Lysol Wipes On Dog Paws

Mask, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes. This has become the new checklist for whenever people leave the house in the time of coronavirus. Recently however, an ever-expanding list of almost 90 hand sanitizers have come under scrutiny for containing methanol, a type of wood alcohol that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. But its not just the type of hand sanitizer were using, its also how were using it thats under scrutiny.

A new warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that pet owners are using the solution to clean their dogs’ paws.

“Attention Pet Owners: Do not use hand sanitizer to clean your pet’s paws. It can cause poisoning if absorbed through the skin. Hand sanitizer products can make your dog sick if eaten,” the FDA tweeted.

TODAY spoke with veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, the founder of Fear Free Happy Homes, a website dedicated to educating pet owners on safe practices in caring for their beloved animals.

The primary reason that Becker and other experts — including those at the FDA — agree hand sanitizer is potentially harmful as a cleaning agent on paws is because of its drying effects. As an alcohol-based product containing up to 95% alcohol, applying a hand sanitizer can actually be “strong enough to slough their foot pads,” Becker said.

“Especially now with COVID, people take them (dogs) out to basically do the New York Marathon, and so you get lots of issues with their foot pads and overheating and respiratory problems, he said. “What that sanitizer does is it can make it more likely to crack and to be more sensitive to having their foot pads burned when theyre out on walks.”

Once the foot pad cracks, Becker added that dangerous materials like tar, feces and other debris can get trapped, leading to transmissible diseases such as leptospirosis.

A dog’s paw is as sensitive as a human hand, and drying out the foot pad can cause painful cracks similar to a cracked, dry heel. As a veterinarian, Becker said he often sees dogs with burned paws due to walking on hot concrete or asphalt. A good rule is if the ground is too warm to place your palm down, it is too hot for your dog to walk upon.

The other concern is that ingesting hand sanitizer can be especially harmful for pets. However, Becker says that due to the bitterness of the solution, dogs and other pets would likely be reviled by the taste after a single lick. Even ingesting that small amount can cause digestive issues including vomiting and diarrhea, Becker noted.

In the event that a dog or other pet has ingested too much hand sanitizer, they run the risk of ethyl alcohol poisoning and you should call your vet. According to PetMD, there are some symptoms to look for in your pet:

It’s probably not a good idea to use a disinfecting wipe, like a Clorox Wipe or a Lysol Wipe, on your dog’s paws. The same chemicals that do the disinfecting are harmful if ingested… like if the dog licks the paws after using that kind of wipe.

Can I use antibacterial wipes on my dogs paws?

“Attention Pet Owners: Do not use hand sanitizer to clean your pet’s paws. It can cause poisoning if absorbed through the skin. Hand sanitizer products can make your dog sick if eaten,” the FDA tweeted.

Why do pets react negatively to cleaning supplies

Dogs have a well-known sensitivity to their feet. They are born with the awareness that losing their paws would put them in a precarious situation. Although their leathery pads regularly pound a variety of surfaces and temperatures, the top of their paw is really one of their most sensitive body parts, and few dogs appreciate having their paws cleaned. With this enhanced sensitivity and the innate knowledge of the significance of the paws, then:

  • Due to easy skin absorption, they will inevitably exhibit a significant reaction to cleaning agents with high potency.
  • Constantly using their tongues to clean their feet could result in harmful mouthwash intake.
  • Are Lysol wipes safe around pets?

    Some vets have advised against using cleaners with phenols, which are contained in some formulations of Lysol, coal-tar cleaners, and other products like essential oils. Cats have difficulty metabolizing phenols in their kidneys if they’re absorbed or ingested.

    FAQ

    Can I use wipes to clean my dogs paws?

    Dog Wipes

    Dog wipes or other moist wipes labeled safe for pet use can help clean muddy, sandy, or salty paws quickly, and are convenient to carry in a bag if you’re traveling. You may need to upgrade to a warm, soapy washcloth, however, for serious messes.

    Is Lysol wipes safe for pets?

    If you’re on social media- you may have seen some posts about Lysol being dangerous to pets. In reality, all cleaners are toxic to pets, some are worse than others. One of the active ingredients in Lysol is Phenol. Phenol is especially dangerous for cats- but can also be problematic for dogs.

    Can you wipe dog paws with antibacterial wipes?

    Antibacterial wipes can be helpful for keeping your dog’s paws clean and free of dirt, debris, and other contaminants.

    Are disinfecting wipes toxic to dogs?

    Cleaners with powerful odors that promise results should alert pet owners, particularly cat owners, to danger, experts say. The ingredients that make disinfectants effective make them toxic for companion animals: alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, chemical compounds that contain the word “phenol,” etc.