Can I Use Air Fresheners Around Dogs?
Having pets can get a little smelly, even if you regularly groom them. Dogs often have a way of getting into messes they shouldn’t and getting stinky quickly. The problem is that when our pets stink, they also affect the space around them – for better or worse. A simple fix for most people is spraying air fresheners in the room before they get around to cleaning. However, this convenient, helpful task for us humans may negatively impact our furry friends.
How Are They Dangerous?
Many air fresheners are equipped with key ingredients that can make them unsafe for animals. The components are called volatile organic compounds, VOCs, that control how quickly a liquid can turn into a gas. VOCs cause the scent to travel in the air, which is vital for the effectiveness of air fresheners.
The problem is, VOCs can produce adverse health effects in humans and animals. These issues can include respiratory issues, headaches, and ear, nose, and throat issues. Other times, the problems can become much more severe and cause symptoms such as liver, kidney, and nervous system damage or potentially cancer.
Although these issues are rare, VOCs are dangerous and should be used scarcely and cautiously.
Air Fresheners and Their Effects
It may be a good idea to check the ingredient list on your aerosol and plug-in air fresheners and confirm that there are no VOCs. Typically, these air fresheners are filled with VOCs, so it is best to use these products in well-ventilated areas. Not using air freshener products around your pets is recommended, as inhaling these toxins can be unsafe. It is a clear sign that your pet is reacting poorly to these air fresheners if they are sneezing, coughing, vomiting, or acting oddly. If any of these side effects occur, it is crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian.
Essential oils are made to seem like a pet-safe option to air fresheners, but some essential oils can be unsafe for certain animals. The type of essential oils and the concentration put into the air can affect your animal. The more diluted an essential oil, the safer it is for your animal to inhale. As for types of essential oils, cedarwood, chamomile, lavender, and mint are all considered safe exposures for your dog.
Incense and candles are considered safer alternatives to air fresheners, but the essential oils inside these can be unsafe, as mentioned before. Burning incense can irritate animals as smoke inhalation can aggravate the respiratory system.
Safer Options
An air purifier system and cleaning your air filters are both ways to limit dander, dust, and other dirt particles. By bathing your dog regularly, they are less likely to make your space smell poorly to begin. Cleaning your home will also eliminate odors and keep your need for air fresheners to a limited amount.
You won’t need air fresheners and potentially harm your animals by doing these things frequently. If you choose to use air fresheners, remember to read the list of ingredients to make sure they are safe for animals and use them in well-ventilated areas.