Whether you’re returning from a day out or preparing your car for a weekend getaway, it’s important to ensure our pups’ safety by recognising that certain car cleaning products can pose toxicity risks to dogs.
With this in mind, Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, Canine Behaviourist and partner of Canine Cottages, has shared her tips on keeping your pooch safe from toxic car cleaning products to make sure your dog’s health is in top condition. Emma also shared some advice on what to do if your dog starts to become ill.
- Read the labels and check for toxic chemicals
“Always ensure that you read the labels of any cleaning products before using them. Many car cleaning products are toxic to dogs, including antifreeze, windshield washer fluid containing methanol, and air fresheners. Other cleaning ingredients that could pose a risk to dogs include ammonia, bleach, chlorine, ethylene glycol, phenols and various essential oils.
So, it’s important to ensure that you read the instructions carefully and follow them exactly as written to minimise any risks or dangers.”
- Ventilate your car
“After cleaning, make sure to let some fresh air into the car. Dogs have very sensitive nostrils, so it’s important to allow the smell of cleaning products to dissipate from your car to prevent your dog from inhaling any toxic scents that could make them nauseous or restrict their breathing.”
- Let everything dry
“If you’ve used any potentially harmful chemicals to clean your car, allow it to air dry before allowing your dog back inside. Allowing your car to dry will ensure that the toxic car products you’ve used have soaked up and absorbed, preventing any potential harm to your dog.”
- Keep products out of reach
“Since many car cleaning products are toxic to dogs, it’s advisable to store them out of reach to prevent our beloved pooches from accidentally coming into contact with harmful substances.
Store them either in a high-up cupboard or in your boot. If you do decide to keep cleaning products in your boot, place them in a closed box to ensure your dog doesn’t go near them.”
- Look to use pet-safe cleaning products as alternatives:
“It’s best to use cleaning products that are pet friendly, and there are many household items you can use to clean your car safely without putting your pooch at risk
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Pet-safe enzymatic cleaner
- Lemon juice
- White vinegar
- Natural air fresheners
Signs your dog is ill from car cleaning products
“Identifying whether your dog is reacting to toxic cleaning chemicals depends on the specific chemical and the level of exposure. Watch for signs such as irritation around the eyes or mouth, rashes, inflamed skin and excessive itching.
“Other symptoms include drooling, diarrhoea, vomiting, lethargy, breathing problems and seizures.
“If you are travelling and notice that your dog is suddenly ill, assess the situation carefully. The symptoms of exposure to toxic chemicals can also resemble signs of other illnesses, such as car or motion sickness. If you suspect your dog is ill due to exposure to toxic chemicals, seek veterinary assistance promptly and provide the veterinarian with all relevant information.
“If your dog is experiencing serious reactions such as breathing difficulties or seizures, visit your nearest veterinary practice for an emergency appointment. For minor reactions, call your nearest practice to schedule a check-up appointment.”
Commenting on the safety advice, Sarah Pring, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages said: “With the weather getting better, it means that many people will be spending more time outside with their dogs. However, this also means that it’s inevitable that our cars may get a little muddier than usual.
“It’s important to highlight the dangers that car cleaning products can pose to our dogs and find ways to mitigate them. The tips Emma has given are insightful, and we hope that they can educate dog owners on how to safely clean their cars when heading out on car journeys.”
For more tips on how to keep your pooch safe from toxic products, please visit: https://www.caninecottages.co.uk/guides/toxic-car-cleaning-products-to-avoid
