Be it frolicking in puddles or rolling around in the mud – there are countless ways for your canine to get itself dirty. That’s why pet parents rely on disinfectants to keep their surfaces germ-free. However, not all disinfectants are pet-friendly and pose a danger to your furry pal. So, can you use Jeyes Fluid with dogs?
No, you should not use Jeyes Fluid with dogs. It contains chemicals like formic acid and Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride – which can cause serious health concerns in canines if ingested.
Thankfully, you have us to rely on for vetted info. This article will deal with whether or not Jeyes is a safe disinfectant to use around pets and what other viable options are. So, let’s get started.
Does Jeyes Fluid Hurt Dogs
Jeyes Fluid has been used as a reliable disinfectant for years. However, to understand whether or not it’s safe for dogs, we need to review the product’s ingredients.
Here are some of the chemical components that make the fluid:
● Limonene (as perfume)
● Formic acid (1.70g per 100g)
● Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (1.70g per 100g)
● <5% Non-Ionic Surfactants (with phosphonates)
Limonene
Jeyes Fluid uses limonene as an odor-enhancer because the oil is extracted from the rinds of citrus fruits, which give it a pleasant fragrance. However, in sufficiently large quantities, the oil may cause skin irritation in humans.
When it comes to canines, exposure to limonene can cause what’s known as Citrus Oil Toxicity. If a dog ingests anything that contains limonene or linalool, it can lead to poisoning, liver damage, or liver failure.
Citrus Oil Liver Toxicity symptoms include trembling, weakness, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothermia, low blood pressure, etc.
Formic Acid
Formic acid (aka methanoic acid) is a carboxylic acid commonly used in disinfectants and in processing leather and textiles.
It’s a colorless liquid with a strong odor and also happens to be a corrosive chemical – meaning it’s capable of blistering or burning the skin upon contact. Inhaling formic acid can irritate your nose and throat, and in extreme cases, it can also cause pulmonary edema.
While Jeyes Fluid doesn’t include vast quantities of formic acid, it’s safe to say this ingredient isn’t something you want your pet’s paws or skin exposed to.
Not to mention, if your doggo has a habit of licking the floors – the formic acid content of the Jeyes Fluid may lead to numerous problems, such as liver or kidney damage.
Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride
Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride is commonly utilized in chemical disinfectants and is effective against many microbes and germs. However, it’s incredibly potent and has a few side effects of its own.
For instance, they can cause skin and lung irritation, leading to breathing problems in humans. ]
And for canines, ingestion of the stuff from licking surfaces or their paws that contains traces of the chemical can lead to similar concerns. Emerging studies show that using such substances around pets can reduce fertility or even lead to congenital disabilities.
The Answer
Considering that Jeyes Fluid includes at least three substances that can cause problems in humans and canines – it’s something you want to avoid.
Even if the chemical compounds mentioned above are present in negligible quantities, prolonged exposure can still prove harmful and produce side effects. So, the answer to the question – can you use Jeyes Fluid With Dogs – in our humble opinion, is not.
Can You Wash A Dog With Jeyes Fluid
Washing your dog with Jeyes Fluid is an absolute no-no. First off, the disinfectant is meant for outdoor use and isn’t suitable for use inside the house. That should tell you that the product isn’t meant to come into prolonged contact with humans or animals.
Secondly, Jeyes Fluid contains chemicals like formic acid and Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride – which can cause serious health concerns in canines if ingested.
And, finally, the presence of limonene in the product makes it 100% unsafe to use for bathing canines – because ingestion of limonene can cause toxicity and liver damage.
Apart from the fact that your furbaby could develop severe skin irritations if your choose to bathe it with Jeyes Fluid, it can also develop breathing concerns due to the strong chemical content of the product.
Is Jeyes Fluid Good For Dog Urine
Jeyes Fluid has strong disinfecting qualities that can help you get rid of the odor of dog urine. But, reserve cleaning dog urine with Jeyes Fluid only if the soiled spot is outdoors, such as your patio, backyard, or other areas where your furball doesn’t venture too much.
Using Jeyes Fluid to clean dog urine on surfaces inside the house isn’t recommended because it includes chemicals that aren’t pet-friendly. If you want to clean surfaces, a better option is sticking with pet-safe disinfectants.
Or, if you’re in favor of using natural disinfectants, you can rely on odor eliminators to get rid of the stench without resorting to powerful chemicals.
Which Disinfectant Is Safe For Dogs
Your best bet at landing a disinfectant that’s safe for dogs is to look for cleaners made with plant extracts and are pet-safe. Surface cleaners don’t need to be jam-packed with chemicals to be effective.
There are plenty of products on the market that offer grime, grease, and germ elimination without relying on harmful substances for humans and canines.
For instance, if you’re looking for a multi-surface cleaner that’s safe to use around pets – the Eco-Me Natural Plant Extracts Floor Cleaner is a pretty good option. Other notable pet-friendly cleaners include Bean & Lily Natural Floor Cleaner and Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner.
Always make sure you read the directions for any cleaner (even the pet-safe ones) to ensure there aren’t any issues. Disinfectants are usually available in concentrated solutions and need to be diluted according to instructions for best results.
Things To Consider
Sometimes finding a cleaner or disinfectant that’s effective and problem-free for kids and pets can be a bit of a struggle. But here are some pointers to make your struggle easier.
Look For Citrus-free Products
More often than not, citrus oil or acid is part and parcel of surface cleaners. That’s mainly because citrus is excellent at eliminating odors and cutting down grease. It’s always best to opt for a product that doesn’t include citrus extracts in any shape or form.
However, if that’s not possible, ensure the quantity of any citrus-related substance is minor and doesn’t make up one of the prime ingredients. That way, once the cleaner is diluted according to the instructions, there won’t be much of the stuff remaining on your surfaces – making it safe for cats and dogs.
Try DIY Home Cleaners
You can utilize several natural ingredients to clean your surfaces – that are perfectly safe for dogs and other pets. For instance, a diluted white vinegar and water solution can do wonders at cleaning away dirt and fighting grease.
White vinegar has anti-bacterial properties – which means it can effectively get rid of some types of bacteria and viruses. Another all-time favorite when it comes to natural cleaning solutions is baking soda. Baking soda is pretty versatile when it comes to cleaning surfaces and is a great odor neutralizer too.
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