Dog-safe house cleaning

Table of contents

1. Which cleaning products are dangerous for my dog?

2. What are the symptoms of poisoning in dogs?

3. How to use cleaning products safely for my dog?

4. Safe natural cleaning products for pets

Which cleaning products are dangerous for my dog?

First of all, it is important to know which components, common in household cleaning products, are toxic for your dog. Some of the most common (and most dangerous for our pets) are chlorine, ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, phenol, sodium hydroxide and triclosan. As for the products we usually have at home, special care should be taken with bleach, which can cause very serious burns and lesions on the skin of dogs on contact alone, and can cause internal damage if they drink it. Floor cleaners are another important source of risk, as your dog, when walking, lying down and sniffing this surface, will be in direct contact with these toxins. They could also become intoxicated by licking their body after being on the floor. The same applies to fabric softeners. Avoid them on their bed, blanket, clothes or toys, as if they suck or chew on them they could suffer a reaction. Bathroom, oven and drain cleaners are also dangerous.

What are the symptoms of poisoning in dogs?

If your dog comes into contact with a toxic cleaning product, the symptoms can be severe. Possible reactions include burns or skin irritation, allergies, eye damage, difficulty breathing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation or foaming, lethargy and, ultimately, seizures. If you suspect that your dog has come into contact with or ingested a toxic cleaner or product, you should seek immediate veterinary attention. It is vital that you do not wait to see if they get better or act on your own by trying to induce vomiting. In these cases, quick veterinary intervention can save your dog's life. It is also important, if you know which product has caused the poisoning, that you take the container with a sample to the clinic so that the professional has more information to treat your pet. In addition, the product label will contain instructions on how to proceed in case of ingestion or contact with the skin or eyes.

How to use cleaning products safely for my dog?

In order to minimise the risk of poisoning your pet, you should ideally replace chemical and toxic cleaning products with other homemade and natural ones that do not endanger their health. In practice, however, many of these products are difficult to replace. If you have to use any of them in your home and do not want to put your dog at risk, try to dilute them whenever possible (e.g. bleach, floor and bathroom cleaners). It is also imperative that you keep your dog out of the area during cleaning and, once you have finished, rinse with clean water and thoroughly ventilate the area before your dog re-enters.

Also, be sure to store cleaning products out of your dog's reach and dispose of them safely. Some animals, out of curiosity, may open cupboards with their paws or snouts, get into the rubbish and lick the remains, eat soaps or air fresheners or drink from the toilet bowl, where many people place cleaning hangers. Be aware of this and take the necessary measures to prevent your dog coming into contact with dangerous substances.

Natural pet-safe cleaning products

Whenever possible, it's best to maintain your home's hygiene with natural products. Not only are they safer for your pet, but also for your whole family. They're also often cheaper and don't have an aggressive odour. Keep in mind that dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, so strong scents, typical of cleaners, are very unpleasant and stressful for them. Let's take a look at 5 natural household cleaning products that won't do your furry friend any harm.

• Baking soda: this product is very cheap and accessible, and is used to eliminate odours and absorb grease and stains. Used together with vinegar, it becomes a powerful cleaner that can remove dirt and disinfect any area of your home.
• White vinegar: the acetic acid it contains gives it bactericidal properties, also acting against microbes and fungi. It is true that its smell may be uncomfortable for your dog, but it evaporates quickly as soon as it dries, a process that you can speed up by ventilating the room.
• Lemon: just like vinegar, its acids can remove stains and all kinds of dirt and bacteria. It can also bleach clothes, which is why it is often used as a stain remover together with vinegar.
• Hydrogen peroxide: this cleaning product is very easy to find and inexpensive. Its antiseptic, fungicidal and bleaching powers make it a staple of pet-safe household cleaning. Plus, there's no need to worry, as it contains no dangerous toxins for your dog and is safe as long as you use it diluted.
• Eco-friendly cleaning products: nowadays it is relatively easy to find eco-friendly cleaning products in physical and online shops. These products are environmentally friendly and pet friendly, although we recommend that you do not let your dog come into contact with them when using them, just in case, as although they are safe, they are not good for your dog to suck or drink.

If you share your life with a furry friend, it is very important to keep your home clean, but try to prioritise natural products and, if you have to use toxic chemical cleaners for dogs, try to do it safely, avoiding your pet coming into contact with them. Remember that your dog walks on the ground and, driven by their curiosity and exploratory instinct, they can get to places you wouldn't imagine. Be cautious and protect your furry friend from these dangerous hygiene products - say yes to cleaning your home 100% safe for you and your dog!