Going "Green" For Spring Cleaning Supplies Can Still Harm Pets

Have you started your spring cleaning already and are feeling all smug and self-satisfied that you've finally made the switch to all "green" or "eco-friendly" cleaners? Well, hold on a dang minute! It turns out that those green cleaners (what's non-toxic or less toxic for you humans and the planet) may still be dangerous to your precious pet. This article in the Washington Post, published just days ago, explains why these green cleaning products may still harm your pet...and what you should do about it.

For example, if a product says "'keep out of reach of children', keep it away from pets too," says Dr. Camille DeClementi, a senior toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center, run by the Urbana, Illinois ASPCA. Dr. DeClementi also says that "although most commercial green products are safe for animals...owners should still exercise the same precautions as with chemical alternatives, such as keeping pets away from an areas being cleaned, not using sprays directly on a pet, and making sure that your dogs don't chew on the products." While these recommendations sound like "givens" in the abstract, compulsive cleaners like Parental Unit, often forget what their doing and spray cleaning solutions wildly around, no matter the four-legged friends nearby. In fact, Bella, our kitty often plays on the just Murphy's Oil Soap-washed floors while they're still wet because she likes chasing the mop-much to Parental Unit's chagrin.

We also wanted to point out that one of the people quoted in the article is our friend, Caroline Golon, one of the co-founders of BlogPaws and author of the wildly popular blogs, Romeo the Cat and The Happy Litter Box.  Cool! And happy and healthy spring cleaning, everyone!

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