Humidifiers can be a great way to add moisture to the air, especially during the winter months when the air is dry. Our pets need a certain level of humidity to be comfortable. Too low and they’ll suffer in various ways, too high can impact their health, making them sick or even cause viruses.
But if you have pets, you might be wondering if humidifiers are safe for your dog, cat, bird, or rat.
Contents
Can Pets Be Around Humidifiers?
Generally, humidifiers are safe for most pets. However, When it comes to health and safety, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Humidity Level
According to the Mayo Clinic, humidity levels should be maintained at 30%-50% in the home. Most domestic animals will be happy with this level of humidity.
Short-Nose Dog And Cats Breeds
Dogs with short noses are more sensitive to humidity because they have less space in their nasal cavities for air to circulate. This means that they are more likely to experience symptoms like runny noses and congestion when the air is humid. Humidity can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions like allergies and asthma.
If your pet has a short nose, it’s important to take extra care to keep their environment clean and free of irritants. You may also want to consider using a humidifier in your home to help them stay comfortable.
Birds
Birds can be particularly sensitive to humidity. There are a few reasons why birds are more sensitive to humidity than other animals.
First, their bodies are covered in feathers, which can absorb moisture from the air. This can make them feel cold and wet, even when the air around them is relatively dry.
Additionally, birds have a higher surface-to-volume ratio than other animals, which means that they lose heat more quickly. This can be a problem in humid environments, where the air is already warm and moist.
Finally, birds typically have a higher metabolic rate than other animals, which means that they require more oxygen to breathe. This can be difficult in humid environments, where the air is already saturated with water vapor.
For bird species that have evolved from areas with higher humidity, such as parrots, a humidity level of 55% is satisfactory.
Rats
If you keep pet rats, the best humidity level for them is 30 to 70%, according to the Avian and Exotic Animal Care Veterinary Hospital.
Noise
Audible Noise And Your Pet
You may be wondering if the noise level of humidifiers can hurt your dog or cat’s ears.
While it is unlikely that the audible noise level of humidifiers will cause any damage to your pet’s ears, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you are concerned about the noise level of your humidifier, you can try placing the device on a lower setting or in another room. You should also make sure that your pet has access to a quiet area where he or she can retreat if needed.
Inaudible Noise And Your Pet
While the high-pitched whine of a humidifier may be annoying to humans, it could be causing your dog serious pain. Dogs have much sharper hearing than we do, and that means that sounds that are barely noticeable to us can be incredibly loud and jarring to them.
If you notice your dog trying to get away from the humidifier or appearing agitated when it’s on, it’s best to turn it off and find another way to keep your home moist. Dogs’ hearing is so sensitive that even short-term exposure to loud noises can cause permanent damage, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
If you’re not sure whether the noise from your humidifier is bothering your dog, try turning it off for a day and see how your pet reacts. If they seem more relaxed and comfortable without it, then it’s probably best to find a different way to keep your home humid.
There are many other options available that won’t put your dog’s hearing at risk. Try an ultrasonic humidifier, which uses sound waves instead of a fan to generate mist. Or, look for a model that has adjustable settings so you can turn down the volume if necessary.
Whatever type of humidifier you choose, make sure to keep an eye on your dog to ensure that it isn’t causing them any distress.
Essential Oils
You may be surprised to learn that although essential oils are most toxic when taken in their concentrated form, they can still pose a health risk for our furry friends when in the form of steam or water droplets.
This is especially true if your pet has sensitive respiratory tracts or problems with breathing due to illness like asthma; birds also have extremely delicate airways which means any chemical entered into the body will cause serious issues.
Using essential oils in your humidifier around your pets is a no-no.
Position
If your dog or cat comes across this strange machine emitting steam and a low hum, of course, they’ll need to investigate it. That’s part of their job description.
While most humidifiers are designed to be stable, cats are known for their climbing and acrobatic abilities. One of the main safety concerns to keep in mind when using a humidifier around your pet cat is the risk of him or her tipping it over.
