Owners should protect their pets from any harmful products around their homes
Dog owners are being warned of the hidden dangers that common products could pose to their pets.
Around 16.2 million households in the UK own at least one pet, so it's vital people know of the unknown hazards that could be putting their animals health at risk.
With the days getting longer and the weather slowly warming, many homes around the country will soon be looking to start their spring cleans. However, this traditional clean could actually be harmful to your pooch.
The canine experts at Years.com are now warning dog owners of the cleaning products that can be harmful for dogs and the importance of pet-proofing a home.
Products like bleach, toilet cleaners, and air fresheners can all cause harm, especially if ingested, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and irritation.
It’s essential that cleaning products are stored away securely in places dogs can’t reach, like locked cabinets or high shelves.
Seven cleaning products that can be harmful to your dog
Toilet cleaner
If your dog drinks or licks from a recently cleaned toilet bowl then it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea and chemical burns. Toilet cleaning products often contain strong chemicals including bleach and corrosive substances. Getting into the habit of keeping your toilet seat down can help to keep your dog safe.
Bleach
Bleach can be extremely harmful and can cause serious health issues depending on the concentration and exposure. Exposure to diluted bleach can cause mild irritation if touched or vomiting if ingested, and exposure to undiluted bleach could cause severe burns and breathing difficulties among other complications.
Oven cleaner
This can be highly toxic for dogs as products typically contain strong chemicals such as lye. If your dog ingests this product by licking a cleaned oven or chewing on a used sponge, it can lead to vomiting, drooling, or organ damage.
Fabric softener sheets
Whether used or unused, fabric softener sheets are dangerous for dogs and can cause serious health issues. Cationic detergents are common in fabric softener sheets and are highly toxic when ingested. Ingestion can cause stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and chemical burns.
Air fresheners
Air fresheners can cause irritation to a pet's skin, eyes, nose and throat, and some air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause lung and respiratory issues, especially in dogs with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
Ammonia
Ammonia is found in a variety of household cleaning products such as glass, floor, and all-purpose cleaners. The chemical compound can be harmful for dogs and can be toxic if it is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with their skin. Ingesting products can cause poisoning, and symptoms include vomiting, stomach pain, and severe distress.
Disinfectants
Some disinfectants, in particular those that contain phenols, can be toxic to your dog. Phenols can be found in many household cleaners and are often labeled as antibacterial. Prolonged exposure to these products can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, while ingestion could even cause liver damage.
