Dog Friendly Cleaning Solutions

It’s time for Spring cleaning! National Spring Cleaning Week starts the fourth Sunday in March, so this year it falls between March 28^th  – April 3^rd.

Spring cleaning is important for everyone, but especially for families with a furry four-legged member. Daily life with dogs can make staying tidy a challenge. Muddy paw prints tracked across the floor and nose art on the windows help make a house a home, but they also make a home harder to keep clean.

Homes with dogs living in them need to pay particular attention to the cleaning products used. The majority of commercial cleaning supplies contain chemicals and other substances toxic to pets. The chemicals in cleaning products are known to cause anemia, liver and kidney damage and other health problems in dogs.

Research conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found household cleaning products and chemicals are the sixth most frequent toxin pets were exposed to in 2020. Many popular cleaning products are highly toxic, and even worse for dogs, whose exposure is higher than people. Dogs spend most of their time on or near the floor and are constantly breathing in the toxins or absorbing them through their paw pads and skin, making them vulnerable to toxicosis.

And, unlike humans, dogs do not wear a protective layer of clothing, shoes or shower daily. They are in direct contact with these chemicals and toxic substances whenever they are at home. They roll, play and sleep on the floor; they lick their fur and paws and chew their toys, all of which are in direct contact with cleaning products. And they inhale the sprays and fumes which impacts their internal and external systems. Dogs with skin allergies and sensitivities are becoming increasingly common, and, as a result, are suffering from itchy, scratchy and red inflamed skin.

Read Labels Carefully

In order to protect your dog, be sure to read the labels on cleaning products carefully. While a label may claim a product is “green” or “natural”, the contents listed may not be safe for your dog.

What to Look for in Commercial Cleaning Products

Chances are, you have some cleaning products already in your house. Before you expose your dog further to potentially toxic fumes, avoid using any products containing these chemicals:

• Ammonia
• Bleach
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Formaldehyde (found in general household cleaners)
• Perchloroethylene (found in carpet and rug cleaners)
• Phenols (typically found in cleaners with “sol” in the name)
• Phthalates (used with scented products, like air fresheners)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Chlorine
• Gycol ethers

Alternative Pet-Safe Commercial Cleaning Products

There are many products on the market aimed at keeping your house squeaky-clean and free from noxious chemicals. These pet-safe, non-toxic cleaning products will clean up messes safely and keep your home looking good-as-new. Here are a few brands for you to consider; just keep in mind these are only suggestions; there are many other products on the market besides these.

• Green Works

The Green Works cleaning product line is 97% natural, making them safe for pets. Consumers say the products are effective, even when it comes to challenging messes. They are available from Amazon and Walmart.com.

• Method

These cleaning products are powerful, planet-friendly and can handle big messes beautifully. Method’s entire product line is safe for use around pets. They are available from Amazon and Walmart.com.

• Meyers

Mrs. Meyers cleaning products are free from ammonia, chlorine, bleach, paraben and phosphates, so they are as safe as can be for use around pets. They’re based on aromatherapy, which is why they smell so good. And just because these products are green and lemony-fresh doesn’t mean they don’t kill bacteria and odors in your home. Available from Amazon and Walmart.com.

• Puracy Natural All-Purpose Cleaners

Puracy natural cleaners are a game changer. Engineered to be tough on dirt and grime, but gentle on skin and living beings. Puracy also has a natural pet stain and odor remover. Consumers say it smells nice, too! Available on Amazon and Walmart.com.

Do-It-Yourself Homemade Cleaners

A Word of Caution: Before you mix up your own cleaning solutions, be sure to clearly label the container you will be storing it in.

Many of the ingredients used in do-it-yourself cleaning products can be found in your home pantry. These ingredients are safe to use around your pets and, as a bonus, are usually less expensive than buying commercial cleaners. They are also environmentally-friendly, as you can reuse your containers and spray bottles, rather than recycling or trashing them.

• Distilled vinegar

White distilled vinegar has many home cleaning uses. It can be mixed with other ingredients, depending on how you plan to use it. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant. A good, general all-purpose cleaner can be made by mixing ½ cup of vinegar in a gallon of lukewarm water. This can be used on countertops, floors, sings, windows and walls.

• Baking soda

Baking soda is also a good, old-fashioned cleaning agent. Try sprinkling it on your carpets before vacuuming to freshen them up. Use a 1:1:1 ration with water and salt to create a good scrub from countertops, feed bowls and other hard surfaces. You can even sprinkle a little on your pooch to help him or her smell a little better until his or her next grooming session.

• DIY laundry detergent

It might surprise you to know laundry detergent can be toxic to dogs if used to wash their bedding, coats, sweaters and stuffed toys. Try making your own laundry soap using castile soap, borax, washing soda, baking soda and essential oils.

• Socks with essential oils

Commercial dryer sheets are not good for throwing in the dryer with your pet’s bedding and other items. If you want a nice fragrance try putting a few drops of essential oil on a cotton sock and including it in your dryer load.

Dogs and Essential Oils

Essentials oils are great as a pet-friendly fragrance to mask unpleasant odors. Try adding a few drops to your water/vinegar spray or add it to your doggie laundry. In addition to smelling nice, these concentrated oils contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well.

However, not all essential oils are pet-friendly. Citrus essential oils such as lemon and orange should not be used in a home with pets.

Pet-safe essential oils suitable for home use include:

• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Geranium
• Eucalyptus
• Clary sage

The secret to cleaning product safety for your dog is to make sure you are reading the list of ingredients and instructions for use. If the label instructs you to “Keep This Product Out of the Reach of Children and Animals” you can expect it to be harmful.

If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

We all strive to do our best to keep our fur-babies healthy and safe. Consider including pet-safe household cleaners to your list of essentials. They’re much safer for your dog and may prevent a long-term health issue.

Do you use pet-safe cleaning products? How did you decide which ones to use? Please share in the comments below.