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If you’re a pet-owner, we know that you treat your pets like they’re family – and that’s because they are! Ensuring they feel loved, safe, and are in good health and taken care of are your priorities.
Did you know that the most common causes of toxicosis in household pets is a result of home cleaning products? Harsh, toxic chemicals found in many traditional home cleaning products, such as disinfectants, detergents, and pest sprays, could be making your furry loved one sick. But thankfully there are safe cleaning alternatives out there, made by natural, non-toxic cleaning brands, that go the extra mile to ensure your pets are safe, healthy, and protected.
Want to know the Top Pet-Friendly Cleaning Brands? Read more!
What to Look For?
When shopping for cleaning products for your home it’s important to always purchase eco-friendly cleaners made with natural, non-toxic ingredients — this means they are free from toxic chemicals and Volatile Organic Compounds. Many of these eco-friendly cleaning brands are also cruelty free and pet-friendly too based on their ingredients, however some brands go the extra step to verify that their products are safe to use in homes with animals. There are a few things to look for when purchasing an eco-friendly cleaner, such as the Leaping Bunny Certification, as well as double-checking for certain ingredients that could be considered harmful to your pet.
Here is a breakdown of what you should consider when purchasing home cleaning products:
Look for the Term “Pet-Friendly”
Look for brands that indicate that they are specifically Pet-Friendly or indicate that they are safe and suitable to use in a household with pets. This means that the product, when used as directed and advised on the label, should not cause harm to your furry friends.
Look for a Leaping Bunny Certification
Established in 1996, the Leaping Bunny Program is considered the highest level in cruelty-free certification for both cosmetics and homecare products brands. In order to receive certification, companies must meet specific criteria and standards, ultimately confirming that no animal testing is done during any stage of production. The Leaping Bunny Standard assures compassionate consumers that the product they are purchasing is cruelty-free. As a pet owner, it is important to purchase products that have not been tested on animals.
Stay Away from Animal-Based or Animal-Derived Ingredients
Look for cleaning products that are certified vegan, meaning that they do not contain animal-based or animal-derived ingredients. Animal-based and derived ingredients include lanolin, which can be found in hand sanitizing gels, and fatty-acids like glycerin, stearic acid and palmitic acid, which can be found in soaps. It is important to note that these fatty-acids can also be derived from non-animals, such as plants, and it is important to confirm the source of these ingredients and that the product is vegan before purchasing.
Stay Away from Toxic Chemicals
Many traditional home cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pose a threat to those living in your home, especially young children and pets, who are more susceptible and vulnerable to exposure.
When choosing a home cleaner, it is important to avoid toxic ingredients like chlorine, bleach, parabens, phthalates, and ammonia. These ingredients are considered poisonous to animals, causing vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver damage, and more, and may potentially cause cancer as well.
Be Mindful of Certain Essential Oils
Although essential oils are safe, non-toxic and plant-derived, there are certain essential oils that may be considered harmful to your pets, including dogs and cats.
The following essential oils can be considered harmful to your pet, if used in their pure form, undiluted, and used in direct contact:
Essential oils found in natural cleaning products can be considered safe, if they have been diluted and are indicated to be safe for pets. It is important when using a product that contains one of these essential oils to use it properly and as directed on the label, to keep your pets as safe as possible!
The Top Pet-Friendly Brands You Can Trust
Choosing the right cleaning products for your home that are also suitable and safe for your pets doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. At Natura Market, we’ve already done the research and carefully chosen the best natural home cleaners that are pet-friendly too, so you don't have to!
Here are our 3 picks for the top pet-friendly cleaning brands:
Method
Method is a PETA-awarded, cruelty-free brand known for their non-toxic cleaners made without any animal-based ingredients. They are also a Leaping Bunny Approved company that carefully formulates their vegan cleaning products with your pet in mind! Made without any chlorine, bleach, parabens, phthalates, and ammonia, Method’s pet-friendly cleaning products are safe for you to use in your home on common living spaces that your pet uses too.
Favorite Pet-Friendly Cleaner from this Brand:
Method’s All-Purpose Cleaner is a powerful cleaner and disinfectant spray made with safe, natural ingredients. This biodegradable solution can be used on a variety of surfaces in your home, killing bacteria and viruses, and removing dirt, without leaving a harmful, toxic residue behind – making it a pet-safe all purpose cleaner to use in common spaces shared with pets and small children.
Tru Earth
TruEarth is an eco-friendly, sustainable company that has innovated a laundry detergent alternative that has a significantly smaller eco-footprint than other detergents (liquid, pods, and powders). Their laundry detergent eco-strips mean no plastic jugs, no risk of spills, and can be easily stored away from the reach of your kids and pets to reduce the risk of being ingested. Their detergents are free from parabens, phosphates, and chlorine bleach and are vegan-friendly, having not been tested on animals and containing no animal byproducts.
If your pet likes to sleep on your bed, TruEarth’s eco laundry strips are safe for you to use on your sheets and comforter, as they are hypoallergenic and free from common toxins that can cause allergic reactions in animals.
Favorite Pet-Friendly Product from this Brand:
TruEarth’s Fragrance-Free Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent are a safer alternative for those with sensitive skin and allergies, especially your pets. This unscented laundry detergent is completely zero-waste friendly and biodegradable, making it a better option for the planet as well. And with their pre-measured detergent strips, you will never overuse or waste detergent again — or worry about your pet ingesting any of the liquid. Have your bed sheets and couch covers looking their best, and safe for your furry friends too!
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s all-natural castile soaps and all-purpose cleaners are certified vegan, and made with safe, organic, ethically sourced ingredients. Dr. Bronner’s is a Leaping Bunny Certified company that offers multi-use, cruelty-free cleaning products. The versatility of Dr. Bronner’s makes their chemical-free soaps and all-purpose cleaners great for households with pets.
Favourite Pet-Friendly Cleaner from this Brand:
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap has over 20 uses, which means you can safely clean more areas of your home with just one product! This castile soap is made with powerful plant-derived cleaning ingredients and without any synthetic preservatives or foaming agents. It’s gentle but effective on dirt and grease, naturally breaking it down without the use of harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing suitable pet-friendly home cleaning products ensures optimal health, well-being and happiness for your pet. It creates a safe environment for your furry friends and protects them from getting sick. It is important to always use a cleaning product as directed on the label and raise any concerns you may have with your pet’s vet as soon as possible.