Much like each breed needs unique care and treatment, each dog park requires specific maintenance, and since the pandemic, we have reexamined how we keep the spaces around us clean, but what does all this mean for our pets? Are the chemicals we use to keep our spaces clean and germ-free safe for our furry friends?
While it is important to keep our homes and other spaces clean, not all products are safe for our pets. Some cleaning agents, even when a pet is exposed through external contact, can result in serious injuries or illness, and breathing or ingesting these chemicals can be deadly.
Fortunately, at Fresh Focus, our products are not just great at the jobs we use them for, but they are pet-safe too. Our popular trash foam doesn’t use any of the ingredients in the below list that vets recommend avoiding to protect your pets.
Toxic Ingredients to Avoid
Hydrogen Peroxide
Topical exposure of hydrogen peroxide to skin or paws may result in skin rashes and irritation. Three percent hydrogen peroxide may be used to induce vomiting in dogs, but should only be done under careful direction and the advice of your veterinarian. However, this same method is not advisable for cats. Ingestion of hydrogen peroxide by a cat can result in inflammation of the stomach and esophagus and can result in severe bleeding.
Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
Ingestion of this chemical by your pet can result in vomiting, coordination issues, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures, collapse, and respiratory distress. It should not be used at home on a pet’s skin, but may be used as an antiseptic in a controlled hospital setting. If used inappropriately it can result in damage to the skin, delay the healing of wounds, and have negative effects on other parts of the body.
Bleach
This chemical can have severe effects on cats and dogs, and the severity depends on the amount of bleach the pet has been exposed to. Regular strength household bleach can cause skin and eye irritation and swelling and tearing of the eyes. Ingestion of high concentrations of bleach can result in burning of the esophagus, deterioration of the stomach lining, ulcers, hypersalivation, vomiting, and lethargy.
Ammonia
This toxic ingredient is used in various disinfecting sprays and wipes, which can result in corrosion to any tissue it comes into contact with. When aerosolized, even in low concentrations, it can result in swelling of the eyes, tearing, and burning. At higher concentrations, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the throat and lungs.
Great care should be taken to avoid exposing your pet to the above chemicals. If there is concern that your pet has been topically exposed to a chemical, wash the area with warm water and a pet-friendly shampoo and seek the advice of a veterinarian. If your pet has ingested a chemical, seek emergency medical advice.
The Pet Safe Fresh Foam Method
At Fresh Focus, we understand that there is no “one size fits all” method for cleaning and deodorizing dog parks. Our certified cleaning professionals employ a more technical approach to their methods. Based on the type of subsurface and drainage system in place, our team will adjust their methods to ensure that each dog park is safely, efficiently, and effectively cleaned and deodorized!
Our IICRC-certified technicians work with an in-house licensed landscape architect to develop a custom plan for each dog park. We use a three-step process to thoroughly clean and deodorize:
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- Physically remove waste, dirt, debris, and hair with a high-grade HEPA vacuum
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- Use a pet-friendly disinfectant wash to eliminate bacteria from surfaces
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- Deodorize the entire area with our patented no-rinse foam product.
Does your dog park look and smell unpleasant – even after it’s cleaned? Our Dog Park Cleaning & Deodorizing Service makes your property enjoyable and welcoming for pets and Dog Park Cleaning their owners! Learn more and get a free estimate by giving us a call at (844) 487-3626 or emailing us at info@freshfoam.com.
