Spring Cleaning Safety Tips for Pet Owners

With sunnier skies and warmer weather comes a natural urge to freshen up our living spaces. But if there are animal friends in your midst, it’s important to keep spring cleaning pet safety in mind.

At Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital, your pet’s health and safety is always our number one priority. In this blog, our team shares important tips for keeping pets safe during spring cleaning.

How to Choose Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products 

Household cleaners with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals can irritate your pet’s sensitive little nose, paws, skin, and even respiratory system. 

Here are some tips for choosing pet-friendly cleaning products:

• Look for products labeled “pet-friendly,” “pet-safe,” or “non-toxic.” 
• Select plant-based cleaners with minimal ingredients.
• Look for the Safer Choice label.  
• Avoid heavily fragranced products. 
• If you have any doubt about a product’s safety, test it in a small area before using it throughout your home to make sure your pet doesn’t have an adverse reaction. 
• Popular commercial brands that are pet-safe include: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Seventh Generation, Puracy Natural, and Aunt Fannie’s. 

DIY Pet-Friendly Cleaning Options

Try making your own simple and safe cleaners from products you probably already have at home: 

• Vinegar: Both white and apple cider vinegar are considered pet-safe and effective against mold and bacteria.
• Baking soda: Ideal for neutralizing odors and mild scrubbing.  
• Lemon juice: Similar cleaning properties to vinegar, with a more pleasing scent. 
• Diluted hydrogen peroxide: Safe for use as a disinfectant and pet stain remover when diluted properly. 

Avoid These Toxic Products for Pets

Whether you’re purchasing commercial brands or whipping up your own pet-friendly cleaning products, avoid these toxic products for pets:

• Bleach: Highly toxic to pets and should never be used around them.
• Ammonia: Harmful when inhaled by pets.
• Rubbing alcohol: Toxic if ingested and can cause respiratory distress if inhaled.
• Undiluted hydrogen peroxide: Can severely damage the stomach lining.
• Compounds that contain the word “phenol”: A known skin and respiratory irritant. 
• Phthalates: Can cause liver and kidney damage. 
• Undiluted essential oils: Many essential oils are extremely toxic to pets.

Keeping Pets Safe During Spring Cleaning

Let’s face it, sometimes a deep clean requires the use of some fairly potent products. If you’re ready to break out the mop, vacuum, dust rags, and sponges, and you’re not certain if some of your cleaning products are completely pet-friendly, practice these spring cleaning safety tips:

• Keep your pet in another room or other safe place when working with cleaning products.
• Store all cleaning products out of your pet’s reach.
• Open the windows to air out any fumes.
• Make sure floors and carpets have dried completely after being cleaned before allowing your pet to walk on them.

Need More Spring Cleaning Pet Safety Tips?

Pets deserve to live in clean, safe environments. If you have any questions regarding toxic products for pets or if it’s time for your pet’s wellness visit, please contact our team at (916) 726-2334.