A DOG specialist has published a list of potentially toxic cleaning products for cars and offers pet-safe alternatives for spring.
As the weather warms and drivers are encouraged, there are some pup-ular products to avoid cleaning your car with.
Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine behavior specialist and lover of all things with fur and four legs, warns drivers to look out for cleaners that may be harmful to their furry friends ahead of spring cleaning their cars.
First, dog owners should pay attention to the ingredients label on the product or the product's website.
"Always ensure that you read the labels of any cleaning products before using them," she told Canine Cottages.
"Many car cleaning products are toxic to dogs, including antifreeze, windshield washer fluid containing methanol, and air fresheners.
"Other cleaning ingredients that could pose a risk to dogs include ammonia, bleach, chlorine, ethylene glycol, phenols and various essential oils."
After using any cleaning product with a strong smell, she mentioned it was important to consider a dog's responsive nose before loading them in for a drive.
"After cleaning, make sure to let some fresh air into the car," she continued.
"Dogs have very sensitive nostrils, so it's important to allow the smell of cleaning products to dissipate from your car to prevent your dog from inhaling any toxic scents that could make them nauseous or restrict their breathing."
Scales-Theobald also mentioned the importance of making sure the seats or seat covers are completely dry before letting the dog sit on them.
Some dogs have sensitive skin, and any leftover product can be irritating.
"If you've used any potentially harmful chemicals to clean your car, allow it to air dry before allowing your dog back inside," she said.
"Allowing your car to dry will ensure that the toxic car products you've used have soaked up and absorbed, preventing any potential harm to your dog."
Similar to how people would treat cleaning products around children, it's important to keep products in a safe place that pets can't reach.
"Since many car cleaning products are toxic to dogs, it's advisable to store them out of reach to prevent our beloved pooches from accidentally coming into contact with harmful substances," she said.
"Store them either in a high-up cupboard or in your boot. If you do decide to keep cleaning products in your boot, place them in a closed box to ensure your dog doesn’t go near them."
Pet-friendly cleaning alternatives for your car
To avoid your pet having an allergic reaction to a cleaner you've used in a car, here are some alternatives.
Some cleaning products have toxic ingredients to animals including methanol, ammonia, bleach, chlorine, ethylene glycol, various phenols, and some essential oils.
Thankfully, there are products you likely already have in the pantry that are just as effective and dog-friendly.
Pet-friendly cleaners include:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar (white, distilled, or apple cider will work)
- Lemon juice
- Hydrogen peroxide
For the home, a toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, drain cleaner, and a powerful stain remover can be made with a combination of the listed ingredients.
Source: American Kennel Club
Scales-Theobald also recommends that owners keep a keen eye out for signs that their pet is ill from using a toxic cleaning product.
"Identifying whether your dog is reacting to toxic cleaning chemicals depends on the specific chemical and the level of exposure," she said.
"Watch for signs such as irritation around the eyes or mouth, rashes, inflamed skin, and excessive itching.
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"Other symptoms include drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, breathing problems, and seizures."
She suggested that if a dog exhibits any of those symptoms take the dog to a vet immediately.