Our dogs are not always tidy; sometimes, they leave a stinky smell behind on their dog beds and furniture.
And if you’re like me, who likes to keep their house smelling fresh and not like pee.
Then you might have come across Febreze spray.
But with too many rumors on the internet about Febreze spray, one might ask, is Febreze safe for use on dogs’ beds?
I’m happy to inform you that Febreze spray is safe for dog beds. There hasn’t been any evidence or study that suggests it’s harmful. As with any product, it is important to take precautions when using it. For example, avoid spraying it directly on your pet to prevent potential allergic reactions.
However, keep reading to learn more about:
So, let’s get started…
Can You Spray Febreze on Dog Beds?
Yes, you can spray Febreze on dog beds.
Febreze is safe for dogs, cats, and their humans too.
So why are some pet owners against it? There are too many rumors over the internet that may scare off pet owners using Febreze to keep their house smell nice.
According to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC), Febreze fabric freshener is safe for use in households with dogs and other pets.
However, not following instructions and spraying Febreze directly on your dog can be dangerous.
Febreze can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.
Febreze can also cause slight allergic reactions in some dogs, such as Red eyes and Stomach upset (if ingested).
Although, if you follow instructions clearly and avoid spraying directly on your pet, then Febreze is safe for your dog.
You will find instructions for using Febreze safely down below.
(You may also be interested in reading about using Lysol on dog beds)
How to use Febreze on Dog Beds
Below are some guidelines to follow before using Febreze on a dog bed:
1. Read the Instruction:
Like trying out any new product, you must read the instructions to get optimal results without harming yourself or your beloved dog.
Some general Instructions:
- Hold the can upright.
- Pull the trigger back.
- Spray the air sweepingly throughout the area you want to clean.
- Dry damp floors to avoid injury.
Use Febreze only as directed.
2. Test it first:
You can test your Febreze spray first on a small area and see your dog’s reaction.
If you find your dog to behave normally, then you can use it else, avoid it and find an alternative.
3. Don’t Spray Directly on Your Dog:
As already mentioned, don’t spray directly on your dog. And if contact occurs, rinse your dog well with water.
In case your dog stinks, Febreze is not meant to remove odors from your dog. You should get some dog shampoos for that purpose.
One of the best dog shampoos you can get is the Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs.
4. Give it some time for Drying:
Febreze works best when you dampen the area with it. However, only let your dog in the room or the bed once it completely dries up.
As mentioned before, ingestion and too much inhalation can be harmful. So be cautious.
5. Store it Safely
Lastly, storing the Febreze in a place out of reach of children and pets would be best.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Allergic to Febreze?
Now that you have read the instructions and sprayed the Febreze, you discovered your dog is allergic to it. Then what should you do?
If your dog has red eyes or stomach upset even after following the guidelines and instructions, you should stop using Febreze and find alternatives.
There are two types of options available to you.
One is to consider another commercial product, and the other is to make a DIY home product to spray on your dog’s bed.
I will give you ideas for alternatives for both options, starting with DIY products.
DIY Product:
Here are some DIY ideas to keep your dog’s bed fresh:
Baking Soda
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire dog bed.
- Leave the pet bed to sit for a few hours.
- Vacuum the bed.
Essential Oils for Extra Freshness
- First, sprinkle some baking soda over the bed
- Then add 10 to 12 drops of peppermint essential oil in ½ cup of water in a spray bottle
- And spray the whole bed lightly with it, but not too much. (Avoid making a paste out of the baking soda)
- Let your dog’s bed be like that for a few hours.
- Then vacuum it.
Note: do your research before using essential oils, as some dogs might be allergic to them too.
Commercial Products:
Here are some commercial alternative products:
Nature’s Miracle
Use Nature’s Miracle to remove stains and odors.
Honest Paws Dog Waterless Shampoo
The Waterless shampoo is excellent for decreasing odor and allergies.
Why Some Dogs May Rub Themselves on the Floor After Using Febreze?
After using Febreze, some dogs might rub themselves on the floor or the furniture. So, why is that?
Well, that is an instinct.
Dogs mark their territory by leaving their scent.
If you notice your dog rubbing against furniture or the floor or even urinating after using Febreze, it could be a sign that they cannot detect their own scent and feel the need to remark their territory.
What Is Febreze & How It Works?
Before concluding, let’s explain what Febreze is and its mechanism.
Febreze is a spray that is used to remove odors.
However, they don’t remove the source of the odor but the odor itself.
In simple words, it masks the odor.
The spray contains a chemical called beta-cyclodextrin. It is a starchy ring-shaped sugar molecule.
When you spray it on the stink, the water dissolves the stink. The beta-cyclodextrin then binds and engulfs the stinky particles.
The stinky particles are never removed, but when they go through your nose, your smell receptors can’t bind to them due to beta-cyclodextrin blocking them.
Thus the stink seems to go away.
Conclusion
Febreze is a spray that removes odors. Febreze is safe for use on dog beds when instructions are followed. Febreze should not be directly sprayed on dogs. If your dog is allergic to it, you may need to try alternatives. And if you find your dog rubbing against the furniture or peeing after Febreze, it is due to them marking their territory.
You may find more dog beds related articles here.
