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Third Annual Fragrance Free Day Q & A

Monday, August 20th, 2012

On August 10, 2012, our Fragrance Free Day Twitter panel fielded questions and provided tips to those joining us.  Thanks again to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (http://www.patrickmahaney.com) and Dr. Stephen Ziman, organic chemist for making yourselves available to answer questions on how fragrances can affect our pets and our families health!

For those who were unable to join us, below are Q&A from our third Fragrance Free Day (2012) and some expanded answers to questions posed to the panel.

Question 1 from @jordan_feeney: How do fragrances stay in the air for so long and what is the impact to pets and people? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: #Pets may be impacted by fragrances that irritate their eyes, nose, mouth, lungs, skin, & digestive tract. #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Fragrances are very volatile and remain in the area for a long time b4 they’re ventilated out. #FragranceFreeDay. For people, some chemicals in some fragrances have been ID’d as hormone disruptors #FragranceFreeDay.

Extended Answer from CleanandGreen:  Fragrances have chemicals which cause a secondary reaction in indoor air and contribute to the formation of formaldehyde and ultra-fine particles.  Ultra-fine particles are small enough so that they be absorbed through cell walls.  Fragrances have been tied to allergic dermatitis, asthma, headaches, mucosal symptoms.

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: When cleaning your house, if you can smell the fragrances, so can your pet and they will be affected by them. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 2 from @RedHeadMeag: My dog has episodes of reverse sneezing. Scary! I know allergens are a source – could what I’m cleaning with be, too? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Yes, your cleaning products may trigger an episode of reverse sneezing. #FragranceFreeDay. For safety sake, it’s best to keep your #dog, #cat, or other #pets (birds, etc) out of area being cleaned. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 3 from @alexisel: My cat was recently diagnosed with asthma. Should I look into switching to fragrance free products? #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Gr8 question! Yes, you should use fragrance free cleaning products (& litter) if you have an asthmatic #cat. #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Respiratory problems (in humans or pets) = no fragrances in your home. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: DEP (diethyl phthalates) can be used in cosmetics & fragrances & are identified as a potential hormone disruptor. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 3 from @MissJRF: The effects of chemical fragrances are scary – no doubt. But I really love wearing my perfume every day. Help! #fragrancefreeday

Answer from @CleanandGreen: Although you love wearing your perfume, it’s a health issue, so start by just wearing it on special occasions. #FragranceFreeDay

Extended Answer from CleanandGreen:  I know this is asking a lot, but remember, it is a health issue, not only for your pet, but for you too!  Chemicals in fragrances are linked to hormone disruptors that scientists believe are  linked to breast cancer and other health issues linked to hormonal imbalances in our system.  So, start slow and work your way towards being as fragrance free as possible.

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Every fragrance (natural or synthetic) has chemicals and can cause all of the problems we’ve mentioned. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Can’t give up your perfume? Wear it less frequently, in lower quantities & cut back on other fragranced products. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Question 4 from @thespottedduck: I know fragrances cause air pollution in the home. What can I do to improve my home’s air quality for me & my pets? #FragranceFreeDay

Answer from @PatrickMahaney: Gr8 question. I’m going to answer in multiple parts. #FragranceFreeDay.

1. Have your home heating & cooling system seasonally serviced and change filters regularly. #FragranceFreeDay.

2. Use ventilation to move air around your home. Open windows and use both overhead and oscillating fans. #FragranceFreeDay.

3. Use completely non-toxic cleaning systems, such as vacuuming & deep steam cleaning. #FragranceFreeDay.

4. Clean your cat’s litter box once to twice daily & have your dog eliminate outdoors instead of on pads. #FragranceFreeDay.

Answer from @CleanandGreen: 3. Also, use fragrance free cleaning products in your home. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: TIP: Regularly clean any surfaces that come in contact with your nose or mouth, i.e. bed sheets, towels, etc. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @CleanandGreen: Last TIP: Don’t go fragrance free cold turkey, look at all your products & cut easiest ones first. #FragranceFreeDay

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: #Vet Tip: Just because a product says “all natural” does not mean that it is safe for use on or around your #pet. #FragranceFreeDay

 

@CleanandGreen to @PatrickMahaney: Great point! A lot of people think citrus products are safe but lemon, pine, etc. are actually toxic. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: Another #Vet Tip: Do not use “essential oils” on your #cat. Sever toxicity, including liver failure, can occur. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Tip from @PatrickMahaney: #Vet Tip: Cough, sneeze, eye discharge, salivation, & behavior change are signs of chemical inhalant toxicity in #pets. #FragranceFreeDay

 

@CleanandGreen: Remember: It’s not only your pet’s health, it’s human health too. #FragranceFreeDay

 

Quincy

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Twitterview with Dr Patrick Mahaney on Going Green

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

Who better to host our Earth Month Twitterview than Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian who started California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW) and is part of the Veterinary Cancer Group, an integrative veterinary medicine practice for  dogs and cats in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Patrick also writes a veterinary column and connects to animal aficionados worldwide through Q & A, videos, radio interviews, and Twitterviews this one. 

