Almost 70% of American households have a pet of some kind, but many people don’t think about how their cleaning products could be affecting the health of their pets. Because pets are closer to the ground and able to get into areas humans are not, they are more affected by cleaning products. Pets can pick up cleaning products on their fur and paws, which can then enter their bloodstream and digestive system.
Many cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to animals such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, formaldehyde, phenol, and isopropyl alcohol. In addition to these chemicals, certain products that are made to be corrosive pose a real danger to animals. These can include drain cleaners, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and dishwasher detergents.
If your pet comes into contact with one of these cleaning products, it can be fatal. Common signs of injuries from cleaning products include irritated skin, drooling, tears, not eating, and tiredness. Make sure to get your pet to a vet immediately if this happens.
There are ways to prevent your pet from getting hurt from cleaning products while also keeping your house clean. There are many cleaning products on the market now that are safer to pets, humans, and the environment. Look for cleaning products that are labeled “green” or “safe for pets” when shopping for products. If you do need to use a corrosive cleaning product, make sure to keep your pet somewhere safe while cleaning and flush the chemicals with water after cleaning so your pet cannot access them.
If you’re worried about the harm that cleaning products can cause your pet, there are companies that specialize in safe cleaning that uses green cleaning products. Having a trained professional clean your house can prevent accidents from happening to your furry friend.
