Cleaning supplies are essential to keeping your home clean and fresh. But are they safe for the furry creatures that live with us? Pets like cats and dogs stick their noses in all kinds of things, and not all of them are good for them. . With that in mind, here's how to make sure your cleaning routine is safe for your non-human best friend.
It's all a matter of concentration
Many detergents contain chemicals that can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities. Bleach, ammonium, phosphoric acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, and all types of phenols are all , states that it is found in common household cleaners. As with any exposed paw pads, applying it to the eyes or skin can irritate or burn your furry friend.
But there's some good news too. The concentration of these products is important, Blutlag says. For example, all-purpose surface and glass cleaners “have a pretty wide margin of safety,” she says. reciprocal. The most important thing is to use these products as directed. For example, if a sprayer instructs you to rinse the surface with water after application, you should always do so.
Brutlag also suggests keeping pets away from newly watered areas. As a rule of thumb, once the odor is gone, the area is safe again. At that point, the spray solidifies and evaporates into ether. Opening a window or turning on an extractor fan while cleaning will circulate fresh air for you and your pet and help eliminate odors faster.
More than just mammals need protection
Choosing homemade cleaners made from vinegar, baking soda, and lemon are also not always safe. Vinegar may seem healthier, but it can still sting your cat's tongue if they walk in it and groom themselves.
Brutlag summons an exotic pet. Birds are prone to inhaling airborne particles produced by aerosols and spray bottles, so it is essential to remove birds from the room when using these chemicals. Amphibians can absorb compounds through their skin, so keeping them safely contained in an enclosure is essential. Once the cleaner smell has disappeared, open the tank lid again.
“Prevention, prevention, and prevention”
Stronger, more corrosive cleaners, such as oven, drain and toilet cleaners and rust removers, “can be far more harmful to people and pets.” These more corrosive ingredients can be found in high concentrations. These products are not very diluted as they are provided. “Ingredients are safe or dangerous based on their concentration,” she says.
These products also have a fairly high or low pH balance, which measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. For example, water is completely neutral at 7. Includes bleach, oven cleaner, and drain cleaner. 13 and 14, it's very basic. These extreme effects make them very effective cleaning agents, but if you're still concerned about their potency, you can dilute them further.
Dogs, especially puppies, are at increased risk of poisoning because they are more likely to eat foreign objects. Depending on the form of the cleaner, it can also be more dangerous to animals. Bite-sized dishes and washing machine pods are especially dangerous for dogs who love to put things in their mouths, said David Dorman, a professor of toxicology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He urges pet owners not to discount any substances as potentially harmful. This doesn't mean you should stop buying it, but it does mean that you should use and store it carefully.
Another aspect of cleaning and pet safety depends on being well prepared. Mr. Dorman has his three safety rules. “Prevention, prevention and prevention,” he says. reciprocal. Properly storing detergent out of reach can save you and your pet from suffering. Failing that, having a poison control number on your refrigerator will reduce critical time wasted searching for information.
If your pet walks in a puddle of detergent or spills detergent on its coat, it can burn its skin and eyes. You may notice that your pet strokes its eyes or bites parts of its body more often than usual. In some cases, the most aggressive caustic agents can even burn your pet's tongue. Dorman acknowledges that not all pets will comply, especially those who are feeling uncomfortable, but he suggests doing your best to rinse the exposed area under running water.
Household cleaners can be safely stored around pets as long as you are careful about where and how you use them. That way, cleaning around your pet will become a stress-free chore.
