The 'Fragrance' in Your Home May Be Harmful to Your Furry Friends
- Sage laGreen
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
Many people enjoy spraying perfume, lighting scented candles, or using fragrant cleaners at home. But did you know? The pleasant scents you love might feel like 'poisonous gas' to your cats and dogs!
Why?
Many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are safe for humans can be hidden health hazards for pets.
Their noses are too sensitive: A dog's sense of smell is over 40 times stronger than a human's, and cats are also highly sensitive. What you perceive as a light fragrance can feel like an overwhelming odor assault to them.
They are closer to the floor: Cats and dogs often lie on the ground, and chemical residues from cleaners settle on floors and carpets, making it easy for them to inhale or lick these substances.
Different metabolism: Cats' livers cannot break down certain essential oils (such as tea tree oil, peppermint oil). These substances, which are safe for humans, can be toxic to cats and dogs.
These 'invisible threats' can trigger allergies and respiratory irritation in pets, and long-term exposure has even been linked to liver and kidney damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically warns against using diffusers containing essential oils, noting that oils like tea tree and peppermint can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Three simple ways to protect your furry friends:
Choose natural cleaners: Switch to a white vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) for mopping floors—it's safe and deodorizing. Baking soda is also a great helper for eliminating odors.
Be cautious with fragrance products: Avoid plug-in diffusers and scented candles. To freshen the air, try placing a few slices of lemon or orange peel in the room—it's natural and safe.
Increase ventilation: When using cleaning products, be sure to keep windows wide open. After cleaning, continue to ventilate the room for at least 10 minutes before allowing your pets back in.
Pets cannot choose their living environment, nor can they tell us when something feels off. Creating a 'chemical fragrance-free' home for them, reducing invisible sources of irritation, is one of the most important yet easily overlooked responsibilities of a pet owner. Starting today, check the fragrance products in your home and give your furry companions a truly safe living space!
When farewell is an act of love, let PETMENTO create a warm and dignified goodbye for your pet.
Petmento Pet Funeral Services
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