Does your dog lie on the rug, the couch, hop in the bathtub, or even surf the counter? Your response is likely yes. Pet safe cleaners are incredibly crucial- for this reason!
Have you given any thought to the cleaning supplies you use? Did you realize that the cleaning supplies you use might be harmful to your dog’s health?
Several well-known household cleansers have harmful components in them. They’re considerably worse for your dog because she spends most of her time on or near the floor, meaning that her exposure is far higher than yours. She must thus be breathing in these toxins constantly or absorbing them via her skin and paw pads.
Therefore, if you often use chemical cleaning products, it’s time to switch to using pet-safe cleaners to safeguard your dog from the harsh chemicals.
Toxic Ingredients To Avoid
Your dog might be forced to live in a toxic environment depending on the cleaning supplies you use.
Studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that indoor air pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels, and occasionally even more than 100 times higher. That implies that if your dog spends the majority of her time indoors, she is constantly exposed to hazardous gases.
Consider cleaning your home with a range of sprays, washes, and cleaners. Your dog can absorb pollutants through her skin in addition to sleeping on the floor and licking herself and the floor. She is therefore consuming considerably more of these dangerous compounds than you are.
Even some cleaners that make the claim to be natural could include unwholesome ingredients for your dog.
Additionally, keep in mind that your dog’s sense of smell is up to 10,000 times more acute than yours. How would your dog feel if your hardwood floor cleaner had a strong odor to you?
Ammonia
One of the most widely produced chemicals in the US is ammonia, which is a very popular cleaning agent. Also, it’s really toxic.
It is well known to irritate, especially the respiratory system of your dog. It can result in throat, nose, and respiratory tract burning, which can impair breathing. Furthermore, it can irritate the skin and eyes. It can cause burning in your dog’s mouth, throat, and stomach if he licks it.
Ammonia is commonly found in:
- Oven cleaners
- Window cleaners
- Stainless steel cleaners
- Wax for hardwood floor
Bleach
Everyone is familiar with the cleansing power of bleach. It’s a potent disinfectant, and lots of people use it either alone or in products that contain it.
However, it’s harmful to both humans and dogs.
Depending on how much bleach your dog ingests, it may result in shock or seizures as well as vomiting, diarrhea, burns in the mouth or throat. She could get respiratory problems if she breathes in the fumes.
Bleach is commonly found in:
- Scouring powders
- Toilet bowl cleaners
- Mildew removers
- Basic bleach
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing detergent
- All purpose cleansers
Phthalates
These endocrine-disrupting substances are added to goods to improve their scent. And just because something isn’t listed as an ingredient doesn’t mean it’s not actually in the bottle. “Fragrance” can refer to phthalates (and usually does).
Phthalates are “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from research in experimental animals,” according to the National Toxicology Program. Or, evidence suggests they contribute to cancer.
Phthalates have been linked to liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancers in animal studies.
Phthalates are commonly found in:
- Deodorizers
- All-purpose cleaners
By the way, other dog products like toys, crate mats, beds, and more also contain phthalates, so find out what’s in them before you buy.
Glycol Ethers
Another hazardous substance present in many household products is called a glycol ether.
According to EPA studies, glycol ethers can harm the liver, nerves, and digestive system. In both humans and animals, they have also been connected to kidney impairment, anemia, and lung damage.
Glycol ethers are commonly found in:
- All purpose cleaners
- Spot removers
- Carpet cleaners
- Glass cleaners
- Liquid soaps
Also watch out for it in so-called “natural” cleansers.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde, which is probably best known for being an embalming ingredient, is also present in household cleaning products. Your dog breathes it in and absorbs it via her skin when it reaches room temperature.
It can lower respiratory rate and lower nerve response rate, and it is a severe eye and skin irritant.
It’s recognized by the EPA as a carcinogen.
Formaldehyde is commonly found in:
- General household cleaners
- Plug-in fragrances
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Pet shampoo
Find out about them prior to purchasing as many items, such as new carpets and upholstered furniture, are frequently sprayed with formaldehyde.
