8 Cleaning Products You Shouldn’t Use Around Your Dogs

Cleaning Products You Shouldn’t Use Around Your Dogs

Buying cleaning products is not an easy task. You need to pick products that are strong enough kill most germs without harming 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. While we’re at it, make sure you know the things you should be cleaning every day.

Bleach

Dogs have a 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 dogs and cats. While you’re cleaning, put your dogs in another room and do whatever you can to make the bleach inaccessible, according to PetMD. Take note of these five mistakes you keep making when cleaning with this powerful germ fighter.

Ammonia

“Most store-bought products, especially those which deal with stubborn grime or claim to kill all bacteria, include harsh ingredients such as ammonia,” says Dean Davies, senior supervisor for the cleaning department at Fantastic Services. “In high concentrations, these are harmful to both humans and pets.” Don’t forget to check out these pet safe cleaning products.

Products containing ammonia are known to cause skin irritation, burns, respiratory and neurological issues, according to Davies. And they’re also dangerous for children who play near surfaces usually cleaned with ammonia like the floor, tables and windows. Plus, learn these cleaning products you should never mix.

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 Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian who serves on the advisory board for Pup Life Today.

Oven Cleaners

Oven cleaners are also caustic and harmful to dogs, Coates says. If your dog is exposed to oven cleaners, visit your veterinarian right away, according to Pet Health Network. Here’s how to clean your oven without harsh chemicals.

Carpet Cleaners

Carpet cleaners contain glycol ethers that are harmful to you and your dog, according to Boriana Slabakova, co-founder of Petpedia.co. Over time, Slabakova says, carpet cleaners can cause kidney or lung damage or leukemia.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Toilet bowl cleaners usually contain bleach which is harmful to your dogs, according to Slabakova. Symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, poor orientation or even laryngeal edema. Check out these 17 best tips for pet care and pet safety.

Counter Cleaners

Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners contain cationic detergents which are harmful to dogs, according to the ASPCA. These detergents can cause drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers and fever. Next, check out these 15 clever pet products you can make at home.