Pet parents tend to have numerous questions both big and small about caring for their pets. Sometimes our pet concerns can't always wait, so if your vet's office is closed for the day, the VetHelpline® can help answer those questions. The VetHelpline is staffed by experienced veterinary experts and it's available 24/7 to Nationwide pet insurance's members.
We’re planning on painting a room in our house using zero VOC paint that advertises no toxic fumes. Is it safe for our parrot, Jerry, to stay in the room while we paint?
VetHelpline advice:
Even if something is labeled "Zero VOC" there can still be small trace amounts in the paint. With any painting, it's safest to have the pet out of the room that is being painted, and in a well-ventilated area if possible (or out of home if doing the whole home) until the paint is fully dry. Make sure to have proper ventilation during painting even with low/no VOC paint to reduce risk of health concerns.
My cat Charlemagne is staying with friends in a colder climate. It’s snowing there, and they want to take him outside to experience it for the first time. However, it’s 19°F-degrees out there—is that too cold for a So Cal kitty?
VetHelpline advice:
We advise that Charlemagne be outside for no more than 5 minutes—perhaps even less. Watch closely for signs that he wants to or should come back inside, including sitting on your feet, stretching up with his front legs to be picked up, shivering or repeatedly trying to shake snow off his feet. Watch him carefully, as certain body parts with less fur, including the ears and toes in cats, are very sensitive and prone to frost bite.
We got a new rabbit yesterday named Baby. When we introduced her to our other rabbit, Gumbo, he nipped at her. I separated the two for now—how do I introduce them safely and start the bonding process?
VetHelpline advice:
Congratulations on your new addition to the family! Bringing a new pet into the home can be stressful for both your new pet and your current pet, so it’s best to go slowly.
We recommend starting by keeping Baby in a separate room or area of the house; this way Gumbo does not feel defensive or overprotective of his space. Then, you can take some of Baby's toys or blankets and move them into an area that Gumbo roams and move some of Gumbo's things into Baby's space. This gives them the opportunity to become familiar with each other’s scent.
After a couple days, you can let them see each other with a pen or other barrier between them. This way they can see each other face to face but cannot physically touch each other. If this goes well, then you can re-introduce them in a neutral area (no toys or other items Gumbo would be protective over). Bonding time for rabbits varies from a few days to a few months.
Pets’ names have been changed. VetHelpline is not a substitute for a visit to your primary veterinarian.