Keeping your home clean is important (especially when you have a furry pet), but did you ever think about how dogs react to common cleaning products? Unfortunately, some of them can be extremely dangerous to your puppy’s health. Here are some of the most common offenders: (Cleaning Products that are Dangerous to Your Dog)
Dangerous Cleaning Products
Floor cleaners like Mr. Clean and Pine Sol tend to release toxic fumes that are very bad for your furry friend. Since you can never be 100% sure whether you cleaned all of the residue off, it’s better to be safe than sorry and switch to a non-toxic cleaner, labeled as “pet safe”. If you are skeptical of non-toxic cleaners, you might want to hire a professional home cleaning company to make sure your dog is getting the cleanest, safest and most healthy environment to live in.
Unsurprisingly, bathroom cleaners are also unsafe. This is especially true for continuous toilet bowl cleaners, as many dogs like to take a sip from the toilet bowl. Make sure to wash your toilet thoroughly before your pup has a chance to drink from it.
Another unsurprising offender is a drain opener. The toxic fumes it releases can make a grown man sick, much less a helpless pet. Not only that, but the fumes can also last for a long time, so you can never know when the air in the room is completely purified. Luckily, there are non-toxic alternatives to drain openers.
Bonus tip: If you want to purify the air, choose plants that aren’t poisonous for dogs to help you! Plants such as money tree or spider plants are great at getting rid of odors and cleaning the air.
Some All-Purpose cleaners can be horrible for your pets. Examples of these include Formula 409 and Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray. Always read the ingredients of every all-purpose cleaner to make sure your pup won’t be affected by it.
You might think that laundry detergent can’t possibly harm your dog. Unfortunately, it can. Sometimes the machine doesn’t rinse the laundry all the way, so a little detergent is left on your clothes. Just imagine your dog’s blanket covered in detergent while he’s happily chewing it! Avoid detergents with toxic substances, such as Tide.
What Ingredients To Avoid
It’s simple to realize that the products themselves aren’t harmful, it’s the ingredients they use. As a result, it’s pivotal to know which ingredients are dangerous, not only for your pet, but also for your own health. Here are the ones you should keep an eye on:
Bleach is found in many cleaning products, including the ones we already mentioned. Avoid it like the plague, because if your dog comes in contact with it, it can cause seizures, burns, vomiting, and even shock. Not to mention the respiratory issues from chlorine.
Ammonia is another ingredient you can find in cleaners such as window cleaners and wax for floors. Similarly to bleach, it is associated with respiratory issues in dogs and a burning
Formaldehyde (yes, formaldehyde) is also found in cleaning products. You may even find it in a bottle of pet shampoo, among other cleaners. It is considered to be a carcinogen and causes severe eye and skin irritation. Make sure to check your hand soap for it, too.
Phthalates can sneakily be labeled as “fragrances”. Studies show that there is some evidence that shows phthalates can cause cancer in animals. They are usually found in deodorizers, but even your puppy’s bed or toys can contain them. Carefully check the label for everything you buy and if some ingredient looks suspicious, don’t buy it.
Safe Homemade Products
Instead of checking the label for every product out there to look for Cleaning Products that are Dangerous to Your Dog, you might be inclined to make your own cleaning products. That way, you know exactly what goes in them and know how your pet would react to it.
For example, you can make your own all-purpose cleaner with just water, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. It works as a great disinfectant and smells great. Another good recipe is for a floor cleaner: Mix 1 cup of vinegar into 1l of water. That’s it! Very simple, and yet very effective.
For bathrooms, you can make a baking soda paste. Just add baking soda and salt into a bit of warm water. The paste should be used as a scrub for stubborn stains and the toilet. This recipe is especially good for dogs who love to drink toilet water.
All of these homemade cleaners are completely natural and safe for your furry friends. Your dog’s health should be a priority and switching strong chemicals with natural cleaners is a great step to ensure your pup is living in a great home. Your body will also thank you for it, as these chemicals aren’t only dangerous to your pets, but also to your own health.
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