Keep Dogs Away from These Cleaning Products!
Let's take a look at some cleaning products that can be harmful to our furry friends.
1. Ammonia (Ammonium Hydroxide)
Ammonia is a popular cleaning agent and one of the most common chemicals worldwide. However, it is highly toxic to dogs.
As a irritant, ammonia can particularly affect a dog's respiratory system, leading to burns in the throat, nose, and respiratory tract if ingested. It can also irritate the skin and eyes. If your dog ingests ammonia, seek veterinary care immediately.
Ammonia is often found in:
Window cleaners
Stainless steel cleaners
floor waxes
2. Chlorine (bleach)
While we're all familiar with the wonders of bleach, it's important to know that it can be harmful to both humans and dogs.
If a dog ingests bleach, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, burns in the mouth and throat, seizures, and shock. Inhaling bleach can also cause respiratory diseases.
Chlorine is commonly found in:
Toilet bowl cleaners
Mold cleaners
Laundry detergents
Dishwashing liquids
Multipurpose cleaners
3. Phthalates
This chemical makes products smell delightful, but it's also linked to cancer in humans and symptoms like liver, testicular, and pancreatic tumors in animals.
Phthalates are commonly found in:
Nail polish
Hair spray
Soaps
Shampoos
Incidentally, phthalates have been repeatedly found in human baby toys, and the world is banning toys containing them. Similarly, when choosing toys for your dogs, be sure to pick reputable brands.
4. Ethylene Glycol Ether
This is a toxic chemical that has been newly discovered in recent years.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ethylene glycol ether can cause damage to the liver, nervous system, and digestive system, and is directly related to lung damage, anemia, and kidney damage in humans and animals.
Ethylene glycol ether is commonly found in:
Multipurpose cleaners
Carpet cleaners
Window cleaners
Hand sanitizers
Even "natural" cleaning products often contain ethylene glycol ether, so be cautious.
5. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a wellknown hazard, not just in furniture but also in household cleaning products. When these items reach certain room temperatures, they release formaldehyde, which can be absorbed through the skin of both dogs and humans.
It is a dangerous substance that can severely irritate the eyes and skin, decrease breathing rate, and suppress nerve reactions.
Formaldehyde is commonly found in:
Perfumes
Tissue paper
Hand sanitizers
Nail polish
Many carpets and furniture are treated with formaldehyde, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
Lastly, a cleaning product to avoid is:
84 Disinfectant
84 disinfectant has strong bleaching and corrosive properties, which can be very irritating to our skin. For dogs, it can cause constant sneezing and lead to chronic rhinitis in both humans and dogs who are frequently exposed to it.
