PLEASE do not leave dog or cat fur in the forest, and do not put it out in gardens! Dispose of it in the trash.
What may seem completely harmless can actually be deadly for birds: tufts of brushed-out dog fur are appearing more and more frequently in forests. I also often read recommendations to leave pet fur out in gardens.
As early as late January or early February (depending on weather conditions), some bird species begin building their nests and readily use such fur as nesting material. At the same time, many dogs and cats are already protected against ticks with spot-on treatments or collars. Residues of these products left in the fur can be toxic to nestlings and may even cause their death.
There is another risk as well: long strands of dog fur can become tangled around small chicks, constrict their legs, or, in the worst cases, cause suffocation.
Therefore, PLEASE:
- Brush your dogs at home whenever possible and dispose of the fur in the trash.
- If you brush your dog outdoors, always collect and remove the fur afterward.
By doing so, you can actively help protect our local bird populations! If you keep your garden as natural as possible, birds will be able to find plenty of safe, natural nesting materials on their own. And you’ll be doing hedgehogs a favor, too. 🦔🐦