 

.@PatrickMahaney  Lets get started. Thanks so much for joining us today for an #EarthMonth chat, Dr. Patrick! #greenpetchat

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q1 For pet owners that may not be aware of what “greenwashing” is – can you explain? How do YOU define “green”? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A1 #greenpetchat I define “green” as a lifestyle approach with maximal emphasis placed on minimizing daily exposure to toxins

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q2 What do you hear from clients are their biggest issues with looking for #green #pet products? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A2 #greenpetchat Understanding what products and ingredients are safe or potentially toxic for pets and why

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q3 You’re big on healthy #pet food. What should people be looking for where food is concerned? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A3  #greenpetchat Pet owners should focus on providing human grade based whole foods lacking pet-grade ingredients

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q4 If you have to shop the #pet food aisle at the grocery store, what’s your best bet? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A4 #greenpetchat If “stuck” w/pet foods, pick canned options lacking protein & carbohydrate meals, by-products, preservatives

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q5 How important is it to start your #dog or #cat on an organic food product at an early age? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A5 #greenpetchat I feel human grade & whole food is more important than organic & start during puppy- or kittenhood

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q6 What advice would you give to pet owners that are thinking of making their own pet food? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A6 #greenpetchat Work w/their vet to do a Univ CA Davis Veterinary Nutritional Support Services consultation. Worth the $$

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q7 Let’s talk shampoo. What should #pet owners be looking for where coat-care products are concerned? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A7 #greenpetchat Buy shampoo lacking fragrances, colors, sodium laurel sulfate (foaming agents), insecticides, steroids, etc

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q8 What issues have you observed as the result of NOT using an natural #pet shampoo product? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A8 #greenpetchat Salivation, vomit, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy result from shampoo ingestion/absorption via skin

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q9 How important is an eco-friendly #pet bed? What should people look for? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A9 #greenpetchat Beds made w/fabrics lacking toxic chemicals, including fire retardants, formaldehyde, phthalates, PVC, BPA

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q10 How can pet owners go green with their #pet bed without spending lots of money? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A10 #greenpetchat Comparison shop on-line or ask for referral for best prices from eco-minded pet stores

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q11 For pet owners making a change 2 green products, should they be worried about how their pets will adjust? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A11 #greenpetchat Watch for signs of illness (vomit, salivation, decr appetite, etc) in pets w/any product use or change

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q12 Should #pet owners also be considering green pet toys? Are mass-produced toys dangerous? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A12 #greenpetchat Choose non-toxic, natural material pet toys made in USA.  Mass produced toys possibly contain toxins.

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q13 Why is it so important to use green #pet products? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A13 #greenpetchat As diseases are multifactorial in their origins, reduce amounts of toxins entering or being applied to pets

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q14 What is the most important type of green product every #pet owner should have? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A14 #greenpetchat Always provide pet foods made from human grade, whole foods & fresh water lacking toxic chemicals

 

.@PatrickMahaney Q15 What is your best advice for #pet owners who want to go green, but don’t know where to start? #greenpetchat

.@CleanAndGreen A15 #greenpetchat Start by looking at your pet’s food & treat labels to eliminate pet-grade ingredients & non-USA made products

 

Simon and Quincy

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Simon’s Cone

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

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Mad Cat?

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Do you know the difference between cat urination and spraying? You should cause it will give you a hint on what to do to stop it.

One way you can tell the difference is  by how and where cats deposit the urine or spray.  When cats urinate for elimination reasons, they normally do it on a flat surface like the ground or in a litterbox. When cats spray, they turn their backsides to the object, twitch their tails and spray urine on the vertical surface, usually at another cat’s nose level.

Cat spray smells much worse than just cat urine because it is a combination of cat urine and pheramones.  Cats produce pheromones on their mouths, chin, face, cheeks, ears, paw pads, anal area, and upper surface of the tail. They use pheramones to mark their territory;  when your cats rub up against you, or  furniture he is actually leaving a little trace of pheromones that say, ‘this is mine’, in a friendly way.

Spraying is a common way for male cats to release pheromone to say ’stay out!’   Male cats will mark the outside perimeter of their territory so as to section off the area that they will find a mate in.  Female cats  in heat will spray to attract a male.  Spaying or neutering your cat should be enough to stop him/her from spraying in this case.

