15 cleaning products that are not safe for dogs

Original article on countryliving.com

Cleaners with powerful odors and strong chemicals should alert pet owners, as many of them are dangerous to dogs. From toilet bowl cleaners to bleach sprays, one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets is household cleaning products.

"Many everyday house cleaning products, even those advertised to be eco-friendly, can contain toxic chemicals that can cause illness in animals," say Maids.com. "From high-powered cleaning agents to synthetic fragrances, the ingredients that make commercial cleaning products so popular also make those cleaning products toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets."

When cleaning your home, always check the ingredients before you buy them. While it can be challenging to keep all toxic chemicals away from dogs and cats, the team advises owners to avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, bleach-based cleaners, and many carpet and floor cleaners.

"Ammonia can create gases that can make pets sick and even kill smaller pets if they have enough exposure," Maids.com add. "You'll find ammonia in many commercial products, so it's essential to read the labels before you use them."

Making your cleaning routine more sustainable and dog-friendly doesn't have to be difficult: you can easily whip up green cleaners using lemon, white vinegar, baking soda, and used coffee grounds. There are also lots of chemical-free products available that work just as well – and in a lot of cases, smell a lot better too.

Take a look at the full list of cleaning products to avoid below...