Sharing a home with a pet can be messy business, but cleaning up after your four-legged friends is a delicate task. Some popular household cleaners are toxic to cats and dogs, making your clean home a potential for disaster.
Read this to learn which chemicals are harmful to your pet, their alternatives, and what to do if they get into something they shouldn't.
Be Prepared for the Worst-Case Scenario
If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into your cleaning supplies, take them to the vet right away. Your fast thinking could save their life.
If the cost of an emergency visit would cause you to hesitate, an online line of credit can help you act quickly. An online line of credit is a convenient option when your savings fall short of what you need in an emergency.
The word emergency here is important. The line of credit experts at MoneyKey recommend using this account for an unexpected essential expense when your savings or your pet insurance policy won't cover everything.
Your line of credit shouldn't become a lifeline any time you need to take Fido in for his annual check-up. It's a good idea to set aside regular savings for these expected trips to the vet, plus some more to put in an emergency fund to cover any unexpected ones.
3 Household Cleaners to Keep Away from Your Pets
Below are three common cleaners that you should try to avoid. Some are only dangerous if your pet ingests them, but some have fumes that are noxious to your fur baby.
1. Oven Cleaner
Do you have to leave the kitchen after cleaning your oven? Any smell you find strong is ten times worse for your pets. Common oven cleaners typically contain nose-burning ammonia, which can make cats and dogs sick simply by breathing the fumes.
Alternative: Try mixing baking soda with some water to create a paste and smear it on caked-on grease. Let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing it off with wire wool.
2. Bleach Cleaners
Nothing says clean better than the smell of bleach. Too bad this cleaner can be poisonous to your pets.
Despite being a versatile disinfectant, you should be careful about how you use these products in the home, especially if your dog likes to drink out of the toilet. Bleach can be toxic, even when watered down.
Alternative: Closing your toilet lid will prevent them from accidentally sipping on contaminated water. But your safest bet is to remove bleach from your cleaning roster altogether, using pet-safe alternatives or household products like vinegar and baking soda.
3. Laundry Detergents
If you have an adventurous pet willing to eat anything at least once, laundry detergents may be on their list. Unfortunately, this soap is toxic if ingested.
Alternative: If you don't want to give up your favorite fresh scent, you can keep pets from ingesting your laundry detergent by hiding it in a secure spot that they can't unlock. But if space is tight - or Fluffy is a master at breaking and entering - you can find pet-friendly detergents that won't pose such a risk.
Bottom LineWith a global pandemic still simmering away, keeping your home spick and span is a priority for your family. That should include the four-legged family members, so remember these tips to help you keep your home clean and safe.