Regardless of working in a vet setting, doggie day care or as a groomer, using bleach might be part of your tool kit in your cleaning routine. It’s been around forever and bleach can kill bacteria and viruses and remove mold from various surfaces.
Sure, bleach is an effective cleaning agent, but did you know that bleach can harm dogs through their nose?
Because of their heightened sense of smell, dogs are easily attracted to the strong odor produced by bleach. Inhaling an excessive amount of bleach can cause several side effects for dogs, namely kidney damage, aspiration pneumonia, and blood serum changes. Bleach poisoning through inhalation can also damage a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Who knew?
How can you possibly clean kennels or perform proper veterinary sanitization without compromising a dog’s health? By simply using the right pet cleaning products designed specifically for animal care, especially ones from Alpha Pet Tech.
Contrary to what you might expect, most dogs are actually attracted to the smell of bleach rather than repelled by it. According to the information from TheHaloPets, many dogs and cats are drawn to bleach scents, though the strong fumes can be toxic to pets.
The article specifically mentions bleach in the “What Smells are Toxic to Dogs?” section rather than in the list of scents dogs hate. It states “Many dogs and cats are attracted to the scent of bleach. However, its strong fumes could kill our pet animals.”
This is important information for pet owners who might assume bleach would work as a dog repellent. Not only will it likely not keep dogs away, but it could potentially harm them due to the toxic nature of bleach fumes, with younger pets being especially vulnerable.
If you’re looking for effective scents to repel dogs the article suggests citronella and citrus fruits (like lemons, limes, and oranges) are among the most effective options. Other smells dogs typically dislike include
- Spicy peppers
- Alcohol
- Vinegar
- Ammonia (though some dogs are attracted to it)
- Mothballs
- Menthol
- Eucalyptus
- Coffee grounds
- Coleus canina (the “Scaredy Cat” plant)
- Nail polish remover
- Strong scented candles
- Peppermint oil
- Air freshener sprays
For safer alternatives to keep dogs away from certain areas, consider using citrus-based sprays, vinegar solutions, or planting dog-repelling plants like lemongrass or citronella.
Are There Any Pet-Safe Disinfectants in the Market Today?
To effectively clean your workspace, invest in the right pet cleaning products. Yes, pet cleaners that are safe for pets and effective in disinfecting surfaces exist in the market. In fact, you can find a handful of options in various online and offline pet stores.
When looking for pet-safe disinfectants, pay attention to the following:
- Look for pet cleaners that have plant-based ingredients, namely coconut oil, corn, and soap bark. These ingredients are free from harsh chemicals and fumes and are safe for pets and even children!
- Avoid buying pet cleaners that contain toxins like sulfates and bleach. Aside from irritation, long-term use of these toxins can increase dogs risks of cancer.
- Enzyme-based cleaners are also effective in cleaning kennels without harming dogs. These pet cleaners contain biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients, which means theyre perfectly safe to use around humans and dogs.
- Take the time to read labels and never use cleaning products that contain chlorine, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and phenols. Youll likely have a medical emergency once dogs encounter any of these ingredients, as these are highly toxic.
If you dont want to take any chances, you can also use household products as your pet cleaning products. For instance, you can use vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar or white distilled vinegar will do), baking soda, or lime juice. If you want to get rid of foul odor indoors, essential oils, such as jasmine and lavender, are also great options!
These household products are all natural and safe around pets!
8 SMELLS DOGS HATE ❌ (Some You May Not Know!)
FAQ
Can dogs smell bleach?
Yes, dogs can smell bleach. Their sense of smell is much stronger than humans, and they can detect bleach’s intense, nose-hair burning smell about sixteen times over.
Can dogs eat bleach?
It’s better to avoid using cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia around dogs because bleach has a very strong smell that can attract dogs. If you must use such products, there are ways to keep your dog from ingesting them.
Is bleach harmful to pets?
Bleach, which contains chlorine, is harmful to pets as well as humans. It is found in basic laundry and dishwashing detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners. According to Dr. Lynn Hovda, bleach has been the cause of a handful of pet emergencies every year.
What smells do dogs hate?
Dogs typically hate the smell of citronella, citrus fruits like orange and lemons, and also certain essential oils. They especially hate the smell of menthol, coffee grounds, hot peppers, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol.
What smells do stray dogs hate?
Dogs typically hate the smell of citronella, citrus fruits like orange and lemons, and also certain essential oils. They especially hate the smell of menthol, coffee grounds, hot peppers, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. We hope this guide helps you keep stray dogs out of your yard and also avoid the use of scents which your house dog hates.
How do you get rid of a doggy odor?
Baking soda will neutralize doggy smell. You can also bathe your dog to get rid of the strong doggy odor. In between baths, use baking soda and vinegar to wipe your pet’s coat. This will eliminate the stench and keep your pet smelling good.
What scent do dogs hate most?
What happens if my dog sniffs bleach?
If your pet inhaled the fumes, you could notice signs of coughing, pulmonary irritation, and gasping. Other symptoms include: Coughing. Lethargy.
What smell repels dogs from peeing?
Can I clean my house with bleach if I have a dog?
No, you cannot safely use undiluted or even properly diluted bleach around dogs because ingestion or inhalation can cause severe internal burns, respiratory problems, and even seizures. To clean safely, keep dogs out of the area, use pet-friendly alternatives, or if you must use bleach, dilute it thoroughly, ensure the area is well-ventilated, and only allow pets back once everything is completely dry and free of odor. Always store bleach in secure, out-of-reach locations to prevent accidents.