You’re asking the question: Is Dettol safe for dogs? Good for you. It’s a sign you’re a great pet owner because you care whether or not a cleaning product like Dettol will harm your pup.
The Answer to: Is Dettol Safe for Dogs?
No, Dettol is NOT safe for dogs. The active ingredient in Dettol is Phenol Chloroxylenol, which is poisonous to dogs if ingested orally (by mouth) or transdermally (by skin).
What Is Dettol?
For pet owners who stumbled upon this article not knowing what Dettol is, it’s a cleaning product and disinfectant. A British company introduced it in 1932.
How to Keep a Dog Safe from Dettol
While the brand makes great cleaning products, it’s Dettol’s harmful ingredient that makes it a toxic substance to dogs. It’s crucial to keep all pets (especially cats and dogs) away from Dettol’s harmful ingredients. This means pet owners should:
- Never use it at home around their dogs and cats.
- When using Dettol products on the floor, be sure to kennel your pets so they don’t walk over it with their paws. The toxic substance can get into the bloodstream through the paws.
- It’s best to use refrain from using Dettol products around animals. Other household cleaners are safer around the house.
If animals ingest Dettol liquid by mouth or skin, call the veterinarian as soon as possible for advice. The vet will likely have you watch for the symptoms of Dettol poisoning, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Drooling
- Thirst
- Lethargy
- Vomiting / Nausea
- Weakness
- Appetite Loss
Pet owners can also contact the poison helpline for dogs at 855-764-7661 in the US and 01202 509 00 in the UK.
Can You Use Dettol to Wash Your Dog
No. You cannot use Dettol to wash your dog. Even when diluted it can poison your fur baby.
Wash your dog with pet-specific shampoo. For minor wounds, use a product recommended by your vet or a safe minor wound treatment like Aquaphor.
Read: Is Aquaphor safe for dogs?
Speaking of wounds, hydrogen peroxide is NOT an option for minor wound treatment. It can slow down the healing process by irritating tissue.
Be Careful with other Household Cleaners
Phenol Chloroxylenol isn’t the only toxic substance you should be careful with when cleaning your home. Always research the ingredients in floor cleaners because that’s the way that most dogs pick up toxins through their paws.
Never dilute floor cleaners like Dettol or pine oil with water to decrease the toxicity of the products. It is still not safe when mixed with cold or warm water.
Now you know the answer to the question: Is Dettol safe for dogs? It is not safe and should never be used around pets.
Keep your fur baby AND family safe. Never use Dettol to clean your home if you’re a dog or cat owner. Share this information with your family so they are aware.
Learn more about Dettol by reading: Can You Bathe Dogs in Dettol?
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