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Dangers Of Spring Cleaning For Your Dog, Plus, Dog-Friendly Cleaning Products | Pupford

December 27th, 2023

Filed under Health + Wellness

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Spring cleaning is a common practice for many households as it allows individuals to declutter and organize their homes after the long winter months. However, as much as spring cleaning is essential for humans, it poses several dangers to our furry friends.

Unfortunately, dogs can be sensitive to cleaning products, and some of the cleaning techniques used during spring cleaning can cause harm to them. Therefore, it's essential to understand the dangers of spring cleaning for your pup and use dog-friendly cleaning products to keep them safe.

Let's look at the dangers of spring cleaning for your pup, tips on how to spring clean with your pup around, and some of the best natural and dog-friendly spring cleaning products.

Related Reading: Dog Nose Facts

DANGERS OF SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR DOG

1. TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS

Cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can hurt your dog's health if ingested or inhaled.

Dogs have a habit of licking and sniffing objects around them, including surfaces that may have been cleaned with toxic products.

Some of the common cleaning products that are toxic to dogs include bleach, ammonia, and other disinfectants. These products can cause skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory problems in dogs.

2. OPEN WINDOWS

Spring is a time when people open their windows to let fresh air into their homes. However, open windows can be a hazard for your dog, especially if you live in an apartment or have a balcony. Your dog may jump out of the window or balcony, leading to severe injuries or death.

3. FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS

Fabric softener sheets are another product that pet parents need to be cautious about.

The fragrances, chemicals, and other ingredients in these sheets can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues if ingested.

Additionally, the chemicals in the sheets can hurt your pup and cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even poisoning. It's best to keep these sheets away from pets and use alternatives like pet-safe laundry detergents and natural fabric softeners to keep your pup healthy and safe.

4. AIR FRESHENERS

Air fresheners are another product that can potentially be dangerous for pets.

Some air fresheners contain chemicals that can irritate a dog's skin, eyes, nose, and throat and cause lung and respiratory problems. If you're using an air freshener in a house with dogs, using a natural, non-toxic one is a good idea to avoid any potential harm.

5. SPRING FLOWERS

daffodils are toxic for dogs

Spring flowers can also pose a potential hazard to pets. While we may find spring flowers' bright colors and sweet scents attractive, some of these blooms can be hazardous.

The most common spring flower threats to look out for include lilies, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.

Daffodils contain a toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even lead to death if ingested in any way.

Likewise, flowers like tulips and hyacinths can cause gastrointestinal issues, including drooling and vomiting.

If you suspect your pup has eaten any of these flowers, seek veterinary attention immediately.

6. ELECTRICAL WIRES

Electrical wires can pose a serious hazard to pets. Dogs can easily chew through or damage electrical cords, which can cause severe injury or death because of electrocution.

To help keep your pup safe, make certain all open electric wires are out of reach and safe. In addition, you can also use cord covers to protect wires and make sure your pups can't access them.

7. BATTERIES

Batteries are another potential danger to pets. It's essential to make sure they are in a safe location, such as a locked container, away from your pup's reach.

Also, properly toss away any used batteries, which can cause a choking hazard or chemical poisoning risk. When buying products containing batteries, ensure they are firmly sealed, and the battery compartment is inaccessible.

8. SMALL TOYS AND SHARP OBJECTS

During spring cleaning, sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and broken glass can be left lying around, which can be dangerous for your dog. Dogs can accidentally step on or eat sharp objects, which can cause cuts or puncture wounds.

These wounds can become infected, leading to serious health problems. Small toys can cause a choking hazard if they are swallowed, as they can become lodged in the dog's throat or gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, small toys can contain parts that can be broken off and ingested, which can cause serious digestive issues.

9. PLASTIC BAGS

Plastic bags can also be extremely hazardous for pups. They can get entangled in the plastic and suffocate, ingest pieces of the plastic, or get wrapped in it and unable to move. So if you have bags of any kind lying around, keep them away from your pups.

10. ALLERGIES

dog with seasonal allergies

Spring cleaning can be tough for our furry friends, especially if they are prone to allergies or asthma attacks. It's important to remember that certain cleaning products and household allergens can trigger a reaction in your pet.

