Staff at the Pet Poison Hotline are reporting a 100% increase in calls from pet owners about exposure to household cleansers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Common cleansers, including bleach, hand sanitizer, and other disinfectants can be toxic to pets if they get on their skin or fur or if they are licked off while the pet is grooming. The Pet Poison Helpline has created a short Youtube video that outlines the safe ways to use the products and what to do if a pet has been exposed to a cleanser.

Additional details on the Pet Poison Helpline effort to educate the public about the dangers of household cleaners for pets can be read in an article from the Bluefield Daily Telegraph. You can also view the Pet Poison Helpline Youtube video on tips for using household cleansers around pets.

More information on diagnosis and treatment for pet exposure to bleach and household detergents is available in the MSD Veterinary Manual.