Dust Mask Use

[designer chins]

I never wore a mask until Holly F. got so sick. That scared me into wearing one when I clean and dust. I hate wearing one, but as Dan says: "Its better than coughing up blood."

 

[Jenn]

I don't wear a mask and never thought to...I only have one chin who makes minimal mess compared to one who owns several. Are people wearing masks because of sensitivity, or is there potential harm to ourselves from exposure? And for the people who wear masks when they are sick and have to be around their chin(s), are our chins really at risk for catching what we have? And moreso than our dog or cat? I've never been sick (knock on wood) since owning my chin, so it hasn't been an issue, but I know I've never thought about a mask around my dog or cat when I am sick...just curious!

 

[nicky]

The only time I wear a mask around the chins is when I'm sick. And if there's anyone elae around that can check on them and feed them (which there pretty much always is) I don't even go in their room sick.

 

[Dust Fly]

I've never worn one around my chinchilla. The only time I wore one was when I was in my introduction to jewelry making class.

 

[Sendra]

Never wore one before tonight. I bought some a few days ago because I saw this thread and tried them out during her bath time tonight. Sure, it fogged up my glasses, but I didn't even have ONE sneeze afterward! It's a miracle! I'm going to be using these when I clean her cage as well.

 

[Essentia]

I have thought about it several time, though I haven't done it. Not sure if it's worth it to breath if I can't give them kisses!

 

[Sesame]

My boyfriend and I wear masks when cleaning the cage. We also wear gloves too (hate getting those itty bitty pieces of grit stuck under your fingernails).

When it's dust bath time, we probably should wear masks, but we usually just drop the house in and watch from afar. Then we just take out the house when the dust settles a bit. Then the vacuum cleaning frenzy ensures.

 

[Barracuda]

My wife wears one when cleaning the cage but I never do. I probably should since I do all the cage cleaning now since my wife is pregnant.

 

[warmice]

I'm shock to see the percentage! I thought many out there use them too. I wear mask at times while cleaning the cage! My nose is just too sensitive to their fur! But i love them to bits anyway! =))

 

[chinnychinchinchilla]

never even thought about it! learn something new everyday...

 

[proudmom25]

I should wear one during cleaning and dusting but with summer here I find it too hot and sticky to wear one. My lungs sure pay for it afterwards though.

 

[GorillaJTA]

I am forced to wear a mask at work all the time, and I hate it, so I do not wear it at home. I grew up on a farm, so there is little in the cages that I have not already been exposed to.