Ingredients To Avoid When Choosing Laundry Detergent For Your Pet's Bedding

Because our pet's bedding can accumulate smells, it makes sense that when it comes time to clean, we'd naturally reach for detergent with the strongest odor-minimizing ingredients. But while these floral and linen-scented soaps may provide us with relief, the reality is they may not be the safest option for our pets. Several ingredients found in popular laundry detergents can cause irritation and allergies to our pet's eyes, fur, and skin. 

When shopping for a detergent to use for washing your dog's bed or cat's favorite blanket, be wary of ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, chlorine, bleach, petroleum distillates, nonlphenol ethoxylate (NPE), and diethanolapine. Some research shows that topical sodium lauryl sulfate in particular can cause damage to a dog's skin barrier. Moreover, some lesser-known chemicals, such as ionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, may be included in detergent but not considered official poisons. Yet these can still cause serious symptoms you shouldn't ignore in your pup or kitty, such as gastrointestinal upset, if they accidentally eat detergent or chew on their bedding. Dryer sheets, meanwhile, can contain artificial fragrances and volatile organic compounds that can irritate your dog or cat's skin and trigger asthmatic reactions. 

On Reddit, some pet parents report that adding an extra rinse cycle to your wash reduces the chances of detergent residue remaining on the bed. However, owners who wish to further minimize the risk of their pet developing any reactions should look for detergents that are free from the aforementioned ingredients. Keep in mind that just because a product is marked as organic or green does not mean it is necessarily safe for pets. PetMD recommends looking for plant-based products or enzyme cleaners, which are both non-toxic and biodegradable. Arm & Hammer Sensitive Free & Clear Laundry detergent is one popular fragrance-free and chlorine-free option that boasts numerous reviews from pet parents. 

Owners also need to be mindful of their fur babies accidentally ingesting any kind of detergent. According to ASPCApro, there are several symptoms to look out for that indicate your dog has detergent poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, and wheezing. Certain chemicals can also lead to a condition called aspiration pneumonitis, which can lead to death. Aspiration pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs due to inhaled material including food or vomit. This occurs when a furry friend inhales anything incorrectly leading to the lungs instead of the esophagus. For this reason, always make sure you store laundry detergent in an area that is high up and inaccessible from pets; preferably behind a sealed cabinet door.