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane, which is categorized as an ether and used mostly with chemicals, plastics, insecticides, and cosmetics, is a production waste. Not all businesses have complied with the FDA’s suggestion to remove 1,4-dioxane from products because it is not mandated by federal law.
The kidneys and liver are the primary organs affected, causing discomfort, whether it is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with skin. 1,4-Dioxane has been linked to cancer in studies as well.
1,4-Dioxane is commonly found in:
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Cosmetics
- Paint and varnishes
Additionally, as it is a byproduct, it is frequently not disclosed on the label. Do your research and find an organic, natural substitute. Use items without this chemical in your dog’s laundry, at the very least (beds, towels, etc).
It’s critical to change your cleaning regimen in order to ensure that none of these components are present because they are all harmful to your dog. The Environmental Working Group’s Guide To Healthy Cleaning is a great place to look them up if you’re unsure.
Even some purportedly “natural” cleaners could include substances you don’t want your dog to be exposed to. The “natural” label should not be trusted until the substances have been researched. The phrase “natural” is used in marketing, not as a safety assurance.
Recipes For Pet Safe Cleaners
Make your own pet-safe cleaners to spare yourself the hassle (and the risks to your dog). These pet-friendly household cleansers all contain materials that you most likely already have in your cabinets!
Pet Safe Wood Floor Cleaner
Your dog moves around while dozing off on the ground. That’s where she cleans herself, relaxes, and plays. Do you really want her to lick poisonous substances all day? Use this cleaner on vinyl, linoleum, ceramic, or wood surfaces. Your dog won’t ever have to be concerned about sleeping on this floor.
Mix 1 cup of vinegar into 1 liter of water and mop as usual. You don’t even need to rinse.
Baking Soda Scrub for the Bathroom
This powerful scrub is the ideal bathroom cleanser. For those difficult stains, use it in the toilet and bathtub. It’s a good substitute for the dangerously hazardous toilet bowl cleansers (especially for dogs who treat the toilet like a water fountain).
It can be applied on floors, pots, and pans as well.
Recipe
Combine equal parts of these ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Salt
Mix well to make a thick paste. With a sponge and the paste, scrape the surfaces, then give them a thorough warm water rinse.
TIP: Baking soda is effective at removing stains as well. Sprinkle some baking soda on the area right away if you spill something on the floor. Vacuum it thoroughly after letting it sit for an hour to absorb the moisture. This is perfect for pet stains because it will also help remove odors.
Pet Safe Cleaners: All-Purpose
Apple cider vinegar, water and lemon juice are all it takes to disinfect pretty much any surface in your house.
In a spray bottle, combine one part vinegar with four parts water. Shake well after adding some fresh lemon juice to the mixture.
Use a chopped lemon to scrub wood cutting boards to disinfect them. After letting the lemon juice sit for a while, clean them off.
If stains are very difficult, first sprinkle some salt on the counter before using a half-lemon to clean the area. Clear it off. This disinfectant is safe for pets, works well, and has a pleasant scent.
Pet Safe Furniture Polish
When it comes to dangerous cleaning agents and your dog, furniture polish can be a serious offender and is nowhere near the world of pet safe cleaners.
Most of them have toxic petroleum distillates and nitrobenzene in them.
Recipe
To make your own, mix 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp of lemon juice.
Use this mixture just like you would apply regular polish.
Use Plants To Purify The Air: Natural Pet Safe Cleaners
It can be tempting to try to eliminate “doggy” odours or other aromas in your house using aerosol sprays or air fresheners. But these are usually full of chemicals.
Besides cleansing the air, air purifying plants also aid in odor removal.
Here are a few that are safe for your dog:
- Money tree
- Spider plant
- Boston fern
- Areca Palm
Add Pet Safe Cleaners to Your Good List
If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re constantly attempting to provide for your dog’s health to the best of your ability. Before making choices about your dog’s health, you feed them wholesome, freshly prepared foods, add vitamins, limit the use of pharmaceuticals, and weigh all available data.
Add pet safe cleaners to the list! They’re considerably safer for the environment and your dog.
Read more:
Household Cleaning Products That Are NOT Safe for Dogs – Dogster
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