Is Lysol Safe for Dogs?

As a dog owner, you may wonder if the household products you use every day are dangerous for your pet.

With all the different types of cleaning supplies on the market (laundry detergent, dish detergent, floor cleaner, bathroom cleaner, etc.), it can be difficult to keep track of what’s safe and what isn’t.

While there are many popular disinfectant cleaners, you can probably find some sort of Lysol product in almost every home, but again, is it safe for dogs?

The simple answer is no, unless you purchase a very specific product from Lysol’s extensive line.

In the post, you’ll learn which cleaners are okay to use around pets, as well as how to make your own DIY pet-approved disinfectant spray.

Which Household Cleaners Are Unsafe for Dogs?

It’s important to note that nearly all household cleaners are extremely toxic and unsafe for pets if consumed.

What many pet parents don’t know is that these cleaners tend to leave behind vapors that are toxic to both animals and humans (yes, even after you’ve stored them away.)

On top of that, they may leave behind a residue where they’re used.

Unfortunately, dogs are constantly sniffing, licking, and chewing on things, plus, they’re much lower to the ground than we humans are. Because of this, they’re more susceptible to the toxins in cleaning products.

Most big brand-name cleaners, including Lysol, are guilty of leaving harmful vapors and residues behind. Some of the ingredients to look out for include ammonia, bleach, glycol ethers, chlorine, and formaldehyde.

If possible, check the labels when shopping for cleaning products and steer clear of any with these chemicals.

How to Safely Use Cleaning Products Around Your Dog?

To be almost completely safe, you must use products that are as natural and eco-friendly as possible.

One thing to be aware of is that even if a product is marketed as pet-safe, it may not be. In fact, products are more likely to be non-toxic if they’re marketed as baby-safe.

Even if you think it’s highly unlikely your dog would eat or drink cleaning products, remember that dogs are like toddlers, and you can never be too sure what they might get into and put in their mouths.

Regardless of the type of products you use, keep them tightly sealed and stored well out of reach of your four-legged pal. You may also want to use child safety locks on cabinets, toilet lids, and drawers.

When you’re using toxic cleaners, keep pets out of the room and wait until the area is completely dry to reduce the amounts of vapors, and be careful not to leave any product residue after cleaning.

What Are Some Pet-Safe Alternatives?

Luckily, although many mainstream products are toxic for pets, gentle and natural cleaners are gaining more and more in popularity.

For example, Lysol has a line of non-toxic cleaners with only three ingredients: water, salt, and hypochlorous. Hypochlorous is a weak acid that forms when chlorine is dissolved in water.

Although chlorine itself is a toxic ingredient, hypochlorous doesn’t leave the same toxic residues as chlorine, making it a safer alternative.

This line is called Lysol Daily Cleanser, and the front label proudly proclaims that it’s free from harsh chemicals.

According to the company’s website, you can use their Daily Cleanser on everything from your dog’s bowls, toys, and other surfaces he may come into contact with, such as his bed.

Baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, and tea tree oil are all ingredients you may already have in your home that make wonderful non-toxic household cleaners.

Of course, you still wouldn’t want your dog to eat or drink any of this stuff, no matter how natural it is, so be vigilant about keeping them out of reach.

However, these types of products won’t leave any dangerous residues or vapors behind that can make you or your pup sick.

Here are more pet-friendly brands you can check out:

• Better Life
• Black+Berry
• Common Good
• Eco Me
• OrganiClean
• Truce

Can I Make My Own Non-Toxic Cleaner?

Sure! Although there are many recipes to make different types of cleaners, here’s a simple one to make your own all-purpose cleaner:

In an empty spray bottle (glass is best because it’s reusable and made of safer materials than plastic), combine 3 cups of hot water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

The water only needs to be hot when you first combine the ingredients to help them dissolve together. Also, it’s best if you squeeze fresh lemon juice rather than using store-bought.

Shake until everything is combined, and you have a non-toxic, simple cleaner that works great to wipe down surfaces like countertops.

That’s it!

Now that you’ve read everything you need to know about which Lysol is safe for dogs, why not go through your household cleaning closet?

Then, you can decide whether to discard some of the products and shop for other cleaning alternatives or make your own.

Not only will your dog thank you, but it will help keep you healthy, too.