Most people view their pets as “one of the family”. They spoil them as they lavish these pets with toys, special treats, or an occasional designer outfit. So much care for their little family member that they adore, and for good reason. With all this love and attention, it’s obvious that the owners care a great deal about them. If these pet parents realized they were doing something that could cause their little furry friend harm, they would most likely stop.
Most people don’t realize that the cleaning products they are using to keep their home fresh and sanitary are causing their pets harm. This article will shed some light on the reality of chemical-based products, and help guide you in the decision to make the switch to safe natural cleaning projects.
Trusted Brands Are Just As Safe As Natural Cleaning Products, Right?
Unless you seek out natural cleaning products that are guaranteed to be free of chemicals, you are taking a chance of exposing your pet to dangerous toxins. Some labels even spell it out for us, “dangerous to humans and domestic animals”. We are talking about big name trusted brands that have been a part of our lives for years! For some pet owners, it may even be difficult to accept that the brand they have been using their whole life may actually be unsafe for their pets.
Common Cleaning Products That May Cause Your Pet Harm
Let’s start with chlorine, which is found in various household cleaners and is a considered toxic to our little companions. It’s known to be a respiratory irritant and may cause damage to your pet’s eyes and skin. In addition to this, consistent exposure to chlorine, as well as bleach and ammonia, may put your pet at risk for kidney and liver damage.
Many all-purpose cleaners contain volatile organic compounds, which are not pet-friendly. In a study where these elements were measured in cleaning products, specifically Lysol Disinfectant Spray, it was found to create almost one thousands times more vapor pressure than a natural cleaning product. This translates to dangerous vapors that linger well after the cleaning is completed. The health risk from VOCs can vary with the level of exposure. Long-term exposure may cause kidney or liver damage, cancer, and central nervous system issues. Short-term exposure may cause your pet to have breathing problems, as well as irritation of the eyes and nose. Those natural cleaning products are looking pretty good right now, aren’t they?
Pets Are More Susceptible To Chemicals
Although we share the same living space as our pets, they are more susceptible to these chemicals then we are. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are smaller and therefore closer to the ground, breathing in large amounts of chemical-laden dust that has fallen to the ground. They have also been known to lick or chew chemical covered items. In addition to this, our pets spend 90 percent of their time sleeping or playing on hardwood floors that have been drenched with a toxic floor cleaner, or rugs that have been sprinkled with chemical-based fresheners. Much like a small child, pets are unaware of the dangers of these chemicals, which also places them at a higher risk.
What You Can Do To Keep Your Pet Safe
Keeping your pet safe is a priority, and it can be easily accomplished by making the switch to natural cleaning products. Once all your toxic cleaners have been discarded and replaced with natural cleaners, you won’t have to think twice, you can just continue to clean as usual. The same cleaning and sanitizing can be accomplished with natural cleaning products such as Live Luv Lavishe’s Fabric Deodorizer and Disinfectant. This highly effective and healthy alternative can be used to keep your dog or cat bed and their toys in tip-top shape, as well as your other household items.
Natural cleaning products get to the root of the problem by eliminating bacteria and germs instead of just masking odors. These products are designed to work just as well as chemical-based products by using the ingredients that nature intended us to use. Ingredients such as witch hazel, and organic oils of lemon, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, jojoba, and clove, will not only keep your house clean and allergy free, it will allow you to keep your pet safe as they relax in the comfort of your home.