It’s a good idea to have a supervised introduction to the new humidifier. Observe your pet’s reaction and if they seem really curious, you can hold them closer to investigate, but don’t let them loose on it. Once they decide that it’s not a threat and even boring, you can be fairly assured that they won’t play with it, but it’s still advisable to place it where they can’t get at it.
If a humidifier is tipped over, it can create a serious safety hazard for your pet.
- If they come into contact with the unfiltered water, they may drink it and the bacteria in the liquid may cause discomfort or health problems. And in the case of a cat, even if they don’t drink but merely walk through it, they will clean their paws pretty soon after that.
- The other possibility is that, depending on the humidifier, your beloved dog or cat may scald or burn themselves, which would be truly awful.
Cleaning
Finally, it’s important to make sure that your humidifier is always clean. If it isn’t, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. This could lead to your pet becoming sick or harming their respiratory system if he or she breathes in the contaminated air.
By taking these safety precautions into account, you can help ensure that your pets stay safe and healthy when you’re using a humidifier in your home.
How To Know If You Need A Humidifier For Your Pet
If your pet is showing any signs of discomfort or distress and you can’t relieve them, take him or her to the Vet. It may be a medical problem and may have nothing to do with the level of humidity.
Discuss your pet’s symptoms with your Vet. If humidity is a contributing factor to your pet’s current state, you could ask for advice about a humidifier.
Before you purchase a humidifier, speak with your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if a humidifier is right for your pet and provide you with guidance on how to use it safely.
If your pet is showing any of the following signs, it may be time to invest in a humidifier:
- Keep an eye on your pet’s drinking water. If the air is too dry, your pet might start to drink more water than usual to compensate.
- Snoring or difficulty breathing. If your pet is having trouble taking in enough air, this could be a sign that the air in your home is too dry. A humidifier will help to moisten the air and make it easier for your pet to breathe.
- Coughing or wheezing. A dry cough or wheezing sound can also be a sign of dehydration due to dry air. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier will help to ease these symptoms.
- Itchy skin or hot spots. If your pet is scratching more than usual, it could be a sign that their skin is dry and irritated. A humidifier will help to add moisture to the air, which will in turn help to soothe your pet’s skin.
- Cracked paw pads. If you notice that your pet’s paw pads are starting to crack or bleed, it could be a sign that the air in your home is too dry. A humidifier will help to add moisture to the air and alleviate this problem.
- Static electricity. If you notice that your pet’s fur is standing on end or they are getting shocks from static electricity, this is another sign that the air in your home is too dry. A humidifier will help to add moisture to the air and reduce static electricity.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it may be time to invest in a humidifier. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier can help to ease your pet’s symptoms and make them more comfortable.
Best Humidifier For Pets
- Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Mist Humidifier
- Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- Dyson AM10 Humidifier
The Honeywell HCM-350 Cool Mist Humidifier is a great choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their home. This humidifier features an evaporative system that quietly adds moisture to the air, helping to reduce static electricity and decrease the drying effects of central heating and air conditioning.
Additionally, the HCM-350 can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as congestion, sinus pressure, and coughing.
It also features a built-in humidistat that automatically turns the unit on and off to maintain your desired level of humidity, making it a low-maintenance option for keeping your home, your pets and your plants comfortable all year round.
Some Amazon customers have left reviews to say that their pets are very happy with this humidifier. One owner says that her cat keeps jumping on it, but hasn't managed to knock it over yet. Sounds like that cat is on a mission! It goes without saying that any humidifier should be kept out of your pets' reach.
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The Crane EE-5301 ultrasonic humidifier is a great choice if you’re looking for a humidifier that’s quiet and easy to use.
It has a tank that can hold up to 1 gallon of water, which means that it can run for extended periods of time without needing to be refilled.
I note that a few Amazon customers have left favorable reviews about how their pets benefit from this humidifier. They also point out that you need to keep the device out of reach of your curious or active pets, but I think seasoned pet owners, especially cat owners would do this automatically...
