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What Cleaning Products Are Not Safe for Pets?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  September 22nd, 2023
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It’s no secret that pets make a lot of mess – both cats and dogs. From litter tracking and muddy paws to “accidents” that result in urine stains and persistent smells, pet owners tend to have their hands full if they want to keep their homes spotless. However, it can be difficult to find cleaning solutions that are effective against tough messes that pets make and yet made from pet-safe ingredients that won’t harm our four-legged besties. Still, when you know what to look for (or to avoid), you won’t have any issue finding the right type of  cleaning products for your pet-friendly household. 


What Cleaning Products Are Not Safe for Pets?


Many household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to animals if ingested, inhaled, or exposed to their skin. Here are some of the most commonly used cleaning products and substances that are generally considered as not safe for pets:


Bleach


Bleach is used by millions of households worldwide. However it is highly toxic to pets and can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Even the fumes can be harmful, so it’s best to steer clear of it.


Toilet Bowl Cleaners


Cleaning solutions intended for toilet bowls often contain strong acids or alkalis that can be corrosive and toxic to pets if ingested. If you have a cat that likes to play with the toilet (don’t ask me how I know this) avoid commercial toilet bowl cleaners altogether, otherwise keep the cleaning products safely tucked away out of your pet’s reach.


Oven Cleaners


An oven gets seriously dirty in no time, and you need a lot of “cleaning power” to remove layers of greasiness that accumulate all over it. In order to help clean that grime, oven cleaners are typically highly caustic and can cause severe burns or gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Keep your pets away from the kitchen when it’s cleaning time and vent out the space afterward.


Ammonia


Ammonia-based cleaners, such as certain glass and window cleaners, can be irritating to a pet's respiratory system and eyes. Inhaling ammonia fumes can be harmful. When using these, make sure ventilation is good and your pet’s not around while you’re cleaning.


To ensure the safety of your pets always read labels on cleaning products to understand their potential hazards. Of course, you should also keep cleaning products out of reach of pets, ideally in a locked cabinet. When using these products, make sure your pet is isolated in another room, and ensure the area is well-aired before allowing your pets back in. 


You can also opt for pet-friendly cleaning products or non-toxic natural solutions that are safe to use around pets and are based on powerful cleaning agents that are natural and chemical-free, such as enzymes.


I use  this enzymatic cleaner for my bathroom, as it is a bit more heavy-duty than your usual all-purpose natural cleaner, and it does a good job – even though it’s plant-based. Another great pet-friendly cleaning product that is a staple in my household is this  floor cleaner which makes both hardwood floors and kitchen tiles spotless. Just a heads up, though, it does smell a bit like vinegar (since it’s the main ingredient) but it dissipates rather quickly. 

In the end, whichever cleaning products you end up using, be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach – just because something is not toxic for them, doesn’t mean that they should be sniffing about it. Ultimately, if you suspect your pet has ingested or come into contact with a harmful substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline immediately for guidance.

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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American Airlines Makes It Easier To Travel With Pets

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Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

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Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

Holiday Gifts for Dogs to Include Them in the Fun

It’s the gift giving season, and you’re thinking about all of the people you’ll buy presents for, but why not also add your canine companion to the list? With so many great products on the market, you can find the ideal gift for your dog so they can participate in the opening of presents with everyone they love. Here are some tips to help you find something that your pooch will get excited over.

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