Vets Raise Alarm on Everyday Items Harmful to Pets

As the autumn season approaches, many people enjoy buying seasonal items like pumpkin-scented candles and air fresheners. However, pet experts caution that some of these products can harm animals if used without care. 

Dr. Suzanne Moyes, a veterinarian with Burgess Pet Care, advises pet owners to carefully read the ingredients of these household items. She explains that candles, oil diffusers, and air fresheners may contain chemicals harmful to pets, especially to small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

One of the major concerns involves airborne chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many air fresheners. Research shows these particles can irritate the lungs of pets including cats and dogs. Dr. Moyes points out that even natural essential oils can be dangerous to small pets. To keep pets safe, she recommends proper ventilation and frequent cleaning to maintain fresh air without using potentially harmful scented products.

Dr. Jennifer Coates from PetMD also warns that essential oils are toxic particularly to cats, so if these oils are used, they may be kept where pets cannot reach them. Birds are especially sensitive to airborne toxins, so it is safe to avoid air fresheners around them altogether.  

In addition to VOCs and oils, Dr. Moyes mentions harmful ingredients such as phthalates, ammonia and phenol commonly found in scented products or cleaning supplies. Phthalates, often hidden under “fragrance” on labels, can disrupt hormones and cause kidney and liver problems in pets. Phenol, present in some disinfectants, can damage a pet’s liver, while ammonia can irritate pets as well.
Pet owners should carefully check product labels to avoid these substances. Signs that an animal may be suffering from exposure include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of appetite. Since these symptoms could result from other health issues as well, consulting a veterinarian promptly is important if any symptoms appear.

If a pet accidentally eats or drinks scented products or air fresheners, the effects can be very serious. Calling a vet immediately is the best course of action.
Overall, experts encourage pet owners to be cautious with scented and chemical products during autumn to keep their beloved animals safe and healthy as the season changes.