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As pet owners, we strive to create a clean and safe home environment. However, many common household items contain chemicals that are harmful to our animal friends. Yes, it’s nice to have a fresh smelling home, but how safe are those air fresheners? And what about the cleaners you use on your floors? While these things help eliminate germs, dirt, and odors, they also pose serious health risks to pets. So how do we provide a healthy environment for your dog?
Common Toxic Chemicals in household items
Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be hazardous to pets and humans. Some of the most dangerous ingredients include:
• Ammonia – Found in glass cleaners and floor polishes, ammonia can cause respiratory issues, especially in cats.
• Bleach (Chlorine) – Used in disinfectants, bleach can cause skin burns, respiratory distress, and poisoning if ingested.
• Formaldehyde – Found in some air fresheners and disinfectants, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can irritate the skin and respiratory system.
• Phenols – Often found in multi-purpose and disinfecting cleaners, phenols are highly toxic to cats and can cause liver damage.
• Phthalates – Commonly used in scented products, phthalates can disrupt hormones and cause allergic reactions.
I don’t know about you, but I love to be barefoot. I don’t need toxic chemicals on the floors or carpets. Our pets are constantly exposed, whether it’s their paw pads or what they’re breathing in inside the home. So let’s keep it clean!
How Chemicals Affect Our Pets
Cutting out these harmful chemicals is a great first step to providing a healthy environment for your dog. Pets are more vulnerable to household chemicals than humans because they are lower to the ground, have a faster metabolism, and are more likely to come into direct contact with surfaces where cleaners are used. Here are some ways chemical cleaners can negatively impact your pet’s health:
- Respiratory Issues – Strong fumes from ammonia, bleach, and aerosol sprays can irritate your pet’s respiratory system, leading to coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Birds are especially sensitive to airborne chemicals and can suffer severe respiratory distress and death.
- Skin and Paw Irritation – Pets frequently walk on freshly cleaned floors, exposing their paws to harsh chemicals. This can lead to irritation, dryness, and even chemical burns. If they lick their paws afterward, they risk ingesting harmful substances.
- Digestive Problems and Poisoning – If a pet ingests toxic cleaning products—whether by drinking from a toilet that contains a cleaner, licking a freshly cleaned surface, or chewing on a contaminated item, including their paws —it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and, in severe cases, organ damage or death.
- Neurological Effects – Certain chemical cleaners, especially those containing phenols and phthalates, can impact the nervous system, causing symptoms such as tremors, weakness, and seizures. This risk increases with continuous exposure to these chemicals.
What Are the Alternatives?
The good news is that there are safer alternatives to chemical-laden cleaning products. There are plenty of natural cleaners, and most people already have them in their homes. Here are some pet-friendly options:
• Vinegar and Baking Soda – A powerful and natural combination for deodorizing and cleaning surfaces.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – A non-toxic disinfectant that kills bacteria without harming pets. Check for color-fastness!
• Castile Soap – A gentle, plant-based soap that can be used for general cleaning.
• Unscented or Natural Cleaning Products – Look for pet-safe, non-toxic cleaning brands that avoid harmful chemicals. And remember, fragrances can be very irritating for pets.
While keeping your home clean is essential, it’s equally important to ensure that your cleaning methods don’t put your pets at risk. By switching to pet-safe alternatives and being mindful of the products you use, you can create a healthier environment for both you and your furry friends.
Have you made the switch to pet-safe cleaning products? Share your experience in the comments!
Providing a Healthy Environment for Your Dog Outdoors
Of course, everyone wants a lush, green lawn for their kids and pets to enjoy. But many people don’t realize the harm that fertilizers and other chemicals on lawns can cause. After playing in the grass, kids and pets end up bringing these toxins into the home on their feet and fur. There are many pet and kid-friendly options. I would never choose lush, green grass over the health and wellness of my family.
How harmful are chemical fertilizers?
Fertilizers can be harmful to dogs if ingested, inhaled, or if they come into contact with their skin. Dogs sniff EVERYTHING so inhalation is a big one! The effects depend on the type of fertilizer and the ingredients used. Here’s how fertilizers can affect dogs:
1. Mild Toxicity (Common Fertilizers)
Many lawn and garden fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are not highly toxic but can still cause:
• Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling)
• Irritation to the mouth and stomach
• Lethargy if ingested in large amounts
2. Severe Toxicity (Fertilizers with Additives)
Some fertilizers contain additional toxic substances that can be dangerous:
• Bone meal & blood meal – Can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
• Iron – Found in some fertilizers and can lead to iron toxicity, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and organ damage.
• Pesticides & herbicides – Some fertilizers are mixed with weed killers, which can be highly toxic, leading to seizures, tremors, and even organ failure.
• Organic fertilizers (e.g., cocoa mulch) – Can contain theobromine (like chocolate), which is highly toxic to dogs.
3. Long-Term Exposure Risks
• Skin irritation or allergic reactions from contact
• Respiratory issues if inhaled in powder form
• Kidney or liver damage from prolonged exposure to toxic ingredients
• CANCER
Is Ice Melt Safe for Pets?
We need to be aware of chemicals in the summer months, but what about the ice melt that’s thrown all over the sidewalks in the winter? If it’s blue, I can tell you it is not safe for paws. What about the magnesium chloride used on the streets? These are also nasty chemicals that get tracked into your home.
Ice melt products can be hazardous to pets in several ways. Here are the main risks:
1. Paw Irritation & Burns – Many ice melts contain salt (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride), which can cause dryness, cracking, and chemical burns on a pet’s paws. Some products may also cause redness and pain.
2. Ingestion Poisoning – Pets may lick ice melt off their paws or the ground, leading to toxic effects. Ingesting large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and, in severe cases, sodium or potassium imbalances that can be life-threatening.
3. Eye & Skin Irritation – Ice melt dust or residue can irritate a pet’s eyes, nose, and skin, causing discomfort or allergic reactions.
4. Gastrointestinal & Neurological Issues – Some ice melts contain antifreeze additives or chemicals like urea, which can be toxic and cause stomach upset, weakness, tremors, or even seizures if ingested in large amounts.
How to Protect Your Pet:
• Use pet-safe ice melts made with non-toxic ingredients like calcium magnesium acetate.
• Wipe your pet’s paws with a damp cloth or pet wipes after walks.
• Use booties or a paw balm to protect their feet.
Hopefully, you found these tips helpful so you can provide a healthy environment for your dog and your kiddos. We don’t need to use these toxins, but unfortunately, they are mainstream in America. The best way to fight back is to be aware and NOT use these products.
Wag on my friends…
