Most of us don’t think twice about the harmful chemicals that can threaten our pets’ health and safety until their fur starts falling out.
The most common toxin that pet owners experience as a danger is paint, finish, and other decorative coats that we put on items that surround our animals. Household toxins are a concern for everyone, but they can be especially dangerous for your pets. The added problem is this: unlike humans (well, adult humans, anyway), animals have a tendency to chew on, or lick, any surface available. You may find your cat gnawing on Christmas tree lights, or your dog chewing the fence. Birds tend to bite their cage bars and rodents are infamous for their munching tendencies.
Additionally, pets are usually smaller than people, and they can be more easily hurt by things that we wouldn’t notice. Because we have more body weight, it takes more of a toxin to affect us. Meanwhile, our pets may be suffering from the side effects of toxic materials used to make our house look beautiful.
What’s the Alternative?
Powder coating is common in children’s toys and furniture, because it’s one of the safest coatings that you can have by your baby. Once it’s been cured, it’s free of volatile compounds. It doesn’t chip or crack, so there’s no danger of sharp edges and cracked paint gathering around your child.
The same safety standards are available for your pet. Powder coating can be used for:
- Fences and furniture
- Birdcages
- Railings
- Metal food and water bowls
Dangers of Paint
One study found that a single can of paint can contain 300 toxic chemicals and 150 carcinogens. These toxins can cause damage to the brain, heart, and kidneys. They’ve been known to cause hair loss in pets. They’re especially dangerous while you’re in the process of painting and drying. Even paints that have been formulated with minimal toxins will have some present, since they are dependent on solvents in order to disperse and balance the wet material, so that it can be applied sufficiently. However, the danger isn’t done once it sets and dries. Paint can still produce airborne toxins long after it’s been applied.
Powder coating, on the other hand, is free of solvents, since it’s applied in powder form instead of liquid. Not only is the application process free of environmental pollutants, but the final product is completely stable. Since it doesn’t chip and crack as much as paint, it’s less likely to be a danger, and you can choose powder free of pollutants and harmful metals to ensure that your pets are safe, even if they’re chewing on the banisters.