Spring Cleaning Safety Tips to Protect Your Four-Legged Friend

Spring is in the air and it is the perfect time to open the windows and roll up your sleeves. It’s the season for airing out the home, freshening up, and getting rid of things we never use. This time of year might inspire you to do some deep cleaning and purging of belongings, but you should also know that cleaning fluids and other chemicals pose a threat to your pet. 

Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is here to give you some spring cleaning safety tips, so that you can protect your best furry pal.

Simple Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning products that are safe for your furry one, the simpler the better. Look at product labels and avoid those cleaners that have ingredients that are unrecognizable or heavily chemical-based. Opt instead for those that are deemed pet- and kid-friendly. Use plant-based cleansers that have only a few ingredients.

Some natural cleaners blend distilled water with white vinegar; baking powder; lemon juice; and plants like clary sage, peppermint, lavender, and rosemary. These all make for a fragrant and non-toxic home. Be cautious when using essential oils, however, that they do not come into contact with your pet. Even fumes can be dangerous for birds and cats. 

Chemicals That Harm Pets

There are many cleaning products that have toxic ingredients in them. While it is always good to have your pet in a separate area of your home until all cleaning fluids have dried, there are certain products to always avoid.

• Bleach (unless very diluted)
• Ammonia
• Glycol ethers
• Formaldehyde
• Phthalates
• Toilet tabs
• Oven cleaners
• Formaldehyde
• Dioxine

Check the label carefully on any household cleaner to ensure these are not among the ingredients.

Airing Out the Home

Instead of using heavily perfumed sprays and chemicals, simply open your doors and windows for a few hours to air out your home. Make sure your pet cannot escape by using baby gates or keeping them in a secure area while you clean. Fresh air and sunshine go a long way in eliminating odors. 

The use of fragrant, pet-friendly plants, like citrus, rosemary, lavender, thyme, and others, make for a pleasant natural scent. Avoid liquid or dried potpourri and mothballs, as these are toxic. Remember to securely store all essential oils and do not diffuse them in the presence of your pet.

Questions About Spring Cleaning Safety Tips

Remember that carpet cleaning, mopping, and other heavy-duty tasks should be done when your pet cannot come into contact with these cleaners. Pets who are allowed to walk across wet floors or carpets will naturally lick their paws later. Wait until all products are dry and fragrances are minimized before your four-legged friend is allowed to return.

Oh, and this is also a great time to launder your pet’s toys, bed, and blankets to rid them of bacteria and germs, as well as doggie or kitty odors.

If you have additional questions about spring cleaning safety tips or would like to schedule your pet’s spring wellness checkup, please contact us.