By Sally Writes
Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, and if you have dogs, that means that they are probably inside roughly the same amount of time you are. The EPA warns that the air in homes can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. This can wreak havoc on the human respiratory system, but it can also harm your pets. Read on to discover why making indoor air quality a priority is important for pet health, and find out the ways you can make it happen.
Chemical Exposure In Homes
Some of the most common household items that can affect pet health include flame retardants in couches and other soft furnishings, toxic fumes from harsh cleaning products, and contaminated dust. Research by the Environmental Working Group found that dogs, for instance, are contaminated with PFCs at levels 2.4 times higher than their human owners are. PFCs are present in a plethora of typical home products – everything from furniture to household cleaners. The findings are a wake-up call to the need for simpler, more natural (yet equally effective) cleaning methods. Harsh bleach-based cleaning products, for instance, can be avoided by cleaning the home with a powerful steam vacuum cleaner. Surfaces can be cleaned with therapeutic, pet-friendly essential oils instead of the sprays and bottle-based cleaners that are so prevalent today.
Mold And Respiratory Health
Many studies show a direct link between moldy, humid interiors and increased respiratory, gastrointestinal, digestive, allergic and neurological problems. There are various types of mold, one of the most toxic of which is a black mold called Stachybotrys chartarum. In one case, it was found to have caused pulmonary haemorrhage in two pet cats. Mold is a common indoor air pollutant, since its spores are released into the air and inhaled by humans and pets. Interestingly, dog urine can contribute to mold growth, so it is vital to ensure that homes are well cleaned. If your dog has frequent ‘accidents’ indoors, mold can build up over time, since urine contains chemicals that enable mold to thrive. Once existing problems have been removed, reducing the chance of mold growth is as simple as replacing carpets with laminate flooring – which is easy to clean, and dries far faster than fabric.
Secondhand Smoke A Cancer Threat
If anyone visiting your home smokes, make sure they do so outside. A study undertaken at Oklahoma State University found that secondhand smoke is dangerous to pets, showing a strong correlation with mouth cancer. Pets lick themselves constantly, meaning that any chemicals that settle on their fur, are easily ingested. Scientists also noted that “there is a higher incidence of nasal tumors in dogs living in a home with secondhand smoke compared to dogs living in a smoke free environment.” To enhance indoor air quality, also try to avoid burning paraffin candles, since these can emit toxic fumes. You don’t need to forego candles in the home; simply opt for those made with beeswax or soy, and those scented with therapeutic-grade essential oils.
If you are like most Amerian homeowners, then you probably consider your dog a key part of your family. Ensure he lives a long and happy life by improving your indoor air quality. Ventilate your home frequently, and invest in a HEPA filter, which will trap tiny particles that can interfere with your pet’s respiratory health. Invest in natural cleaning products and a good steam vacuum cleaner that will significantly reduce your reliance on chemical cleaning products.
