Spring Cleaning and Pet Safety
Spring has sprung and there’s no feeling quite like throwing open the windows and letting some clean air into the house. Something about the exit of winter makes everything feel new, and often inspires people to clean out the house to welcome the new season and the warmer weather. As you start to plan out what you want to clean and organize, be sure you are thinking about spring cleaning and pet safety.
Your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center are here to offer some pet safety tips so you can refresh your home without putting your pets at risk.
Spring Cleaning and Pet Safety: The Cleaning Culprits
Whether they step onto a freshly mopped floor or sit on a couch that has just been cleaned with some upholstery chemicals, pets can easily come into contact with potentially toxic chemicals present in many common household cleaners. It is very important to read the ingredients before using any cleaning product to see if it can be toxic for your pet.
These are some of the most commonly used household cleaners that are poisonous for pets:
- Drain cleaners
- Dishwashing soaps
- Toilet bowl cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Lime removal products
- Carpet and upholstery cleaners
- Products containing ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, or glycol ethers
To avoid a pet emergency, be very careful when using these products in a house where animals live. If possible, only use them if your pet is not home (like if your spouse takes your dog for a long walk), or if the animal is safely crated or safely secured in the backyard. Even after cleaning, make sure all floors are dry and stash all products in a pet-proof cabinet.
Pet Safety in the Garage
The garage usually houses some of the most toxic household products, from pool chemicals to herbicides. If your pet has access to the garage, be extra careful that he cannot get into these products, pesticides, insecticides, antifreeze, or de-icing salts. If possible, do not let your pet into the garage without supervision, to avoid an unfortunate incident.
The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is always here to answer any questions you might have about cleaning products that are safe for your pets. If you think your pet has gotten into a potentially harmful household cleaner, please give us a call at (916) 737-5670 or visit us online so we can help you ensure he or she gets the proper treatment.