Cold and flu season is officially here. Millions of Americans are now in the midst of taking cold and flu medications, and cleaning and disinfecting to keep the contagious germs at bay. While keeping your home clean is always a good idea, the products you use to clean your home could pose specific dangers for […]
Cold and flu season is officially here. Millions of Americans are now in the midst of taking cold and flu medications, and cleaning and disinfecting to keep the contagious germs at bay. While keeping your home clean is always a good idea, the products you use to clean your home could pose specific dangers for your puppy.
Many common household cleaners are poisonous and toxic to pets, especially puppies. The same ingredients that make these cleaners so effective as disinfectants are what causes them to be toxic to puppies. Any cleaner that has a powerful odor should be a red flag, but we’ve compiled a list of harmful ingredients below.
The good news is that you can find effective household cleaners and disinfectants that do not use any of the toxic chemicals on that list. In this article, we’ll go over the best brands for pet-safe cleaning for you to use at home.
Even after you do switch to non-toxic cleaning products that won’t harm your puppy, it’s a good idea to have a plan of action in case your puppy ingests cleaning products or your cold and flu medications, like Tylenor or NyQuil. Keep your vet’s emergency contact information nearby, preferably on the refrigerator or in another location that’s easy to find.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a poison and has symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and seizures, you must seek veterinary medical help right away. Call your local emergency vet for advice as to what to do immediately. If they are not available for your puppy to see right away, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Lysol Pet Disinfecting Cleaner
Lysol Pet Solutions Disinfecting Cleaner is formulated to clean and disinfect tough, dried-on pet messes on hard surfaces like finished wood, glazed ceramic tile, vinyl & laminate. It kills 99.9% of Viruses & Bacteria. Made with Hydrogen Peroxide to be suitable for use around pets.
Wet Ones Anti Bacterial Multi-Purpose Tropical Splash Scent Dog Wipes
Specially formulated for wiping down your furry friend after he’s gotten into something, these Wet Ones are antibacterial wipes that help kill up to 99.9 percent of germs. Made with aloe vera so that your hands don’t get chapped as you use them.
KennelSol Dog Crate Cleaner and Disinfectant
KennelSol is a one-step cleaning liquid product and disinfectant specially formulated to safely clean home pet areas and even animal care facilities. The concentrated formula knocks out pathogens in one easy labor-saving step. Works against viruses, bacteria, fungi, even canine parvovirus – KennelSol is the ideal disinfectant cleaner for both pet owners and animal care professionals. KennelSol makes it easy to kill off pathogens with several germicidal ingredients, making it the only broad-spectrum, animal-safe kennel cleaner and deodorizer you need.
Pet-Safe Laundry Detergent Seventh Generation Free & Clear Detergent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Concentrated Laundry Detergent features a triple-enzyme formula that fights tough stains without the use of fragrances, dyes, and artificial brighteners. Plant-derived enzyme stain removers like Protease and Amylase power away stubborn stains including grass, tomato sauce, or chocolate. This hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent liquid is dermatologist tested to be gentle on skin. This detergent is designed to be safe for people, their homes, and the environment.
Pet-Safe Multi Purpose Scrub Baking Soda & Vinegar
It’s easy to overlook simple baking soda and vinegar when compiling a list of puppy-friendly cleaning products, but this combo really gets the job done in the kitchen and bathroom. Baking soda is abrasive enough to scrub away stains and yet gentle enough to never leave scratches. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and though it has a powerful scent, it’s completely non-toxic and non harmful to puppies. Once dried, vinegar has no discernable scent.
Pet-Safe Multi-Surface Cleaner Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate features gentle yet strong cleaning agents, while also providing a special, singular scent for your home. This garden-inspired scented multi purpose cleaner effectively cleans non-porous multi-surfaces such as floors, counters, and surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens or any room. This biodegradable formula cleaner is concentrated and hardworking. Made without parabens, phthalates, animal derived ingredients and always a cruelty-free formula. Requires dilution for use.
Pet-Safe Floor Cleaner Method Squirt & Mop All Floor Cleaner
Method Floor Cleaner uses a non-toxic formula. The convenient shower-spray nozzle covers floors in fewer sweeps and helps avoid puddling. Designed to clean all kinds of floors, including wood, stone, tile and laminate. Triclosan free and no animal testing. Biodegrades in less than 28 days.
The best way to keep your puppy safe from cleaning products is to not allow him anywhere near the areas you’re cleaning. Put him in his own safe room while you clean and disinfect areas of your home. Allow for plenty of time for surfaces to dry. Never let your puppy walk across freshly washed floors that are still damp. You wouldn’t want his paws to absorb the cleaning product, even if it’s non-toxic, because rashes and other dermatological issues could result. You also wouldn’t want him to lick his paws after walking in damp cleaning fluids.
We wish you a happy and healthy season this December, and a Happy New Year in 2023 with your puppy!
