Summer Care for Birds

It’s finally warming up! Typically, at this time of year, you’ll see a lot of articles about keeping your dog and cat cool and comfy in the heat. But what about Polly? Soaring temperatures can be just as uncomfortable and dangerous for birds as they are for Fluffy and Fido! In this article from Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, a local  veterinarian discusses summer care for birds below.

Provide Shade

Don’t put your pet’s bird cage in direct sunlight. If you have an aviary for her to enjoy outdoors, make sure that it provides ample shade.

Offer A Birdbath

Polly can’t exactly pour herself a glass of cold water to drink or decide to go for an ice cream. However, if you give her a birdbath, she will always have the option of cooling down by splashing around.

Keep Polly Hydrated

Keeping your colorful feathered buddy properly hydrated is extremely important! Refresh Polly’s bowl a few times a day.

Don’t Let Your Pet Get Chubby

This one applies to all pets, really. Animals overheat much more quickly if they’re overweight. If your feathered buddy is starting to look kind of round, she may need to trim down. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Be Careful With Fans

Fans are always a hazard to birds. This is something you’ll need to be extra careful with when it’s hot out. If you use fans, choose one that’s encased, and don’t point it at the birdcage. Also, make sure it’s been turned off before you let Polly out of her cage.

Watch For Overheating

Overheating is just as dangerous for Polly as it is for other pets. Keep a close eye out for warning signs that your feathered pal is too hot. Some of these include unusual behavior or vocalizations, panting, sitting on the floor of the cage, and holding wings up and away from the body. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any red flags.

Misting

Misting is another way to cool Polly off if she gets too hot. Just keep your winged pal’s opinion in mind. Some birds really enjoy being spritzed with water. Others? Not so much. Get an automated mister and point it in front of your colorful pet, so that she can choose whether to walk into the spray or not.

Please contact Arapahoe Animal Hospital, your Boulder, CO vet clinic, serving Louisville and surrounding areas, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!