemicals. Even small amounts of certain paints can cause issues like:
Gastrointestinal distress: Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Respiratory problems: If inhaled during grooming, pets may experience breathing difficulties.
Liver or kidney damage: Prolonged exposure to or ingestion of toxic substances in paints, such as solvents or heavy metals, can affect the liver and kidneys.
Even paints labelled as low-VOC can still contain chemicals that are harmful when ingested. Some paints may contain ingredients like ethylene glycol, lead (in older paints), or polyurethane, which can cause toxic reactions in animals.
After painting, pets may be curious about leftover supplies. Ensure that brushes, rollers, and any paint containers are cleaned up and stored away to prevent accidental ingestion.
How to tell if your pet has ingested paint - symptoms to watch for:
If a pet has ingested paint, some symptoms to monitor include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and abnormal breathing patterns. In severe cases, it may lead to neurological symptoms, such as tremors or seizures, requiring immediate veterinary care.
For added safety, it's always best to wait until the paint has fully dried and cured before allowing pets back into a freshly painted area, ensuring their exposure to harmful substances is minimised.
Strong paint odours can be overwhelming for pets, especially those with sensitive respiratory systems, like cats and birds. Proper ventilation is important when painting near pets.
For the best advice about which paint to use if you have pets, come down and see the friendly team at your local Paint Place store.
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