8 Cleaning Products You Shouldn’t Use Around Your Dogs
Updated: Dec. 13, 2023
Make sure you're not endangering your beloved pets with the cleaning products you use.
Buying cleaning products is not an easy task. You need to pick products that are strong enough to get rid of most germs, but also make sure that what you’re picking out is not harmful to you or your family. However, most of us don’t realize that something that’s safe for humans is not always safe for dogs. Here are the eight cleaning products you shouldn’t use around your dogs. Nutrition is also very important when it comes to dogs.
Bleach
Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell and their noses are much stronger than ours, according to Russell Hartstein, CEO of Fun Paw Care. Therefore, harsh chemicals such as bleach can be toxic to both cats and dogs. While you’re cleaning, it’s best to put your dogs in another room and do whatever you can to make the bleach totally inaccessible, according to PetMD. Here are the everyday habits of great dog owners.
Ammonia
“Most store-bought products, especially those which deal with stubborn grime or claim to kill all bacteria, include harsh ingredients such as ammonia. In high concentrations, these are harmful to both humans and pets,” says Dean Davies, senior supervisor for the cleaning department at Fantastic Services. Products containing ammonia are known to cause skin irritation, burns, respiratory and neurological issues, according to Davies. In addition to pets, products like this are also dangerous for children because they play in close proximity to surfaces usually cleaned with ammonia like the floor, tables and windows. Check out these human foods that are actually good for your dog.
Drain cleaners
“Strong bases like drain cleaners are very caustic and can lead to serious damage to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract,” says Jennifer Coates, DVM, who serves on the advisory board for Pup Life Today.
Oven cleaners
Oven cleaners are also very caustic and are harmful to dogs, according to Coates. If your dog is accidentally exposed to oven cleaners, you should visit your veterinarian right away, according to Pet Health Network. Here are some doggie gifts that will get their tails wagging.
Carpet cleaners
Carpet cleaners contain glycol ethers that are very harmful to both you and your dog, according to Boriana Slabakova, co-founder of Petpedia.co. Over time, carpet cleaners can cause kidney or lung damage, or leukemia, according to Slabakova. Make sure you don’t miss these other signs that mean your dog is sick.
Toilet bowl cleaners
Toilet bowl cleaners usually contain bleach which is very harmful to your dogs, according to Slabakova. Harmful effects of the products include symptoms like vomiting, dizziness and poor orientation, or even laryngeal edema. Avoid these common summer foods that you shouldn’t give your pets.
Counter cleaners
“Cleaners used on counters are potentially harmful, especially if your dog is known for counter-surfing,” Cathy Alinovi, a retired holistic veterinarian in Indiana, tells PetMD. “Additionally, kitchen cleaners that come in a spray bottle have the potential to travel through the air and get into your pet’s water bowl.” This is why your dog has bad breath, and how to get rid of it.
Fabric softeners
Fabric softeners contain cationic detergents which are very harmful to dogs, according to the ASPCA. Harmful effects of these detergents include drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers and fever. Next, find out how to keep your pup out of flower beds.
