Going Green: Non-Toxic Cleaning

Ever wonder which pet emergency is the most common?
According to the ASPCA Complete Guide to Pet Care, it's poisoning, with household cleaners and detergents being some of the most dangerous toxins. Coming into contact with products that contain corrosive agents (bleach, oven cleaner, etc.) can cause irritation of your pet's skin. Ingesting these corrosive products could potentially be life-threatening, causing enough irritation to lead to the ulceration or perforation of the GI tract.

How do I prevent this from happening to my pet?
Change the way you clean your home by using enzyme-based cleaners or, make your own!


Enzyme-based cleaners help break down grease, soil, urine and odor-causing substances into something water can rinse away. Look for products that contain botanicals, citrus extracts and vegetable-based soaps. 
Check out this link - 10 Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Pets!

Making your own household cleaners with a combination of vinegar, baking soda and soap is a lot easier than you think! It's also very cost-effective and non-toxic to you and your pets. You can find recipes on Eartheasy and other sustainable living websites.

Make sure your cleaning products do not contain the following ingredients:

Ammonia

Bleach

Chlorine

Creosol

Ethylene glycol

Formaldehyde

Hydrochloric acid

Isopropyl alcohol

Nitrobenzene

Perchloroethylene

Phenols

Phthalates

Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hypochlorite

Trichloroethane

Triclosan

Turpentine

Xylene

RULE OF THUMB:
 IF IT'S TOXIC TO YOU, IT'S TOXIC TO YOUR PET!

At Lombard Animal Hospital, in Portland, Oregon we strive to increase the quality of life for pets and their people through education, nutrition and wellness!

Give us a call -- We'd love to see you and your pets!

503.285.2337

www.lombardanimalhospital.com