And it also comes with a built-in timer, so you can set it to run for a specific amount of time. And it comes in a choice of colors!
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This space-age humidifier is definitely the luxury choice. I love that it delivers almost bacteria-free air and it has a high-velocity air to cool you in summer, plus a sleep timer.
It features a unique bladeless design that makes it quieter than other units, and it has a large tank capacity of 3.5 gallons.
The Dyson AM10 Humidifier is a great choice for anyone looking for an effective and stylish way to improve the air quality in their home. This humidifier features advanced technology that makes it easy to use, while also providing powerful performance.
The Dyson AM10 is able to quickly and evenly distribute moisture throughout a room, making it an ideal choice for large spaces.
Additionally, the unit's automatic shut-off feature ensures that it will never overhumidify your home. With its sleek design, the Dyson AM10 Humidifier is sure to complement any décor.
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How To Increase Humidity In The House Without A Humidifier
So, you’ve confirmed with your veterinarian that your furry friend needs a higher level of humidity, but you’d prefer not to buy or use a humidifier. Here are some ways to increase the humidity level without a humidifier:
Use Bowls Of Water
Place a few bowls of water around the room or in front of vents to help increase humidity levels. The water will evaporate and help to add moisture to the air. This is a simple and effective way to increase the humidity in your home without using a humidifier.
Hang Wet Towels
Hanging wet towels inside your home is a great way to increase the humidity levels without having to use a humidifier. When the towels dry, they release moisture into the air, which can help to keep the air feeling moist and comfortable. This is especially beneficial during the winter months when the air tends to be much drier. Just make sure that you hang the towels in a well-ventilated area so that they can dry properly and not create any mildew or mold problems.
Dry Your Clothes Inside
Drying clothes inside after washing them can increase humidity in the house without a humidifier. This is because the clothes will release moisture into the air as they dry. If there is not enough ventilation in the room, the moisture will build up and cause the air to feel more humid.
Get Some Houseplants
Plants release water vapor into the air as part of their natural process, so having some potted plants in your home can help to improve the humidity levels.
Watering your houseplants is a great way to increase humidity in your home without using a humidifier. When you water your plants, the water evaporates into the air and increases the humidity levels in your home. This is especially beneficial in the winter when indoor air can be very dry. Houseplants also help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and toxins. So not only will watering your plants help increase humidity levels, but it will also help improve the air quality in your home.
Of course, when choosing your indoor plants, make sure they are not toxic to your pets.
Boil Some Water
If you want to increase the humidity in your home without using a humidifier, one option is to boil water. Doing this releases water vapor into the air, which can help to raise the overall humidity level in your home.
- You can boil some water on the stovetop to release some moisture, but it needs to be supervised.
- Or, you can place a bowl of water near a heat source, such as a radiator, to help evaporate the water and add moisture to the air. Just be sure to keep an eye on the water levels so that the bowl doesn’t dry out and need to be refilled.
- If you have a fireplace, you can also use it to help increase the humidity in your home. Simply build a fire and let it burn for a while. Place a pot or two of water on top of the fireplace grate so that it will evaporate and release moisture into the air. Keep an eye on the water level so that the pot doesn’t run dry.
Take A Shower
Running a hot shower can also help increase humidity in the air. You’re probably going to take a shower anyway, so close the bathroom window and leave the door open to let the steam escape into the house.
Put Out Bowls Of Fruit
Here’s an unexpected way to increase the humidity without using a humidifier. Put out bowls of fruit. The water in the fruit will evaporate, increasing the humidity in the air.
Keep The Windows Closed
Keeping the windows closed can help to trap moisture in the room and prevent it from escaping.
Once you start increasing the level of humidity, be sure to keep an eye on the level so that it does not get too high because this can lead to problems such as mold and mildew.
Conclusion
As long as you take a few precautions, humidifiers can be safe and helpful for everyone in your household – people and pets included!
