Lets Talk: Cleaning Products

Written on: February 7, 2024

Are cleaning products toxic to dogs?
The simple answer is yes! Cleaning products all contain many different chemicals, most of which are poisonous to our pets. However  this has been highlighted in recent years, and many brands are making pet safe cleaning products. Some of which I will link later on.

According to the Animal Poison Control Center approximately 8.3% of calls are because of exposure to household cleaning products. Your pets can be poisoned by licking products, inhaling products, ingesting products of if product gets on their skin or in their eyes.

What chemicals are toxic?
There are a few common cleaning products that are poisonous to our pets some are ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde and isopropyl alcohol. These chemicals are in most cleaning products you find in the shops, so it is important to ensure you read the ingredients or seek pet safe labels on bottles.

What are the signs my pet is poisoned?
It is incredibly important that pet owners know the signs of poisoned pets, below is a small list of signs:

  • Dribbling or foaming at the mouth
  • Collapsing
  • Fatigue
  • Being sick
  • Increased coughing
  • Ulcers or sore looking skin (on paws, in mouth and on tongue)
  • Trouble eating/Not eating
  • Using their paws to rub their face

It is noted that if your pet is showing one or more of these, it is best to ring your pet immediately.

What products are safe for my home?
Luckily the cleaning industry is more inclusive to homes with pets, many brands have either made their products pet safe or started a new homes with pets line.
Below I have made a list of some of my recent favorites:

  • Dettol, Homes with pets range. They have several cleaning products including; disinfectant, laundry sanitizer, multipurpose cleaner and cleaning wipes.
  • Flash, Pet lovers range. They have multipurpose cleaning spray and liquid floor cleaner.
  • Febreeze have also started a pet odor range which includes fabric freshener and plug-ins. Although I personally do not use plug-ins in my home, I prefer the fabric freshener spray.
  • Zoflora, I think has became a household favorite for many including myself, they have a range of pet cleaning products which smell delicious whilst also being safe.

It is important to note that even though these products are deemed pet safe they should also be used in moderation.