Safeguarding Your Pet: The Science Behind Pet-Safe Cleaning

10 Apr

As pet owners, we prioritise the well-being of our furry friends, striving to create a nurturing and safe environment for them. Yet, it’s essential to consider the potential risks posed by the cleaning products used in our homes. These powerful chemical formulations are designed to eradicate microscopic organisms, a potency that has been demonstrated to pose lethal threats to humans and raises concerns about their impact on our beloved pets.

In 2022, the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Centre compiled a comprehensive list of the top ten substances known to induce sickness in animals:

1. Over the counter medications.

2. Human food – xylitol, onions, grapes…

3. Human prescription medications.

4. Chocolate.

5. Bouquets and plants.

6. Household toxins – cleaning products, beauty products, paint…

7. Veterinary products especially chewable medications.

8. Rodenticides.

9. Insecticides.

10. Recreational drugs especially marijuana.

While toxic cleaning agents rank sixth on this list, it prompts us to reflect: could the cleaning products we use be harming our pets’ health? This question underscores the need for careful consideration and potential reassessment of our cleaning practices to ensure the well-being of our cherished animal companions.

Scientific research supports these concerns, revealing the potential dangers of household cleaning products to pets. Studies have shown that common cleaning chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach, can irritate pets’ respiratory tracts, leading to coughing and wheezing. Additionally, glycol ethers, commonly found in household cleaners, have been associated with liver, nerve, digestive, and lung damage in pets.

Given these risks, it’s important to choose pet-safe alternatives and store cleaning supplies securely to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure. By prioritizing pet safety in our cleaning routines, we can help create a healthier and happier environment for our furry family members.

How Chemical Cleaners Can Poison Pets

Exposure to chemical cleaning products such as ammonia, bleach, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, phthalates, and glycol ethers are known to be as toxic for people as car exhaust fumes! Everyday household cleaning products – disinfectants, air fresheners, soaps, and laundry detergents fill the air with toxins. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), lung irritants, allergens, carcinogens, hormone disrupters, mood-altering chemicals and more. Chemical ingredients are designed to kill any living microorganism – ‘good’ and ‘bad’ – that they come into contact with. Short term and long term exposure even kills humans!

Just envision the potential harm these chemicals could inflict on your smaller pet. Pet exposure is significantly higher compared to humans due to their smaller size and tendency to spend most of their time on or near the floor, often with no control over when they can rid themselves of chemical residues through bathing.

Vets have noted that certain cleaning products, particularly those that turn milky when mixed with water, can pose toxicity risks while the surface is still wet. If your pet traverses a wet toxic surface, there's a strong likelihood they will lick their paws, unwittingly ingesting the poisonous substances. Over time, these toxins can result in various health complications, including neurological issues, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. It's worth mentioning that these products tend to be safer once surfaces have dried.

Furthermore, dogs possess a sense of smell up to 10,000 times more potent than humans. Consider the overwhelming scent of a strongly scented chemical cleaner from your pet's perspective, especially as they're typically closer to the floor, often lying on it.Additionally, pets are naturally curious beings and may attempt to access cupboards or chew on product containers containing toxic chemicals. Incidents reported by the PDSA reveal dogs suffering chemical burns from consuming bleach found in toilets. These occurrences underscore the importance of securely storing cleaning products out of reach of pets to mitigate the risk of accidental ingestion or exposure.

The 2008 EWG Polluted Pets study

In 2008, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a groundbreaking study titled "Polluted Pets." This study shed light on a concerning reality: our beloved pets are not immune to the effects of environmental pollutants.

The findings were staggering, revealing that Dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people, according to the study of blood and urine from 20 dogs and 40 cats.

Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than is typical for people, with 2.4 x higher levels of stain-and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 x more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 x the amounts of mercury, compared to average levels in people found in national studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and EWG.