Cats can spray due to illness. So before you start trying to correct spraying from a behavioral standpoint you may want to take your cat to the vet to rule out any sort of health problem that could be the culprit.

Cats also spray when they are stressed (e.g. new home, change in schedule, leaving them for a long time,  etc.) or the need to dominate or to stack his or her territory (e.g. a new pet in the house, a new baby in the house, etc.)

So, knowing the difference between urinating (accidents) and spraying can help you determine what to do to stop the problem!

Quincy

 

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Dr. Patrick on Cleaning Products & Your Pets

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Despite our best efforts at being clean, we must realize that the world in which our pets and we live is inherently toxic. Part of the problem is that in our quest to cleanse every environmental surface, there is a general tendency to leave behind potentially hazardous chemicals. These residual substances are easily transferred on or into our bodies with a single touch, breath, or merely being in the wrong place at an inopportune time.

The same concept applies to our pets, but their potential for exposure increases due to their inherent behavioral tendency to explore their urroundings with their sensory organs. Most pets have a smaller body mass and surface area than humans. Therefore, the margin of safety for toxic exposure for pets is lower than for people.

What can you do to keep your pet safe in this toxic world.

1. Recognize the routes of entry through which toxins enter your pet’s body. These include the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. As pets commonly groom themselves, there is a high likelihood toxins will be ingested from the paw pads, feet, coat, or other areas of the body that is groomed.

2. Beaware of the clinical signs that your pet may have suffered a toxic exposure. Eye and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence, lethargy, collapse, seizures, coma, and death may all potentially occur. Call your veterinarian immediately should your canine or feline companion show any concerning clinical signs.

3. Use fans and other ventilation systems to circulate household air instead of relying on spray fresheners. Replace your household air filters according to manufacturers recommended schedule, as infectious organisms and dangerous debris can accumulate over time

4. Avoid cleaning products not deemed pet safe. SeaYu makes Clean+Green, a great line of eco-friendly, biodegradable,pet appropriate products to promote the cleanliness of your home and car.

Dr. Patrick Mahaney enjoys a diverse veterinary career by combining clinical practice and media work in Los Angeles, CA. He started California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW), Inc in 2008 to offer house call and in-facility (Veterinary Cancer Group) integrative veterinary medicine to dogs and cats in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Patrick also writes a veterinary column and connects to animal aficionados worldwide through Q & A, videos, radio interviews, and guest blog posts like this one.
You can reach Patrick on Twitter (@PatrickMahaney and @CelebrityPetNws), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patrick-Mahaney-Veterinarian-Acupuncture-Pain-Management-for-Your-Pets/110986255579285?ref=ts), and via email (patrick@patrickmahaney.com).

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Common (Product) Sense

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

I wish I could have recorded my conversation with a woman I spoke with the other day who was educated about products by working in a vet’s office because she was saying what I have been preaching for a while …

READ THE LABEL before you buy a product!  Don’t assume that if it is on the grocery shelf that it has automatically been vetted by some governement agency and is safe.   A lot of products, especially cleaning products, contain solvents and strong chemicals which make them effective but unsafe…that’s why you wear gloves when using them and have rinsed away all of the solution once it has done its job.

If the label says, “ Warning!  Before using product throughout your house, use in one room and wait 24 hours to ensure that no one has any physical reactions to the product.” you may want to rethink using the product in your home.

If the label says, “Caution:  Prolonged skin contact may cause skin irritation” or “SKIN: Immediately rinse skin with plenty of water,”  you may want to reconsider using this around your pets who tend to roll on surfaces and lick them.

Now when you do knowling use a product that is toxic, keep your pets and children away from the area until you know that they will not be affected.  Remember, children (especially toddlers and younger) AND pets will crawl, roll and pick up things (or lick things) which all go into their mouths.  Areas to be really careful about are:

1)  Floor areas, especially carpet

2) Yard areas, especially your lawn (when you spray or fertilize)

3)  Furniture, especially your couches and chairs

Just use commmon sense and remember that our pets and small children go where we often do not!

Simon and Quincy

 

 

 

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Sprayed by a Skunk! What To Do AND Not To Do.

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

I have been having a lot of call about what to do when a dog has been sprayed by a skunk so here goes with my tips.

Tip 1 – Do NOT run for the tomatoe juice or your regular shampoo to wash off the skunk spray – you are just going to spread the problem (spread the skunk oil) if you do not use a solution that is specifically formulated to get rid of the oil.  Water is not your friend here as all it will do is spread the oil to more parts of your dog — I say dog because cats are usually pretty smart and do not tangle with skunks.  Find cleaner that is specifically formulated for skunk spray like Clean+Green Deskunk Coat Cleaner.

