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As caregivers and parents, we are used to baby-proofing our houses to make sure that our babies are safe from dangerous situations and toxic substances. As a pet owner, you need to do the same. But unlike children, you need to do it throughout the lives of your pets. Some of what we do to improve our living environments, like using air fresheners, can pose severe dangers to our feathered, furry, and scaled friends. So, does this mean that you need to throw away your plug-ins, room sprays, oils, candles, and solids? It is not really easy to answer that question. But you can learn to play it safe with a little care.
Why is it harmful?
Most air fresheners, whether furniture and room sprays, solids, or even scented candles, can be poisonous to humans. Animals are in even greater danger as there is a good chance of them ingesting the substance accidentally. You need to be especially careful with volatile organic compounds. They have a very high vapor pressure because of their low boiling point. This causes them to evaporate into the air. Of course, air fresheners are meant to be volatile and dissipate into the air. This property is also shared by varnishes and paints, benzene, fossil fuels, formaldehyde, aerosol propulsion, refrigerants, cigarette smoke, and the chemicals used in dry cleaning. You do not usually think of opening a paint can to improve the smell in your living room, but that is not far from what happens when you break out a can of air freshener. They can lead to a host of maladies, like cancer and asthma and can end up affecting the brain, blood, liver, heart, skin, kidneys and the nervous and respiratory system of both pet owners and their pets. The air freshener industry has latched on to the term “essential oils” of late. However, these products are not completely safe either. Essential oils are volatile, and while most of these substances are made from flowers, berries, bark, woods, and seeds, they can still be very toxic to both pet owners and pets. Essential oils can be really toxic to cats. If you have essential oils in your home, make sure that they are in a location where the cat cannot come into direct contact with them.
Symptoms of excess use
The harmful effects of air fresheners can range from the immediate to a few days or hours after use. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sneeze
- Production of nasal discharge
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
Make sure that you use the recommended amounts and keep your pets away from the room when you are spraying them. If the symptoms get severe, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Are air fresheners harmful to pets?
Yes, some air fresheners can be harmful to pets. Many air fresheners contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate a pet's respiratory system. Dr. Patrick Mahaney of California says on PetMD that chemicals masked by scents can have a negative impact on pets, and some can be extremely toxic. Cats, in particular, are more sensitive to certain chemicals commonly found in air fresheners. Some air fresheners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be harmful to both pets and humans. Unfortunately, even the ones branded as “green,” “organic,” or “all-natural” may not be safe to use around cats.
Can air fresheners cause neurological problems in dogs?
Air fresheners, especially those containing certain chemicals like phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can potentially pose health risks to dogs. While there isn't conclusive evidence directly linking air fresheners to neurological problems in dogs, these products can contain chemicals that may irritate a dog's respiratory system and cause other health issues like stomach problems, damage to the liver or kidneys, and even the central nervous system. Some studies have suggested that certain chemicals found in air fresheners, such as formaldehyde and benzene, may have neurotoxic effects. Dogs are more sensitive to airborne chemicals than humans due to their heightened sense of smell and smaller size, so exposure to these substances could potentially have negative effects on their health. Symptoms of exposure to air freshener chemicals in dogs may include coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like tremors or seizures.
What scents are toxic to pets?
Several scents and essential oils can be toxic to pets if ingested, inhaled, or applied directly to their skin. Tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs and cats and cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to more severe reactions like difficulty walking, tremors, and even coma. Peppermint oil is often used in aromatherapy but can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of peppermint oil toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and liver damage. Citrus fruits and their oils contain compounds like limonene and linalool, which can be toxic to pets. Ingestion of citrus fruits, peels, or oils can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in cats and dogs. Eucalyptus oil is toxic to pets, particularly cats when ingested or inhaled. It can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even depression in the central nervous system. Pine oil and other pine-scented products can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. Symptoms of pine oil toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Cinnamon and cinnamon oil can be irritating to pets' mouths and digestive systems. Ingestion of large amounts of cinnamon can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar, liver disease, and even organ failure. Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, which can be toxic to pets if ingested in significant amounts. Ingestion of wintergreen oil can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even kidney failure. Ylang-ylang oil, commonly used in aromatherapy, can be toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled. It may cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty walking, and depression.
How can I make my room smell good without harming pets?
You can make your room smell good without harming pets by using natural and pet-safe methods. Open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Good airflow can help dissipate odors and freshen up your room naturally. Place small bowls of baking soda around your room to absorb odors. Baking soda is safe for pets and can help neutralize unpleasant smells. Activated charcoal can also absorb odors like baking soda. You can place activated charcoal in bowls or pouches around your room to help eliminate smells. You can also find air fresheners that are labeled as "pet-safe" or "pet-friendly" to ensure that they have been specifically formulated with pets in mind. These products have undergone testing to ensure their safety for use around animals.
