Vets Warn Pet Owners About Toxic Household Items

It is natural that with the change in season, many people enjoy buying seasonal items like pumpkin-scented candles and air fresheners. Due to which, many pet experts caution that some of these household items can harm the pets if used without exercising caution. 

A veterinarian with Burgess Pet Care, Dr. Suzanne Moyes, advises pet owners to take a closer look at the ingredients of these household items. According to her, the candles, oil diffusers and air fresheners may contain chemicals harmful to pets, especially to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Another veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Coates from PetMD also warns that essential oils are toxic particularly to cats, so when using these oils pet owners should keep them out of the reach of pets. Birds are especially sensitive to airborne toxins, so it is safe to avoid air fresheners around them altogether.

The major concern is airborne chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many air fresheners. Research shows that the particles present in these fresheners can irritate the lungs of pets including cats and dogs. Dr. Moyes points out that even natural essential oils can be dangerous to small pets. To keep pets safe, she recommends proper ventilation and frequent cleaning to maintain fresh air without using potentially harmful scented products.

In addition to VOCs and essential oils, Dr. Moyes highlights other harmful substances frequently found in scented products and household cleaners, including phthalates, ammonia, and phenol. Phthalates, often concealed under the term “fragrance” on product labels, are known to disrupt hormones and may lead to kidney and liver complications in pets. Phenol, commonly present in certain disinfectants, can cause liver damage, while ammonia may lead to respiratory irritation and discomfort.

Pet owners are advised to read labels carefully and avoid products containing these ingredients. Warning signs of possible exposure in pets include coughing, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. As these symptoms may also indicate other health concerns, it is crucial to seek veterinary advice promptly if any such issues arise.

If a pet accidentally ingests or drinks scented products, air fresheners, or cleaning solutions, the situation can quickly become life-threatening. In such cases, immediate veterinary attention is essential.

Ultimately, experts recommend that pet owners exercise caution with the use of scented and chemical-based products, particularly during seasonal changes, to help ensure the health and wellbeing of their beloved animals.