Out of habit or ignorance of the detrimental effects they have on the household, many dog owners keep cleaners that aren’t exactly pet safe in their homes. Young children and pets are especially at risk for issues like cancer, anemia, liver and kidney damage from cleaning products that contain ingredients like bleach, ammonia, chlorine, gycol ethers, or formaldehyde. Many toxic cleaners are also carcinogenic. What household cleaning products, such as Pine Sol, Lysol, and Mr. Clean, are not suitable for use around dogs? What about detergents like Tide and Cheer, or Clean, Clorox Bathroom Cleaner, and Scrubbing Bubbles?
Several studies show dangerous effects of some common cleaning products. Numerous of these contained information about animals demonstrating that Fido and Fluffy were not chemically immune and that many cleaning products were not safe for use around pets. Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning products were the focus of one study. It measured the vapor pressure of different chemical compounds found in cleaners. Nearly a thousand times more vapor pressure was recorded by three cleaners—Pledge, Clorox Wipes, and Lysol Disinfecting Spray—than by a natural cleaner. This means that the vapors left behind after toxic cleaners are put away and closed can still harm both us and our pets.
Is Lysol toxic to dogs after it dries?
Only use Lysol to clean the house if you feel the need to do so when the dog is away. Use the product as directed.
The manufacturer advises leaving the spray on a surface for up to 10 minutes to completely eliminate all bacteria and viruses.
In order to lessen Lysol toxicity, you should then wipe any surface that will come into contact with food, children, or pets with fresh water or a wet towel. In essence, you disinfect the home before thoroughly cleaning it.
Prior to letting the dog back inside the house, additionally ensure that all surfaces are completely dry.
You should also ventilate the home because Lysol fumes can be hazardous. While you are cleaning, remove your dog’s water and food bowls, and then wash them thoroughly with water before replacing them.
Do not clean your dog’s toys or bedding with products like Lysol.
What is the safest cleaning product to use around dogs?
Disinfectants and harsh chemical-filled cleaning products are not always necessary. Here are some everyday items you can use to keep your home spick-and-span and pet-friendly.
Regardless of the fancy cleaning products you may find on the market, water and soap are just as effective and safe for you and your pets to use.
Even during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, health professionals advised hand washing with simple soap and water. If you don’t have easy access to a sink to properly wash your hands, hand sanitizers are an alternative.
Soap is safer than any detergent for cleaning your dog’s bedding and toys; just make sure to thoroughly rinse everything afterward.
The humble baking soda can be used to solve many cleaning problems and it is safe for dogs. The easiest way to use baking soda is to mix it with water to create a paste you can apply on kitchen or bathroom surfaces. You can also use it on surfaces that are notoriously difficult to clean, like upholstery or patio furniture.
Additionally, you can occasionally bathe your dog and add a cup of baking soda to the water. It’s good for skin problems and leaves the coat shiny.
Vinegar has good antimicrobial and antifungal properties so it can very well be used for cleaning around the house. A 50-50 water and vinegar solution can be used to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as well as to remove sticky spills or dirt off the floor. Diluted vinegar is perfectly safe for dogs. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to make the solution more efficient.
In addition to being an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide can be used to get rid of tough stains. It is especially helpful when teaching your puppy to use the bathroom because it eliminates the smell that urine stains leave behind. Because the toilet is where the smell is, you want to remove all traces of it before your dog picks it up.
To reduce burns and ingestion, repeatedly rinse your dog’s mouth with water if she makes mouth or tongue contact with Lysol. Contact your vet right away. Seek emergency veterinary care right away if you’ve recently cleaned with Lysol or your dog has gotten hold of a bottle and you notice that she’s excessively swallowing or drooling, lethargic, repeatedly pawing at the mouth, refusing to eat, or displaying other concerning potential toxic signs.
In general, avoid chemical commercial cleansers. Lysol alternatives for dogs include vinegar and isopropyl alcohol, though the latter must dry before allowing your dog access. As a cleaning product, baking soda is inexpensive, nontoxic, and simple to use. It can be directly applied or combined with a little water to create a paste. To clean and deodorize stains on surfaces such as furniture, carpets, and hard surfaces, use a scrubber. Borax is a natural ingredient found in many laundry detergents that functions frequently like baking soda. For cleaning wood, mineral oil is a pet-safe substitute, and cornstarch is effective on many metals, windows, and carpets.
In general, it is not advised to use the phenol-based cleaning product Lysol in homes with dogs. Lysol releases potentially harmful volatile organic compounds in its vapors, and phenol can harm pets’ livers. Additionally, Lysol can result in serious chemical burns if your dog licks it or consumes it, typically on the tongue and upper esophagus.
Since 2007, Eric Mohrman has worked as a freelance writer, concentrating on stories about travel, cuisine, and lifestyle. His creative writing is also widely published. He lives in Orlando, Florida.
FAQ
Is Lysol disinfectant spray safe for dogs?
You might have seen posts about Lysol being harmful to pets if you use social media. The truth is that all household cleaners are harmful to pets, some more so than others. One of the active ingredients in Lysol is Phenol. Phenol can be problematic for dogs as well as cats, but it is particularly dangerous for cats.
What happens if my dog inhaled Lysol?
If a dog breathes toxic fumes, the airways will likely become inflamed. Most inhaled poisons will cause difficulty breathing. Some may also result in twitching and salivation, as well as other toxicity symptoms like vomiting and collapse.
Is disinfectant spray safe for dogs?
Disinfectants are toxic to pets because they contain ingredients such as alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chemical compounds containing the word “phenol,” etc.
What happens if a dog licks disinfectant?
Hand sanitizer can cause ethanol intoxication in dogs and cats, which can lead to symptoms like altered behavior, decreased coordination, depression, low blood sugar (especially in small and young pets), upset stomach, and even breathing difficulties.