Dettol is a household name in Sri Lanka for keeping homes germ free. However many pet owners do not realize that this product can be highly dangerous for dogs. The main problem is a chemical called Chloroxylenol. While it kills bacteria it is toxic to dogs and even more so to cats.

Why mopping with Dettol is risky

When you mop your floors with Dettol a chemical residue stays on the surface even after it dries. Dogs spend most of their time on the floor. They walk on it and then lick their paws. They may also lick the floor directly. Since a dog’s liver cannot easily process the chemicals in Dettol these toxins can build up in their system. Over time this can cause internal damage or lead to sudden poisoning if they ingest enough of it.

Dettol on dog skin and paws

Applying Dettol directly to a dog’s skin or a wound is very dangerous. It can cause painful chemical burns and redness because their skin is much more sensitive than human skin. Furthermore the chemical is absorbed through their skin into the bloodstream. The dog will also instinctively try to lick the area which means they swallow the poison. This can lead to vomiting, heavy drooling, and tremors.

First aid steps

If your dog gets Dettol on their skin or walks on a wet Dettol floor you must act quickly. First wash the area immediately with plenty of lukewarm water. Use a very mild soap if needed but mostly focus on rinsing the chemical away. Second prevent the dog from licking themselves. You can use a clean sock over their paw or a protective collar. Third watch for signs of illness like vomiting or unusual sleepiness. If you see these signs or if the dog swallowed Dettol take them to a veterinarian immediately. Do not try to make the dog vomit at home as this can cause more harm.

Safe alternatives in Sri Lanka

You can find many safe ways to clean your home and treat wounds using items available at local stores like Keells or Cargills.

For floors a simple mix of white vinegar and water is a great natural cleaner. It is safe for paws and effective for daily use. You can also use mild dish soap diluted in a bucket of water. If you prefer store bought cleaners look for brands like Eco Green which are available in Sri Lanka and are often labeled as eco friendly or pet safe. If you must use a strong disinfectant like Lysol keep your dog in a different room until the floor is completely dry.

For treating minor cuts or cleaning skin the safest option is a saline solution. You can make this by mixing one teaspoon of salt into five hundred milliliters of boiled and then cooled water. For a stronger antiseptic you can buy Povidone Iodine which is often sold as Betadine in Sri Lankan pharmacies. When diluted with water until it looks like light tea it is safe for cleaning minor wounds on dogs.