The presence of such a wide array of chemicals in our pets' systems raised alarming questions about the potential health impacts they may face as a result.The chemicals detected in the study included a variety of compounds commonly found in everyday household products, such as flame retardants, plasticisers, and pesticides.

These substances have been linked to a range of health issues in humans, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and neurological problems. What made the EWG's "Polluted Pets" study particularly impactful was its ability to draw attention to the often-overlooked issue of environmental pollution's impact on animal health. While much attention had been paid to the effects of pollutants on human health, this study served as a wake-up call to the fact that our pets are also vulnerable to the same environmental hazards.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the interconnectedness of human and animal health and the importance of considering the well-being of our pets in discussions surrounding environmental health and policy. It underscored the need for greater awareness, regulation, and action to mitigate the risks posed by environmental pollutants to both humans and animals alike.

Ultimately, the "Polluted Pets" study served as a catalyst for change, sparking conversations, driving research, and advocating for policies aimed at protecting the health and safety of our furry companions. It emphasised the importance of creating healthier environments not only for ourselves but also for the cherished pets that bring so much joy and companionship into our lives.

Under existing federal legislation, chemical companies are not required to demonstrate the safety of chemicals before incorporating them into products, including items intended for our beloved companion animals, such as pet toys. Consequently, both pets and people are subjected to a body burden of intricate combinations of industrial chemicals that have never undergone safety testing.

This situation has contributed to a range of health issues in pets, including elevated rates of cancer in dogs and a sharp rise in the incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats. Genetic factors alone cannot account for the surge in certain health ailments among pets, leading scientists to surmise that chemical exposures likely play a significant role in these health challenges.

Scientific Research Supporting Pet Safety

Ammonia and Bleach: Studies published in esteemed scientific journals such as Toxicological Sciences and Environmental Health Perspectives have illuminated the respiratory irritant effects of common cleaning chemicals, such as ammonia and bleach. These compounds, when inhaled or ingested by pets, have been linked to inflammation and damage within the respiratory tract, potentially precipitating coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress (Source: Toxicological Sciences, 2019; Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020).

Glycol Ethers: Moreover, research conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has elucidated the toxicological profile of glycol ethers, commonly found in household cleaning products. These compounds have been associated with a spectrum of adverse health outcomes, including liver, nerve, digestive, and lung damage, highlighting the potential risks posed to pets exposed to such chemicals (Source: EPA, 2018).

Phthalates: Studies published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal have linked phthalate exposure to adverse health effects in pets, including liver, testicular, and pancreatic tumors. Phthalates, commonly found in household cleaners and pet products, are recognized as potential carcinogens (Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, 2020).

Formaldehyde: Studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health have identified formaldehyde as a respiratory and skin irritant. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and carcinogenic effects in pets (Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021).

1,4-Dioxane: Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the health risks associated with 1,4-dioxane exposure. This chemical has been linked to kidney and liver damage, as well as carcinogenic effects in animals and humans (Source: CDC, 2019).

Given the heightened susceptibility of pets to the deleterious effects of household cleaning products, it behooves us to exercise utmost caution in their selection and usage. A sober appraisal of the scientific evidence underscores the imperative of prioritizing pet safety in our domestic environments, lest we unwittingly subject our beloved animal companions to untold harm.

Protecting Your Pet

To save your pet from exposure to these harmful chemicals, consider using pet-safe cleaners made from natural ingredients. Here are some recipes for pet-safe cleaners:

Pet Safe Wood Floor Cleaner: Mix 1 cup of vinegar into 1 liter of water and mop as usual. You don’t even need to rinse.
Baking Soda Scrub: Combine equal parts of baking soda, warm water, and salt to create a thick paste. Use it to scrub surfaces like tubs, toilets, countertops, and floors.
Pet Safe All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix one part vinegar and four parts water in a spray bottle. Add some fresh lemon juice to the mix and shake well.
Pet Safe Furniture Polish: Mix 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tsp of lemon juice. Use it to polish furniture as usual.In addition to using pet-safe cleaners, consider adding air-purifying plants to your home to help remove odors and toxins from the air.

