Choosing Pet Safe Cleaning Products

Did you know that the cleaner you’re using may be harming your pet?

For example, many common household cleaning products contain ammonia and bleach, both of which are toxic to animals.

Don’t worry, though, pet safe cleaning products do exist. If anything, you just have to be diligent when it comes to choosing a product.

What are the best commercial cleaning agents that are safe for pets? What about laundry detergent? For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything you need to know below!

Understanding Pet Safe Cleaning Products

The chemicals found within many common household cleaning agents (including those designed for pet messes) can cause severe vomiting and kidney damage if ingested or absorbed through skin contact by your pets.

In fact, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center saw a staggering increase of 65% in calls related to cleaning materials last year. This underlines the importance of using pet-safe household products.

Selecting Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

When choosing pet-safe cleaning products, it’s essential to check the ingredients thoroughly as some may be harmful even if marketed as ‘pet-friendly’. If possible, choose one with plant-based ingredients.

Look out for harsh substances such as chlorine bleach and ammonia which are often hidden inside popular brands. The same goes for essential oils like tea tree oil.

If you spot any unsafe ingredients on a label, opt for natural alternatives instead like baking soda or white vinegar – they won’t compromise cleanliness but will still keep your house clean without risking your pet’s well-being.

Making Your Home Safer For Pets

To ensure complete protection from potential harm, make sure to store all cleaning supplies out of reach from curious paws.

You also want to keep surfaces dry after application until every trace has evaporated away; that way, there will be no residue left behind, which could pose a danger when licked off fur or paw pads.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Liquid Cleaning Products

Some cleaning items commonly used in households may have components that can be hazardous to animals if ingested, breathed in, or absorbed through the skin.

Chlorine Bleach and Ammonia

Bleaches containing chlorine or ammonia pose a significant threat. Both these chemicals can cause severe damage if swallowed by your pet leading to symptoms like drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea – even chemical burns inside their body.

Alcohols

Glycol ethers found in many sprays and solvents may lead to anemia or kidney damage over time.

Isopropyl alcohol used as a disinfectant could result in oral irritation and stomach issues if consumed directly by pets.

Preservatives

A preservative called DMDM hydantoin is another culprit causing potential allergic reactions. It releases formaldehyde, which might trigger respiratory distress among other things.

Finally, there’s benzalkonium chloride – frequently present in disinfectants & sanitizers – which is responsible for ulcers and paw pad injuries.

Pet Safe Alternatives for Cleaning Floors

Rather than relying on harsh chemicals, you may want to opt for pet-safe alternatives to clean your floors.

White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is one common household product that can double as a pet-safe floor cleaner; its acidic nature breaks down grime and dirt effectively while being non-toxic to pets when used properly.

But remember – always dilute vinegar with water before using it on your floors because undiluted vinegar can still cause discomfort if ingested by your pet.

Baking Soda: A Natural Carpet Shampoo Substitute

If carpets are more of what’s underfoot in your house than hard surfaces like wood floors then consider baking soda – another pantry staple – which works wonders on carpet stains and odors without harming Fido. Simply sprinkle generously over soiled areas, let sit overnight, then vacuum up.

DIY Pet Safe Cleaners

Making your own pet-safe cleaners at home is not as tough as you might think. It’s all about finding the right ingredients that are effective yet harmless to our furry friends.

Using Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Safely

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide make a powerful cleaning duo, but their misuse can cause severe vomiting in pets.

The trick here is proper dilution and usage. When mixed correctly, these common household items become safe cleaning tools without posing a risk to your pets’ health.

A simple mix of one part baking soda with two parts hydrogen peroxide makes an efficient multi-purpose cleaner for many surfaces around the house, including wood floors.

Storing Cleaning Products Safely

Keeping cleaning products out of a pet’s reach is crucial. Even the most common household items can pose a threat. It’s not just about what you use; how and where you store these products matters too.

If ingested or even touched by curious paws, some ingredients could lead to skin irritation or severe vomiting. So, make sure all your cleaning sprays and other household products are stored safely away from prying noses and mouths.

What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Cleaning Products

Here’s what you want to do if your pet ingests a cleaning product.

Contacting Animal Poison Control Center

The first thing is to get in touch with an Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). Act quickly and contact the APCC to get advice on what needs to be done. Remember, time is critical in these situations so don’t delay.

While reaching out for help, try to figure out what product your pet ingested. It’ll let the control center provide more accurate guidance.

You should also observe your pet for symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea as they could indicate poisoning. Any signs of skin irritation from contact with cleaning agents should also be noted down.

If possible and safe, remove any remaining substance from their mouth but avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by a professional; this might worsen the situation especially if corrosive substances like bleach or ammonia have been swallowed.

Choosing Pet Safe Cleaners – FAQs

What cleaners are safe to use around pets?

Pet-safe cleaners often contain natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and citrus extracts. Always check labels for pet-friendly mentions.

What is the best cleaning supply to use for dogs?

Dog-friendly wipes and sprays that are free from harsh chemicals work well. Use products specifically designed for dogs to ensure safety.

Is automatic toilet bowl cleaner safe for pets?

No, most automatic toilet bowl cleaners have harmful chemicals. Keep lids closed or opt for a pet-safe product if available.

How do you clean safely with pets?

Clean using non-toxic products, keep your animals out of cleaned areas until dry, store supplies out of reach, and ventilate rooms during cleaning.

Are essential oils safe for pets?

No, many essential oils such as tea tree oil are toxic to animals and should not be used around pets.