Many of us keep common cleaning and disinfectant products in our homes that are not safe for our pets– and really not all that safe for us either. We at PawFriction care about keeping pets safe and improving their quality of life, so we want to empower pet owners with the knowledge that can save their pet’s life.
The following are some dangerous household items to avoid using in your home to keep your dogs.
1. Ammonia
Ammonia is often used in de-greasers for kitchen appliances such as ovens, stoves, glass, and stainless steel. The vapors from ammonia burn mucous membranes and can agitate asthma symptoms. When ammonia is mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas which is particularly deadly to small pets.
2. Formaldehyde
The first thing that comes to mind in relation to formaldehyde is a funeral home and perhaps the familiar pungent stench from dissection in 9th-grade science class. But it’s also used in certain soaps and event some pet shampoos. This makes these products carcinogenic and can contribute to asthma.
3. Chlorine
Chlorine is in many household disinfectants such as toilet bowl cleaners and dish detergents. It’s even used to bleach coffee filters. But perhaps the most likely encounter your dog would have with chlorine is in swimming pools–– so be careful about letting your pet swim in the pool. Chlorine can cause dizziness, vomiting, and laryngeal edema.
4. Glycol Ethers
Many glass cleaners (like Windex), carpet cleaners, and spot removers contain glycol ethes–– which is toxic to pets. Glycol ethers has been linked to lung issues, kidney issues, and anemia in both pets and people. Try to especially avoid using carpet cleaners and spot cleaners that have glycol ethers or to at least take measures to protect your pet from walking on spots containing the cleaner.
5. Floor Cleaners
Floor cleaners like Pine-Sol and Mr. Clean can leave toxic residue and also have strong dangerous vapors that linger. We recommend non-toxic pet-safe cleaners, such as Eco-Me Natural Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner.
6. Bathroom Cleaners
Certain bathroom cleaners are toxic–– like Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. This can be dangerous for dogs who like to drink out of the toilet. Use an alternative product like Ecover Bathroom Cleaner.
7. All-Purpose Cleaners
We all love all-purpose cleaners, but some of the common ones are pretty toxic–– like Formula 409 and Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray. The sprays have fumes and residues that can linger. We recommend alternatives such as Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner.
8. Drain Openers
Just because this product is poured down the drain doesn’t mean it can’t be harmful to you or your pet. Those toxic drain openers can give off dangerous vapors that linger in your drain long after you’ve used them. We recommend a non-toxic option like Earth Friendly Enzymes Drain Opener.
Conclusion
The truth is that a lot of what we commonly use to clean and disinfect at home can be dangerous to our pets. Be sure to do your research if you have any doubts about the safety of the products you use.
Have questions or need solutions to keeping your dog’s paws safe, reach out to PawFriction.