Recently a client asked if fabric softener drier sheets were bad for dogs. Dryer sheets may just be bad in general. For starters the fragrance used in some sheets can trigger allergic reactions in dogs as well as people that are sensitive to them. Whats more the cationic detergents used in many of these sheets are highly caustic when they make contact with the mucous membranes like those of the mouth and esophagus. The damage can be so severe that deaths in some cases of ingestion have been reported. Even the dryer sheets that dont use cationic detergents can present a potential risk for intestinal obstruction if they are swallowed. After doing some research I discovered that some people use Bounce drier sheets on their cats as an insect repellant. Please dont do this. It doesnt work. And what is rubbed on a cats fur ends up in a cats mouth. Cationic detergents can cause nasty ulcers on a cats tongue. A good alternative to dryer sheets are felted wool dryer balls that can be purchased or made yourself.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:51:19 +0000