Imagine this: the house smells like leftover biryani, yesterday’s socks. You reach for the nearest air freshener, give a few spritzes, plug one in near the shoe rack, and light a scented candle for good measure. But wait, is that safe for your dog? That’s exactly what we will be talking about in this blog.
In short, it turns out that air fresheners and dogs aren’t always a great combo. While these products are made to make your home smell better, some of them can make your dog feel worse, sometimes even dangerously so. As a dog owner, before you buy an air freshener for your home, make sure to give this article a read! We will be discussing about if dogs and air fresheners go together, are air fresheners are bad for dogs, and what the symptoms of air freshener poisoning in dogs are.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
Why Dogs And Air Fresheners Don’t Work?
Most of the air fresheners, whether they are sprays, plug-ins, diffusers, or gel beads, all release chemicals into the air to get rid of the odors. The problem with this is that many of these chemicals are a lot harsher than they seem. What smells like “lavender meadows” to humans can be a cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that dog’s bodies don’t handle well.
And let’s be honest: dogs and air fresheners aren’t exactly built to coexist. As a dog owner, you would know that dogs explore the world through their nose. So, a smell that feels mild and comforting might be overwhelming or even toxic for them. They often breathe it in, sometimes even lick the surfaces it’s landed on, or in some cases, they will even try to chew the air freshener out of curiosity. This is definitely not the ideal case in any world.
So, Are Air Fresheners Bad For Dogs?
The short answer? Some are.
Now, if we dig deeper, there are some explanations for this. Starting with products with strong synthetic scents, essential oils like tea tree or citrus, and chemical-heavy ingredients is very risky. A lot of times, the label might say, “all-natural,” but that does not always mean it’s safe. Many essential oils, for example, are natural but still can be toxic to dogs. If we were to name them, then Pine, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and peppermint are a few common culprits.
This brings up the question that people often ask:
“Are air fresheners bad for dogs?”
Well, if they are loaded with harsh chemicals and oils, then yes. And that includes plug-in types too, which constantly release fragrance. We get it, the constantly diffusing scent might seem harmless, but for a dog, breathing that in all day long can show health issues waiting to happen.
Also Read: Easy Bathroom Air Freshener Ideas to Fight Odors
Are Mounted Air Fresheners Safe For Dogs?
At Nova Tech, you will find mounted air fresheners, which can be a great addition to your home and commercial spaces. They are automated and will always keep your place fresh and smelling good. However, as pet owners, it is obvious to be concerned about whether these work well for dogs or not.
When it comes to air fresheners and dogs, the answer is not that simple, as even though the scents and fragrances are not good for dogs, it is also about how strategically you use them. The truth is that wall-mounted air fresheners are designed to spray automatically at set intervals. That means dogs could be exposed to a fine mist of fragrance multiple times a day. So, even if they’re not in the room when it sprays, the particles can hang around.
But here is the real issue:
- Many wall-mounted fresheners use aerosol sprays, which can contain harmful VOCs, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances.
- The mist can land on your dog’s nose, toys, or fur, which, if licked or sniffed, can lead to accidental poisoning.
- Dogs with asthma, breathing problems, or flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs can be the target.
So, if you want to use one, then:
- Install the dispenser up high on the wall in the room where your dog does not spend a lot of time.
- You can set a longer interval between sprays, so this way, you can reduce the exposure.
- Let the air out of the room often through a window, or just by a fan
- And lastly, make sure that you never put it near food bowls, beds, or litter trays.
Signs Something’s Not Right
If you are a pet owner, we need to pay attention right here! Sometimes, dogs do not give any dramatic reactions to the scents around them. But still, there can be small signs that may not seem serious at first but can hint at a bigger issue. So, to keep you aware of them, below are the most common symptoms of air freshener poisoning in dogs:
- Breathing issues: coughing, sneezing, wheezing, panting for no reason.
- Digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling more than usual
- Weird or unusual behavior like acting tired, wobbly, confused, or hiding in odd places
- Visible skin reactions like scratching, red spots, swollen face, or eyes
- However extreme, seizures are a symptom too.
Is There Any Such Thing As Air Fresheners Safe For Dogs?
Yes, not all air fresheners are off-limits for homes with dogs. While many generic sprays and plug-ins may come loaded with strong chemicals, you can always find options designed to keep both your space fresh and your pets comfortable.
Honestly, it comes down to a few key things that make an air freshener “pet-safe.” These include:
- Low or no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are the real culprits behind strong smells and potential breathing issues. So, you can look at options with are specifically labeled as low-VOC or VOC-free.
- You can also use fragrance-free or naturally derived scents, which are milder and come with pet-friendly scents that won’t overwhelm your dog’s sensitive nose.
- By now, we know that even natural oils like tea tree or cinnamon are not safe. So, when looking for a pet-safe product, make sure these scents are not there.
- Now, automated and mounted air fresheners can work too, as if placed correctly, they can stay out of your dog’s reach.
Air Fresheners And Dogs: How To Reduce The Risk?
We get it! Sometimes it’s hard to compromise on the health of the house, and using an air freshener can be a non-negotiable. Especially, post-diaper-changing or after your dog rolled in the garbage. But don’t worry, here is how you can do it more safely:
- If using a spray bottle, then spray the freshener sparingly. Trust us, you do not need to go with it, as if you use a good quality one, a little will go a long way!
- Ventilate as much as possible! If you are using an air freshener, then ensure that the scent does not get trapped inside and that there is a window open or a fan in use.
- When you are spraying or the machine is, make sure that the dogs are outside! Once the air is out, you can let them have a treat inside.
- If you are using plug-ins, then you can put them high up and rotate them in different rooms. As it will be out of reach, there are fewer chances of scent getting on their paws.
- Until and unless it is approved by your veterinarian, do not use essential oils or diffusers left on all day.
