The fact is, pet guardians often unwittingly expose their beloved companions to harmful toxins. Furthermore, our animals are almost always far smaller than we are, and their bodies absorb far greater percentages of the harmful toxins than human bodies do.
Cigarette smokers are unwittingly introducing hundreds of poisons into their pets' bodies. I used to be a smoker so i know it's easy to assume that, if we smoke outdoors the animals will be free from the tobacco (and the tons of other ingredients in each cigarette). However, this is untrue.
As a current non-smoker i have become aware of just how much cigarette smoke particles linger and travel. The fact is, cigarette smoke clings to everything and manages to infiltrate the air of every room that a smoker walks into. Pets will inhale these fumes.
There are many other poisons that can be inadvertantly introduced into our pets' bodies. Perfumes and fragrances are a big one, as companies convince us to add aroma to everything. Dryer sheets, colognes, candles, deodourizers, soaps, shampoos, lotions, skin creams, body sprays... the list of synthetically scented products is endless.
Sadly, most scented products contain ingredients that are at best irritants, and at worst extremely toxic. Over time a human body can dramatically fail to filter out the toxins in fragrances, so imagine your pet's little systems struggling to filter out the poisons.
Then there are products that get on paws. Things like stain guard sprays on the furniture, carpet shampoo and floor cleaners in the house, and lawn fertilizer can easily end up on a pet's feet.
Skin absorbtion often isn't an immediate health risk. The biggest issue involves grooming habits. Ingested chemicals have a strong potential for affecting the kidneys and liver, and who knows what else.
We must also remember that cigarette smoke and fragrances can remain on our clothes, in our hair, and on our hands. As our little companion curls up on our lap or is petted with affection, we pass on the toxins. Whatever is not being inhaled can end up in the fur, skin, or feathers. Again, if the little critter starts grooming the toxins will be ingested.
Putting aside the many complications that can result from all of the available toxins in our homes, there are so many things we can do to keep our pets' environment safe and healthy.
- Keep the animals off of surfaces that have recently been treated with chemicals.
- Avoid using products that contain harmful or unnatural ingredients in/around the home (or car).
- Switch to natural cleaning products.
- Use only natural personal care products. (Soaps, lotions, etc.)
- Avoid products that contain 'perfumes' or 'fragrances'. Switch to "essential oils". (Watch out for items labeled 'unscented', which have often been treated with harmful masking agents.)
- Change clothes and thoroughly wash hands after being exposed to chemicals. This includes cigarette smoke.
Let's be responsible guardians and make good choices for our beloved companions.
With Love
