Cage

Can an extremely dirty bird cage in the house cause respiratory problems in dogs?

My room mate has not cleaned her bird cage in months. Now two of the dogs are coughing and sneezing. Could this be the problem?

Public Comments

1. And in people also
2. Ew.
3. Yes, could cause illnesses in people, too. Unsanitary conditions are not good for any species.
4. Indeed, and you should count yourself lucky that you aren't sick from it (yet). That is just nuts to let a bird cage go that long. I know it isn't your responsibility, but can you clean it anyway? I can't imagine what it must smell like. Good luck!
5. Yes, get it clean quick, I heard the dry droppings create a dust which causes difficulty breathing etc.
6. Yes, a dirty bird cage is bad for other animals in the vicinity, bad for humans, and bad for your roommate's bird!! Tell her to clean that cage pronto or she can pay your vet and doctor bills. Good grief!! : o
7. I should think so - it can cause it in people
8. Coughing and sneezing in your dogs may or may not be related to the birds. Birds have a lot of high allergen dander and their feces can spread and culture a lot of bacteria. I know that humans can be both highly allergic and get pseudomonis respiratory infections...I don't know why dogs wouldn't have the same problems. However, a dogs can have other allergies and are highly susceptible to "kennel cough". I would recommend calling your local vet for advice. Cleaning the bird cage, for the bird's benefit and yours, is defintely recommended. Also, vacuuming, dusting and airing out the house will help eliminate some of the allergens and dander.
9. Yes! I agree with the other posters. AND I would recommend advising your room-mate to give the bird to someone who will properly care for it! Poor thing... I line my birds' cages with newspaper & change it daily, as well as cleaning the food & water dishes on a dail basis. Once a week the cages, toys, perches, & dishes all get scrubbed down with hot soapy water. Good luck to you, the dogs & the poor, poor bird.
10. Yes. There is a specific disease associated with bird dust, although it is most common with cockatoos and African Greys and birds that have a fine white powder. Don't know what your roommate's bird is, but if it's one llike that, not ceaning the cage would only add to the problem. I'm sure you like your roommate other that and don't want to cause problems, but the bird shouldn't live in those conditions either. It's literally a crime, albeit a misdemeaner. If the ASPCA finds out, your roommate will at the very least be warned. It is unlikely that there will be any fine assiciated, because they don't usually go to court on something like a simple neglect case where the animal has enough food and clean water and is otherwise in good apparent health. I suggesst you get a one-time visitor in the house, repairan, computer guy, cousin's boyfriend...just someone you have no connection to and will never see again. A few days afte the visit, call the ASPCA and report the cage. They will come out and want to see it. They will give your roommate a few days to clean it up and may come back out to check, but they will say they can come out at any time and check. Don't hesitate to give your name to the humane society when you call. They cannot disclose the scource of their information or their informant. If you hae lots of people coming in and out of the house all the time, just call. But don't ever say you are going to do it. Just do it. It would be an encouragement to keep the cage clean alll the time. That said, there may be other reasons for your dogs' respiratory problems.
11. That is a possibility. You may want to ask your roommate to clean it.
12. ew....that may or may not be the problem in your dog, but if two have been sneezing it has to be something there. get that bird cage cleaned not just for their health yours too. that's not a good living condection in my books tell the roommate that she/he needs to keep that bird cage clean at least once a week. the birds health is also in danger, if they can't take care of their own pet they need to find it a new home, this is for everyones safty.