Harsh disinfectants and sanitizers may contain toxic ingredients that can be detrimental to your furry friend. You may be surprised to know that some of the most commonly used detergents also contain harmful chemicals and fumes. 

If you unintentionally expose your pets to these chemicals, you’re risking their lives. Take the first step in making your home or facility pet-friendly by learning about the ingredients that may harm your furry friends. Here’s a list of toxic substances you should avoid as they can be major red flags for your pet’s wellbeing:

Bleach 

Commonly used to disinfect and wash clothes, bleach is a corrosive chemical that can cause chemical burns. Pets love playing with small items. If left unsupervised, they may dip their paws in bleach which may cause skin irritation and fur damage. 

And if they ingest the harmful substance, their stomachs can get irritated and may lead to vomiting. Bleach in the eyes may damage the cornea, leading to temporary blindness. If you suspect that your pet has ingested the toxic ingredient, rush them to the vet to get their stomach flushed. 

Hydrogen peroxide 

Hydrogen peroxide is another harsh ingredient that can harm your pet’s health. If your detergent has 3% or more hydrogen peroxide concentration, it’s best that you toss it out. Regular exposure to its fumes can be detrimental to your furry friend’s health. 

Alcohols 

Both rubbing alcohol and ethanol can have huge repercussions on your pet’s health. Alcohol poisoning in cats and dogs is commonly caused by ingesting highly-concentrated alcohol-based sanitizer. Some signs of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, slow heartbeat, low blood sugar levels, low blood pressure, and difficulty in breathing. Therefore, make sure that you use only EPA approved sanitizers.

The Environment Protection Agency runs products through strict quality-assurance procedures to ensure they are safe for the environment and pet-friendly. 

Phenols and quats 

If your pet inhales phenols or quats, they may experience corrosive injuries. Inhaling these products can lead to lung damage and difficulty in breathing. Phenols are commonly found in essential oils and bowl cleaners whereas traces of quats can be present in sprays and ammonium wipes. 

We are a pet-friendly disinfection service

We understand how crucial it is to get your home disinfected thoroughly amid the current COVID-19 outbreak. If you’re looking for pet-friendly disinfection services, reach out to us at EnviroClean Maine. We offer residential and commercial disinfection, carpet cleaning, and water extraction services at unmatched rates. 

Our service areas include Falmouth, Yarmouth, Kennebunk, and Scarborough. Connect with our friendly customer service for more information.