Mindful cleaning practices aren't only important for humans, but for our pets, too. In fact, with respect to your pet’s increased risk of exposure, it's even more important to consider the common ingredients in our household cleaning products. "Like children, pets can get into things that aren't necessarily safe for them and end up hurting themselves, touching or ingesting something that makes them ill," shares Dr. Sarah Cutler Tew, Vice President, Medical Services, PetIQ. "This can lead to expensive vet bills, and worse, cause serious long-term harm to your pet's health - all of which can be totally avoidable with pet-safe products."
Choosing and committing to pet-safe cleaning products is the surest way you can keep your best companion in good health.
What Makes Cleaning Products More Dangerous for Pets?
Cleaning supplies can put pets at risk. Here are the main reasons why:
- Ingestion through licking surfaces. Pets, especially dogs and cats, often lick surfaces like floors, countertops, and furniture. If these surfaces have been recently treated with either multi-surface cleaners with harmful ingredients, or the wrong kind of floor cleaner, you may be leaving behind chemical residues. Pets can ingest these toxic substances, leading to oral irritation, gastrointestinal upset, or more severe poisoning.
- Paw contact and grooming. Pets frequently walk on floors and other surfaces that have been cleaned. When they groom themselves by licking their paws, they can ingest any residual chemicals, which can lead to irritation and internal issues.
- Inhalation of fumes. Many powerful cleansers, aerosol sprays, and air fresheners can be harmful when inhaled. Pets, particularly those with sensitive respiratory systems like birds, can suffer from respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, or more severe lung damage if exposed to these fumes.
- Skin absorption. Pets with sensitive skin or those that spend a lot of time lying on floors. Pet hair isn't going to prevent their skin from absorbing toxic chemicals. This can cause skin irritation, rashes, or systemic toxicity if the chemicals penetrate the skin barrier.
- Eye and respiratory irritation. Fumes or accidental splashes from cleaning products can irritate pets' eyes, leading to redness, watering, or discomfort. Harsh chemicals can also irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, sneezing, or breathing difficulties.
- Accidental spills. Pets might come into direct contact with spills from liquid cleaning products by walking through the spill or licking it up. From splashes of drain cleaner to dribbles of laundry detergent, all can have unwanted effects. Worst case, they can poison your pet or result in corrosive chemical burns. (Our very mainstream laundry detergent ate through the paint on the lid our washing machine, so remember that it's more powerful than you think.)
- Curiosity-driven exposure. Pets, especially curious ones like cats and dogs, may investigate open containers, buckets, or areas where dangerous chemicals are stored or used. They might lick, sniff, or even drink these substances, leading to potential poisoning. Keep any high-powered cleaning products in a secure location, or better yet, replace them with pet-safe cleaners.
- Contaminated water. Pets may drink from toilet bowls or other water sources that have been cleaned with industrial chemicals. Ingesting such contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal issues, poisoning, or internal burns.
- Indirect exposure. Cleaning agents can leave residues on pet toys, bedding, or feeding areas. Pets coming into contact with these items can be exposed to harmful chemicals over time, leading to chronic health issues.
Which ingredients are safe?
"One important thing to look for when choosing cleaning products that are pet-safe is what kinds of ingredients are used in the formula of the products - pet-safe products will contain non-toxic ingredients and not use harsh chemicals or additives that could irritate pets' skin, paws, or cause harm with accidental ingestion," notes Dr. Cutler Tew. "Products that are multi-surface use are also a positive for pets as they are safe to use on multiple surfaces where pets may sit and sleep, leaving no residues or odors behind that could harm your pet. Pet parents can also specifically look for products that are veterinarian-recommended. And, of course, pet parents should always refer to their veterinarian if they have any questions or concerns about their pet's health."
"White vinegar and baking soda serve as two natural cleaning products that are safe to use around pets. They are classic non-toxic cleaning products," notes Nicole Ellis, a representative of Rover's Pet People Panel and a Certified Animal Trainer & Pet Lifestyle Expert. "I also recommend enzymatic cleaners which are pet-safe, incredibly effective and widely recommended."
Enzymatic cleaners are especially great when house-training or litter box training your pet (and yes, that's the actual brand I use and prefer). Pets are notorious for returning to an area where they had an accident to continue having the same accident. Proper cleaning of the original pet stain can eliminate lingering smells and deter unwanted behavior.
These Toxic Ingredients Are Not Pet-Safe
- Bleach and Ammonia: These common household cleaners are highly toxic to pets. Found in bathroom cleaners, tile cleaners, and more, try to use alternative ingredients instead. Bleach can cause vomiting, drooling, and abdominal pain if ingested, while ammonia can lead to respiratory distress. Always ensure proper ventilation when using them to prevent inhalation of harmful fumes.
- Phenols: Found in some disinfectants, phenols can cause severe skin and eye irritation. If inhaled, they can damage the respiratory system. Pets exposed to phenols may suffer from coughing, wheezing, or even lung damage.
- Phthalates: Used to add fragrance to cleaning products, phthalates can be harmful if ingested or inhaled by pets. They may lead to hormonal disruptions and other long-term health issues.
- Ammonia-based cleaners: Besides being harmful if inhaled or ingested, ammonia-based cleaners mimic the scent of cat urine, which can confuse pets and lead to inappropriate urination outside the litter box.
- Rubbing alcohol: Even small amounts of rubbing alcohol can be dangerous to pets. Ingestion can cause symptoms like low blood sugar, stomach upset, slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.
- Chlorine: Check the ingredient list! It's sometimes listed as "Chlorine Bleach." Often found in bleach and toilet bowl cleaners, chlorine can cause skin burns, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Inhalation of chlorine fumes can also irritate pets' respiratory systems.
- Certain essential oils and candles: While some essential oils like lavender and peppermint are safe, others like tea tree oil and citrus are toxic to pets. Inhalation or skin contact can lead to symptoms ranging from skin irritation to neurological issues.
- Formaldehyde: Found in some cleaning and disinfectant products, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Pets exposed to formaldehyde can suffer from respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term health issues.
