When doing laundry, it’s important to consider what detergent you use if you have dogs. Some ingredients in laundry detergents can be harmful or irritating to dogs if they come in contact with residues on laundry or lick them off surfaces. The good news is there are some dog-safe laundry detergents that get clothes clean without using harsh chemicals. This article will discuss how to choose a dog-friendly laundry detergent and review some recommended options.
How Laundry Detergent Can Be Unsafe for Dogs
Certain chemicals commonly found in laundry detergents can cause health issues in dogs if ingested. Some main ingredients to watch out for include:
Surfactants – Detergents use surfactants to help lift stains and soils from fabrics. Anionic and nonionic surfactants are generally safer, while cationic and quaternary surfactants can be more irritating if dogs are exposed.
Fragrances – Added perfumes and dyes also frequently cause skin irritation or stomach upset in dogs when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
Brighteners – Optical brighteners make clothes appear brighter but can cause gastrointestinal issues if large amounts are ingested.
Toxic chemicals – More dangerous ingredients like benzene, chloroform, and formaldehyde are also sometimes trace chemicals released in detergents and should be avoided around pets.
Dogs who walk on recently cleaned laundry or lick detergent residues off surfaces risk developing skin inflammation, digestive irritation, or other more serious toxicity. Puppies are especially vulnerable.
Choosing a Dog-Safe Laundry Detergent
When selecting a laundry detergent to use around dogs, look for these characteristics:
Fragrance-free – Avoid detergents with added perfumes or dyes, which are more likely to contain irritants. Fragrance-free detergents are gentler.
Free of brighteners – Optical brighteners can cause gastrointestinal distress if large amounts are ingested, so are best avoided.
Non-toxic ingredients – Check that the ingredients avoid harsh solvents, chlorine, phosphates, etc. Plant-based ingredients are typically safer.
Mild surfactants – Anionic or nonionic surfactants are less likely to be irritating compared to cationic and quaternary surfactants.
Neutral pH – A pH between 6-8 avoids skin irritation. Acidic or alkaline cleaners can inflame skin.
Biodegradable – Detergents that biodegrade quickly are better for the environment.
Sensitive skin formulas – Hypoallergenic and sensitive skin detergents are less likely to cause irritation.
Unscented – Unscented detergents still contain fragrance chemicals to mask the chemical smell – fragrance-free is better.
By checking for these characteristics, you can find gentle yet effective laundry detergents suitable to use around pets. Some recommended dog-safe options are reviewed below.
Recommended Dog-Safe Laundry Detergents
Here are some top-rated laundry detergents that clean clothes effectively while using dog-friendly ingredients:
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Detergent
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Anionic plant-based surfactants
- No dyes, optical brighteners, or harsh chemicals
- Good for sensitive skin
- PETA cruelty-free and USDA certified biobased
- Leaves no irritating residue on fabrics
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent
- Plant-powered and biodegradable
- Free of toxins, irritants, spills, and residue
- Balanced pH great for skin
- Uses coconut-based cleaning agents
- Good stain removal yet gentle enough for babies
- Certified cruelty-free – never tested on animals
- Comes highly recommended by pet owners
Aspen Clean Smart Wash Detergent
- Specifically designed for pets
- Eliminates odors naturally without fragrances
- Cleans well but avoids skin irritants
- Biodegradable plant-based formula
- Graywater safe – won’t harm pets or plants
- Not tested on animals and vegan
- Popular choice amongst pet parents
Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder
- Very mild hypoallergenic formula
- Free of dyes, perfumes, and preservatives
- Non-toxic ingredients derived from plants
- Biodegradable and septic system safe
- Effective at removing stains and odors
- Can be used for handwashing delicates
- Well-liked by pet owners
These dog-safe detergents avoid harsh chemicals and use gentle cleansing agents to effectively clean laundry without leaving irritating residue. They are trusted choices for households with pets. Check ingredients lists and consult your vet if you have any concerns about detergents aggravating skin or health conditions.
Tips For Safely Doing Laundry With Dogs
Here are some extra precautions you can take to protect dogs when washing clothes:
- Keep laundry rooms gated off so dogs can’t access detergents or lick residues off floors and machines.
- Close lids tightly on detergent containers and store up high out of reach.
- Avoid spills – wipe up any drips or spills right away so dogs can’t lick them.
- Clean washing machine drums regularly to prevent buildup of residues.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly using an extra cycle to remove detergent residues.
- Air dry laundry inside or in fenced yards where dogs can’t access it.
- Check for colorfastness on bright clothes before washing items dogs may lay on.
- Bathe dogs who get into laundry detergent residues right away with dog shampoo.
- Contact your vet if a dog ingests or is exposed to significant amounts of detergent.
Being careful when using and storing laundry detergents prevents most issues for dogs. But accidents happen, so know what to do if detergents are spilled or licked up by dogs. Having a specific safe laundry routine makes doing chores with pets around easier.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to choose a dog-friendly laundry detergent without added fragrances, dyes, brighteners, or toxic chemicals. Harsher ingredients can be irritating to dogs’ skin and cause stomach upset if large amounts are ingested from licking residues off laundry or household surfaces. Gentler plant-based detergents like Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent, Aspen Clean Smart Wash, and Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder are good hypoallergenic options that effectively clean clothes while avoiding issues for pets.
By selecting a sensitive formula detergent and taking some basic precautions when washing and drying laundry, you can safely manage this household chore even with dogs in the home. Check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s sensitivities.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.