Pet owners advised to check ingredients in household items to prevent health risks

With autumn approaching, you might be tempted to snap up everything from pumpkin-spice candles to bonfire-scented diffusers - but proceed with caution. An animal expert has issued a warning to pet owners about carefully checking the ingredients in their seasonal purchases, as some could prove harmful or even toxic to animals.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, an in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: "Many pet owners don’t realise that a lot of common cleaning products and other household items, such as candles, are toxic to pets, and pose a serious risk to their health.

"For example, things like candles, oil diffusers, and air fresheners can be severely damaging for all pets, but particularly to small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs."

When it comes to air fresheners specifically, the main worry often centres around airborne chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to PetMD, these particles can aggravate the breathing systems of various pets, including cats and dogs.

"The airborne particles released from perfumed items like these can irritate their respiratory systems, and even natural essential oils can be toxic to small pets," Dr Moyes continued. "Instead, focus on proper ventilation and regular cleaning to maintain fresh air quality."

Meanwhile, Dr Jennifer Coates at PetMD also previously explained: "Essential oils, which are included in many air freshener products, can be very toxic, especially to cats. If you simply have to have essential oils in the home, make sure they are kept in a location where your pets cannot come into direct contact with them.

"Also, birds are more sensitive to potential airborne toxins than are other animals, so I generally recommend a 'better safe than sorry' approach with the use of air fresheners around them."

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Moyes advised a safety-first approach when it comes to using scented items and even cleaning products around your pets. She highlighted the importance of checking for key ingredients like phthalates and ammonia, which are frequently linked to pet health issues, too.

"Phenol is another common ingredient found in disinfectants, which can be toxic to pets and cause liver damage," she added. "Fragrant products like air fresheners tend to contain phthalates, which are often hidden under the ingredient 'fragrance' - these can cause kidney and liver problems and even disrupt hormones.

"Before buying any cleaning products, it’s important to thoroughly research the ingredients and make sure none could pose a risk to your pet’s health."

The signs that a pet has been affected by household items can vary depending on the species, but common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and discharge from the eyes or nose. Other indicators could be vomiting, diarrhoea, or a loss of appetite, although each of these symptoms could also be caused by other issues.

If a pet consumes an air freshener or scented product, it can be far more harmful than simply inhaling it. In any emergency situation, always seek professional medical advice.