Commercial Pet Safe Cleaning products

We recognise that not everyone has the time to make their own household cleaners, here are our top picks for commercial pet friendly cleaning products!

Libby’s Top pick;

Evaa+ from Provilan; (UK/AUS/CAD/USA/EU/SA/IRE)

Naturally sourced ingredients without harsh chemicals.
Free from toxins and carcinogens.
Non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin.
Safer for you and your pets.
PETA certified as vegan and cruelty-free.
Safe for aquatic life.
Recyclable containers made using ocean recycled plastic.

Range; indoor and outdoor general purpose cleaner ,descaler, air optimiser, dish soap, floor cleaner, hand soap, interior cleaner, odour remover, bathroom cleaner and toilet cleaner.

The Evaa+ range is our top pick as they utilise beneficial probiotics in their cleaners. These nurturing sprays, liquids, and lotions are infused with healthy ‘good’ bacteria (probiotics) to bring microbial balance back into your life. A balanced microbiome (the community of microorganisms found on any surface, including skin) supports better hygiene, immunity and well-being.

Use code THCKCS15 for 15% off your first order when buying Evaa+ from Ingenious Probiotics.

If you are ordering internationally, save on delivery by contacting their international stockists below:

Australia – The Natural Vet Nurse (Darwin, Palmerston and rural)
Australia – Shy Tiger Natural Animal Health (online only)
Bulgaria – Primavet-Sofia
Canada – Paws Evolution (Ontario)
Ireland – Dogs First (Dr Conor Brady (online only)
South Africa – Ingenious Probiotics South Africa Supplier (Randberg)
USA – Dr. Judy Morgan’s Naturally Healthy Pets (online only)
USA – Paws Evolution (Florida)

Purdy & Figg (UK)

Plant based
Parade free
Pet safe
GMO free
No synthetic fragrance
Natural ingredients
No single use plastic
Chemical free

Range; all purpose cleaner & bathroom

Cleaner.

Branch Basics (USA/CAD)

Plant & Mineral Based
Fragrance free
No harmful preservatives
Biodegradable
Not tested on animals
Non GMO
Non toxic
Free from; sulfates, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates, parabens, VOC’s & endocrine disruptors.

Range; all purpose cleaner, laundry soap, dishwasher tablets, hand soap, glass cleaner & bathroom cleaner.

The bare home (CAD)

Vegan
Biodegradable
Uses essential oils
Recyclable
Pet friendly
Natural
Phosphate & dye free
Range: all purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry soap, hand & body & shampoo.

Koala Eco (AUS)

Chemical free
Vegan
Not tested on animals
No synthetic fragrance
Allergy safe
Phosphate & dye free
SLS free
Biodegradable
No masking agents
Plant based
Septic safe

Range; all purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, dish soap, stainless cleaner, floor cleaner, produce cleaner, room spray , laundry, hand & body, pet shampoo.

All Natural Pet (UK)

Chemical free
Not tested on animals
No synthetic fragrance
Pet friendly
Uses essential oils

Range; all purpose cleaner, laundry, floors,room spray, outdoor cleaner,toilet cleaner, dish soap, insect repellant.

Conclusion

It's crucial to revamp your cleaning routine to ensure harmful ingredients are not present. If you're uncertain about the safety of a product, the Environmental Working Group’s Guide To Healthy Cleaning is a valuable resource for researching ingredients and their potential risks.

Even products labeled as "natural" may contain substances that could harm your dog. The term "natural" is often used for marketing purposes and doesn't guarantee safety. Always scrutinize the ingredients list and research any unfamiliar components before trusting a product as safe for your pet.

By making these small changes to your cleaning routine, you can protect your pet from exposure to toxic household cleaners and ensure a healthier, safer environment for them to thrive in.