Tip 2 – Keep your dog in an open (aerated) area and do not close him or her up in an enclosed area while the skunk spray remains.  Skunk spray can be toxic, and in an enclosed area the skunk fumes can build up.

Tip 3 – Dogs usually get sprayed in their face and chest.  Make sure you check his or her eyes because skunk oil is toxic.  If your dog is rubbing his eyes, blinking fast and has redness or tearing, your dog may have gotton some spray in his or her eyes.  Flush the eyes out with clean water,  If this does not work, try and stop your dog from pawing or rubbing the eyes and take him or her to the vets ASAP.

Hope these tips help!

Quincy

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Fragrance Free Day Follow Up #1 – Essential Oils Toxic To Cats

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Why Essential Oils are Toxic to Cats…

Most essential oils are made up of hydrocarbons and terpenoids. In dogs, horses and humans, the terpenoids are transported to the liver to be metabolized after the oils have been absorbed through the skin or inhaled into the lungs.  After the necessary metabolic processes occur in the liver and bloodstream, the remaining water-soluble metabolites are eliminated through the urine and feces.

But cats are different. Cats lack the liver enzyme (glucuronyl tranferase) that would allow them to break down these compounds.  So it takes much longer for the metobolites to be eliminated from the feline system.  In cats, these otherwise harmless substances can build up in the liver, sometimes very quickly, depending on the amount of exposure. This can cause toxicity problems and liver damage.  It’s usually a slow process and doesn’t show up until it’s too late.

Here is a partial list of essential oils that should be avoided with cats from Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell. (This list is not necessarily inclusive and there are no assurances of it’s accuracy).

Essential Oils High in Monoterpene Hydrocarbons

Lemon Lime
Orange Bergamot
Tangerine Pine
Mandarin Spruce
Grapefruit Fir

Essential Oils High in Phenols

Cassia (cinnamon) Thyme
Clove Savory
Oregano

Other sources list additional oils as toxic to cats.  According to GreenPaws.org, the following essential oils are very toxic to cats:

Citrus oils
Bay
Cinnamon
Citronella
Clove (Eugenol)
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Lavender
Pennyroyal
Rue
Tea Tree

GreenPaws.org also states that any products containing linalool (found in lavender and coriander oils, or d-limonene, found in citrus oils), are toxic to felines.

Essential oils that are safer for use with felines include:

Cedarwood
Lemongrass
Peppermint
Rosemary

According to Dr. Nancy Brandt, DVM, Thyme should not be used on cats as it is high in phenol.

I hope this sheds a little more light on essential oils.

Quincy

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Air Freshener, Deodorizers, Odor Remover Ingredients to Avoid

Monday, August 1st, 2011

Instead of eliminating odors, chemical-based air fresheners and deodorizers can add dangerous chemicals to the air we breathe.

The key to freshening air is to remove (by cleaning) or dilute (by ventilation) the offending odor, and not to cover it with another chemical.

Air fresheners can be made from a number of chemicals including

  • formadehyde -  a carcinogen and sensitizer,
  • naphthalene -  a suspected carcinogen,
  • xylene -  a neurotoxin and possible reproductive toxin,
  • butane gas -  a neurotoxin
  • strong fragrances – fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens.

Some solid eodorizers include

  • paradichlorobenzene –  a carcinogen which can also cause liver and kidney damage.

Again, the key to freshening air is to remove (by cleaning) or dilute (by ventilation) the offending odor, and not to cover it with another chemical.

Quincy and Simon

Simon and Quincy

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Floor and Furniture Polish Ingredients to Avoid

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Ingredients in floor and furniture polishes to avoid:

  • ammonia – irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes (respiratory and digestive tracts), and to a lesser extent the skin; highly toxic to aquatic animals, and for this reason it is classified as dangerous for the environment
  • formaldehyde – highly toxic to humans, regardless of method of intake
  • fragrance – fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Many compounds in fragrance are human toxins and suspected or proven carcinogens
  • nitrobenzene – a carcinogen, reproductive toxin and central nervous system toxicant which can be absorbed through the skin
  • nitrosamines – a carcinogen
  • morpholine, a severe irritant which may cause kidney damage
  • nitrobenzene, a carcinogen, reproductive toxin and central nervous system toxicant which can be absorbed through the skin, phenol, a carcinogen and severe skin irritant, as well as
  • phenol – , a carcinogen and severe skin irritant
  • turpentine – neurotoxin, eye and skin irritant

So, if you find these on the ingredients list, be careful and think twice about the floor or furniture polishes you are using!

Quincy and Simon

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