For example, your pet can develop allergies to the chemicals present in household cleaners, which can harm them if they come into contact with these substances. Even inhaling fumes and particles from these products can cause an allergic reaction.

In addition to cleaning products, dust, and mold are also common allergens that can be easily stirred up during cleaning.

Pets can display symptoms of allergies such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, itchiness, and inflamed and bumpy skin.

It's important to watch your pet and seek veterinary attention if they display any of these symptoms during or after cleaning. If you suspect your pup is allergic to a cleaner or allergen, it's important to take action immediately to keep them safe and healthy.

Taking the necessary precautions and using pet-friendly cleaning products can help ensure your pupper's safety and well-being. Always be mindful of the products you use and how you use them around your pets.

TOXIC CLEANING PRODUCTS

toxic cleaning products for dogs

As pet parents, we know how much our furry friends mean to us. They're not just pets; they're family. So, it's important to remember their safety when cleaning our homes. Some cleaning ingredients can be toxic if ingested or inhaled by our pets, which can cause serious health issues or even be fatal.

To avoid harming your dog, it's best to avoid cleaning products that contain certain ingredients. These ingredients include:

  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Bleach
  • Alcohol
  • Phenols
  • Formaldehyde
  • Quaternary ammonium
  • Phthalates
  • Hydrogen peroxide

While these products may be effective in cleaning, they can harm our pets, who may accidentally ingest or inhale them. So instead, we should opt for natural and dog-friendly cleaning products that can be safe for our furry friends.

NATURAL AND DOG-FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS

natural dog cleaning products for dogs

1. VINEGAR

Vinegar is a natural and safe cleaning product that is safe for dogs. It's an effective cleaning agent for removing stains, dirt, and grime. You can use vinegar to clean floors, windows, and surfaces without worrying about toxic fumes or chemicals that may harm your dog.

2. BAKING SODA

Baking soda is another natural cleaning product that is safe for dogs. It's an excellent deodorizer that can help eliminate pet odors from carpets, upholstery, and bedding. In addition, you can use baking soda to clean your dog's toys, bed, and food bowls.

3. LEMON

Lemon is a natural cleaning product that can help remove stains and freshen up your home. It's safe for dogs, and you can use it to clean surfaces, floors, and windows. You can also use lemon to make your home smell fresh and clean.

4. ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils, like lavender and cardamom, are safe for dogs and can be used to freshen up your home. For example, adding a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser or spray bottle creates a natural air freshener. However, it's necessary to use essential oils in moderation, as some can be toxic to dogs.

MORE SPRING CLEANING TIPS

spring cleaning tips for houses with dogs

Apart from using these natural ingredients, you can use these tips for spring cleaning with your pups around.

  • Keep your pets away from the cleaning area

It's essential to keep your pups away from the areas that are being cleaned to prevent them from ingesting or inhaling toxic cleaning products. You can keep your pets in a separate room or outside until the cleaning is complete.

  • Use pet-friendly cleaning products

Using pet-friendly cleaning products is the best way to ensure that your pets stay safe during spring cleaning. These products are specially formulated to be safe for pets and will not cause harm if ingested or inhaled.

  • Store cleaning products out of reach

Cleaning products should be stored out of reach of pets to prevent them from accidentally ingesting them. Keep cleaning products in a locked cabinet or high up on a shelf where pets cannot reach them.

  • Keep sharp objects out of reach

Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, and broken glass should be kept out of reach of pets to prevent injury. Store these items in a locked cabinet or high up on a shelf where pets cannot reach them.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dogs can be sensitive to cleaning products and techniques used during spring cleaning, and it's crucial to take extra precautions to ensure they stay safe during this time. By using pet-friendly cleaning products and following the tips mentioned above, you can create a clean and safe environment for both you and your furry friend.

Always remember that the health and safety of your pet should always come first. Therefore, it's important to do your research and choose cleaning products that are safe for pets and the environment.

You can keep your home clean and fresh without harming your pets with the right products and techniques. So, go ahead and tackle your spring cleaning tasks, but do it in a way that keeps your pets happy, healthy, and safe!

Let us know in the comments how you ensure your spring cleaning is safe for your pup.

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