Selecting the Perfect Pet Disinfectant: A Guide

For Our Furry Friends

When it comes to keeping our canine and feline companions healthy, choosing the right disinfectant is crucial. Since dogs and cats are part of the animal kingdom, opting for veterinarygrade disinfectants is the way to go. After all, specialized products are best for specialized tasks.

Internationally, two of the most popular veterinary disinfectants are F10 and Virkon. These brands are renowned for their minimal side effects and exceptional杀菌 power, making them top choices for pet care.

F10: This versatile disinfectant is effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and spores, including avian influenza, parvovirus, E. coli, and aspergillus. What's more, F10 is more budgetfriendly than Virkon. However, it does have one drawback: being a liquid, it requires a bit more care in storage.

Virkon: A product that stands alongside F10, Virkon is more wellknown in our country. It can eliminate footandmouth disease, avian influenza, salmonella, candidiasis, and dermatophytes. It's the goto emergency disease control product for governments worldwide. Even when diluted correctly, you can confidently offer it to your dogs and cats.

In summary, both F10 and Virkon are very safe for our pets, with almost zero irritation. So, why settle for 'pet disinfectants' that are actually just deodorizers when you can invest in something that truly protects your furry friends?

Human and Veterinary Disinfectants

While not as specialized as veterinary products, some household disinfectants can still be useful for everyday cleaning. However, they do come with their own set of drawbacks.

Bleach: This is a catchall term for various chemical products, but the most common type we encounter is sodium hypochlorite solution. It's not just for whitening clothes; it can also kill most bacteria. However, it's best to use it sparingly, as it's more affordable than veterinary disinfectants but less safe and more irritating.

75% Ethanol: The COVID19 pandemic brought this disinfectant to the forefront. However, it's important to note that higher concentrations of ethanol don't necessarily mean better杀菌 effectiveness. High concentrations can actually make bacteria more resistant by causing proteins on the bacterial cell surface to coagulate. While 70% to 75% ethanol solutions are effective, some pets may be sensitive to the smell, causing sneezing and irritation. Therefore, it's recommended to use it in areas where pets are less likely to come into contact, like doorways or staircases.

In summary, while these products can be used for dogs and cats, they're not ideal for regular use. Keep them at home for emergencies.

Disinfectants Not to Use

Some products may be safe for humans but toxic to our pets, and some can even be harmful to us. Here are a few to avoid:

Dettol: Yes, the消毒液 we all know from the supermarket. Not only Dettol, but all phenolic disinfectants (like Lysol) are highly toxic to cats, as they cannot metabolize these toxins through glucuronidation. While not fatal to dogs, they can still cause severe discomfort.

84: Remember the days when nearly every bathroom had a bottle of 84消毒液? Research has shown that frequent exposure to 84 can lead to hair loss, excessive sweating on the palms, nail thinning, and various allergic reactions. The side effects for cats and dogs with sensitive skin are even more pronounced.

In conclusion, my friends, it's best to stick with veterinary disinfectants. These household products are simply not suitable for our canine and feline companions.