Keep Your Pets Safe and Your House Clean

Everyone who owns a pet knows the truth: pets are family. And when it comes to our family, safety is essential. You would never leave dangerous items or chemicals laying around for your pets to get into, just as you wouldn’t for children. But did you know that household chemicals are still a common cause of acute toxicosis in pets?

That’s why SeaPet is happy to offer our range of EarthPawz™ products. They’re made to clean and freshen your home without the harsh chemicals found in most brands of window cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and odor eliminators. SeaPet carries pet-safe cleaners and odor eliminators like Doggie Slobber, Thirsty Dog, and Smelly Dog that are safe for all pets.

How Cleaning Chemicals Can Harm Pets

You already know that there are many potentially toxic chemicals used in typical cleaning products, but “natural” products may also contain harmful chemicals. One example is pyrethrin, an ingredient that is safe for dogs, but not other pets. Needless to say, all cleaning products should always be kept in a location your pet can’t access, even if the label says they’re natural, green, or non-toxic.

There are particular signs that indicate your pet has been exposed to cleaning chemicals. There may be an unusual nasal discharge along with an increase in sneezing and coughing. You may notice your pet’s skin is irritated or that they are scratching themselves more often. Another possible sign is diarrhea that doesn’t stem from any dietary issues. If your pet is experiencing some or all of these conditions, be sure to get them to your vet. It’s important to tell the vet about all of the cleaning products you use so they have all the information they need to best help your pet.

Not All “Green” Products are Pet Safe

One of the worst culprits for inadvertently exposing pets to chemicals are products that are labeled “natural” or “green” but actually include dangerous toxins. The FDA does not dictate standards on these terms, so they can claim to be safe without having to prove that they are, indeed, safe.

For instance, there are chemicals that are not harmful to humans but are dangerous to pets. There are also toxins that are natural, but still harmful – after all, poison ivy is all-natural! Before purchasing a household cleaner, read through the ingredients of any products that are labeled as “green,” “natural,” or “non-toxic.” Watch out for chemicals like formaldehyde, thymol, isopropyl alcohol, sulfate, and ethoxylate, which are all chemicals that have been found in so-called “green” and “natural” cleaners.

Continue reading to learn more about some of the toxins you may currently have in your home that could be dangerous to your pets.

Window Cleaners

Having a pet that likes to gaze out of the window can lead to a lot of window cleaning. But have you ever considered that all those little nose prints on the window are proof of your pet being in direct contact with whatever you use to clean your windows?

There are two common toxins that are frequently used in window cleaning products:

• Ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) is an excellent window cleaner. Unfortunately, it’s also highly toxic. Exposure to this chemical could cause a burning sensation in your pet’s throat, nose, and respiratory tract, leading to breathing issues.

• Glycol ethers can cause nerve, liver, and digestive tract damage. They are also linked to serious conditions like anemia and lung and kidney damage. This is one to look for in “natural” cleaners, as it is technically a natural ingredient — but it’s a lot more dangerous than poison ivy.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners

There’s not much danger to a human if the toilet bowl is cleaned with harsh chemicals, but the same cannot be said for our pets. Even if you leave out fresh water all the time, some dogs still love to drink out of the toilet. You may be inclined to keep your toilet especially clean if your dog does this, but what are you cleaning your toilet with?

• Bleach is an excellent cleaner and disinfectant, which is why it’s often used to clean the toilet. But if your dog or cat ever drinks from the toilet, exposure to bleach can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, burns in the mouth and throat, and even seizures or shock. Bleach is highly toxic and should never be used where a pet’s mouth or nose may go.

Air Fresheners/Room Deodorizers

Let’s face it — pets can stink up a home. Fortunately, there are a number of products that can help eliminate odors or provide your home with a pleasant scent. Again, it’s important for pet owners to know which chemicals are in their air fresheners and deodorizers, or you may get more than you bargained for.

• Phthalates are used to make products that smell good. However, evidence indicates they are cancer-causing. In pets, studies have shown phthalates to cause liver, testicular, and pancreatic cancer. Phthalates are also sneaky, because they may not be listed on a product’s label as “phthalates.” If a product lists “fragrance” among its ingredients, that is generally a phthalate.