Donna Brydon is the proud dog mom of an adorable King Charles Spaniel named Skye. Recently, the pair experienced a frightening ordeal after Skye, just 12 weeks old, came into contact with a popular cleaning product. Brydon shared her story as a cautionary tale for pet owners, warning them that the product could potentially harm their beloved furry companions.
Close Call at a Friend’s House
During a visit to a friend’s house with freshly mopped floors, Skye encountered Zoflora, a popular concentrated cleaning agent known for its strong scent. Shortly after coming into contact with the floors, the puppy began to show signs of illness. Skye’s eyes swelled shut, and she became lethargic. A trip to the vet confirmed that Zoflora was the culprit, as it is deemed harmful to dogs and other household pets, including cats.
Cats Face Higher Risk
Nicola Robinson, a vet and head of service at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, explained to The Sun that Zoflora contains benzalkonium chloride, a toxic detergent for cats. Cats are particularly vulnerable to experiencing oral and tongue ulceration, hypersalivation, and loss of appetite when exposed to this chemical. Robinson emphasized the importance of pet owners being cautious, especially when using Zoflora on surfaces that pets may come into contact with.
“Cats roam between houses and therefore it is hard to keep them away from this product when it is often used to clean patios but owners need to be aware of the risks to animals.
“They usually lick their paws if they have walked on freshly cleaned floors which then leads to signs of toxicity.”
Rise in Poisoning Cases
The Veterinary Poisons Information Service, a 24-hour helpline for suspected pet poisonings, has received numerous calls related to pets falling ill after exposure to Zoflora. The cleaning product contains benzalkonium chloride, which can lead to ulcers and appetite loss in pets if ingested or touched.
Manufacturer’s Response
Zoflora, when contacted by The Sun, acknowledged the presence of benzalkonium chloride in their concentrated formulas. They stated that with proper precautions, the product can be safely used in homes with pets, except for those with reptiles. It is advised to dilute the product correctly and ensure that surfaces are fully dry before allowing pets to come in contact with them.
A spokeswoman for Zoflora reassured:
“Zoflora has been used safely in households for almost 100 years, including those with pets in the home.
“Zoflora’s products have been fully risked assessed by leading scientists at Exponent International, a long-established, independent consultancy company with expertise in all aspects of Biocidal Products Regulation and safety.
“The risk assessments conducted do not indicate a concern when the product is used in accordance with the on pack usage directions.
“As with all disinfectants and other household chemicals, ensure that Zoflora is used safely. When correctly diluted, Zoflora disinfectant may be used where most pets are kept.”
Nicola Robinson, the vet, advised using natural cleaning products in homes with pets to avoid potential risks. It’s better to prioritize the health of your furry friends over the temporary freshness of a clean home.
H/T thesun.co.uk
sentence: Please clean your room before you go out.