As spring cleaning gets underway, veterinary professionals are warning pet owners about the dangers of certain household cleaning products. Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, cautions that letting pets walk on freshly mopped floors can lead to chemical burns and digestive issues.
Many cleaning products contain benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a chemical found in concentrated floor cleaners, antibacterial sprays, and patio cleaning solutions. When pets walk on damp surfaces, their paw pads absorb the irritant, and they may ingest it while licking their paws. Symptoms of BAC exposure include drooling, reduced appetite, skin inflammation, and hair loss.
Dr Warner advises pet owners to keep animals out of rooms until floors are completely dry. She emphasises that even touch-dry surfaces may still be hazardous and recommends rinsing concentrated products with fresh water after application. If a pet comes into contact with BAC, owners should rinse their paws with lukewarm water and contact a vet immediately, ideally with a photo of the product label.
Pet owners are urged to check labels for benzalkonium chloride and treat any product containing it as a potential hazard when wet. The warning comes as many households begin deep cleaning for the warmer months.
