PLEASE do not leave dog hair in the forest or place it in gardens! Dispose of it in the trash!
What may seem completely harmless can actually be deadly for birds: more and more often, clumps of brushed dog hair are being found in forests. I also often read that people leave it in their gardens.
As early as late January or early February (depending on weather conditions), some bird species begin building their nests and gladly use such hair as nesting material. At the same time, many dogs and cats are treated against ticks – with spot-on products or collars. Residues of these substances in the fur can be toxic to baby birds and may lead to death.
Another risk: longer strands of hair can wrap around small chicks, constrict their legs, or in the worst case, cause suffocation.
So PLEASE:
– brush your pets at home and dispose of the fur in the trash;
– always collect and remove brushed fur if it is left outdoors!
This way, you can actively help protect our native bird population.
If your garden is more natural, birds will also find plenty of safe materials for nesting. And you’ll be helping hedgehogs too. 🐦🦔💚
