Our pets are cherished members of the family, and ensuring their safety and well-being is a top priority. From choosing the right food to creating a pet-friendly home environment, every decision dog and cat owners make contributes to their pet’s overall health. However, many people don’t realize the dangers of soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products for pets. While many of them are highly toxic to dogs, the good news is that there are pet-safe detergents and soaps available. Soaps and detergents can be very appealing to dogs and cats because of the added fragrances and essential oils. In today’s post, we’ll look at some of those pet-safe detergent and soap brands to ensure your pet stays safe, even if they do happen to accidentally get into your soap or detergent supply.
Pet-Safe Detergent for Your Household
1. Dropps
Dropps is one of the best options out there when it comes to pet-safe detergent. Their laundry and dishwasher detergents are made with plant-based ingredients and contain no color dye additives. The EPA named them the 2017 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year, and they are PETA-approved, which means they don’t do any testing on animals. They are also incredibly convenient—Dropps come in single-use pods so you don’t have to deal with messy liquids and they offer affordable subscriptions so your detergent comes right to your door every month. They even offer fragrance-free laundry detergent so you can safely wash bedding and collars for pets with sensitive skin.
2. Seventh Generation
This company also offers pet-safe detergent — both laundry and dishwasher. Seventh Generation is a trusted “green” brand, and their Free & Clear line is free of harmful and harsh chemicals and additives. Seventh Generation makes hypoallergenic cleaners, made from triple enzymes and plant-based ingredients. They even produce Kosher products, and offer non-toxic fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and cleaning wipes.
3. Common Good
These laundry and dishwashing products are made from plant-derived enzymes that break down starches and dissolve fats. They are safe for children, pets, and the environment. Fully biodegradable and hypoallergenic, Common Good detergents don’t contain any brighteners, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals. They also offer refillable, environmentally-friendly packaging.
Pet-Safe Soap
There are a number of natural soaps that are technically non-toxic to dogs. However, ingesting any natural soap can cause GI irritation and it is best to still keep it out of paw’s reach of your pets.
1. Castile soap
Castile soap is a plant-based soap that’s free from animal fats and synthetic ingredients. It is natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and 100% safe for pets. In fact, you can even use it to wash your dog. Just be sure to use the non-scented variety as some essential oils can be irritating to your dog’s skin. Dr. Bronner’s is probably the most well-known brand of Castile soap. It is available in bar and liquid form.
2. Mrs. Meyer’s
Mrs. Meyer’s soap contains plant-based ingredients without using any harsh, harmful chemicals that could be poisonous to pets. With a number of scents to choose from, your house will be pet safe and smelling fresh. It is important to note that these products are for human use only and not meant for bathing pets.
3. Method
The Method mission statement says “Happy homes safe for people, pets and planet.” Method values sustainability and the health of all your family members, both humans and pets. Again, these products are pet-safe but are not intended for bathing pets.
Compassionate Vet in Gilbert
As we stated earlier, even with natural products, it is still in your pet’s best interest to keep them out of reach. However, we understand that accidents happen, so should your pet get into soap or detergent be sure to give us a call right away. And keep the number of your local 24-hour emergency vet on hand. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we value the overall health, safety and wellbeing of your beloved four-legged companions.
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/25/2021) by Stafford GREEN from Pixabay