Dangers in the Home to Dogs

Most of us worry about our dogs when they go outside — there are snakes, toxic plants, and other things out there.  However, the very place we think is the safest, our home, has many dangers to our pets.  Things like gases from our new carpet or couch, the air fresheners we use to make the house smell good, cleaning products that leave a residue, and toxic house plants are all dangers to our pets.

Some of the biggest offenders of indoor pollution come from a class of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These carbon-based chemicals evaporate at room temperature, but can remain in the air for long periods, depending on the ventilation and temperature of the indoor air. Often found in disinfecting solutions (e.g., pine-, lemon-, or citrus-scented cleaners, bleach, etc.) or furniture made of composite wood products, prolonged and chronic to VOCs can lead to cancer, liver and/or kidney damage, and damage to the central nervous system. Short term exposure, meanwhile, can bring on bouts of dizziness, vomiting, breathing problems, and irritation of mucus membranes in the eyes, mouth, and nose.

One of the biggest offenders of indoor pollution comes from a class of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  These chemicals are carbon-based and evaporate at room temperature.  They stay in the air for long periods, depending on the ventilation and temperature of the air.

These chemicals are often found in disinfecting solutions like bleach or other cleaners.  They are also found in furniture made of composite wood products.

Prolonged exposure to these VOCs can lead to cancer,  liver and or kidney damage, and damage to the central nervous system.  Short term exposure can bring on bouts of dizziness, vomiting, breathing problems, and irritation of mucus membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose.

Because dogs often lay under furniture or on it, or on freshly cleaned surfaces, they are at a heightened risk for having a toxic reaction to these compounds.

Almost everyone loves getting new carpet.  However, that carpet is treated with a host of chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, stain protectors, moth proofing, and fire retardant.  They are then glued to the floor with volatile adhesives.  All this spells trouble for your dog as the new carpet “gases off” all these chemicals. Keep pets off new carpet and ventilate the room with open windows and fans until the gassing off process is completed.  Talk to the salesperson about allowing the carpet to gas off before being installed.

New furniture has the same problem, especially new couches,  Treat them the same as new carpet and ventilate the room for a while before allowing your dog under or on them.

Air fresheners are near the top of the toxic list because they constantly emit volatile chemicals in the air.  You can freshen the air in your home with many safer ways.  Use an oil burner and use all natural oils to make the room smell good.  Use essential oils such as lavender to perfume a room.   Simmer a pot of herbs on the stove instead of spraying air freshener.

Your dog is an important member of your family.  By using “greener” cleaning products and be careful to air out any room with new carpet or furniture, you can significantly improve the safety of your home for your dog.

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