Household Cleaners, Detergents and Disinfectants Soaps, detergents and bleaches are routinely encountered by pets. They be contacted or consumed as diluted or concentrated forms. Soaps and detergents in general have a low toxicity. Bleaches are considered mild to moderate irritants and may cause corrosive burns in concentrated forms. The most common signs of toxicosis are local irritation of skin and gastrointestinal involvement with salivation, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Treatment includes dilution of ingested product with water or milk and supportive care.
Household products may contain acids or alkalis. Hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric or phosphoric acids can be found in toilet bowl cleaners, swimming pool cleaners, gun cleaning fluids and antirust compounds. Alkalis are found in drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, alkali batteries, dishwasher detergents and ammonia. Acids and alkalis when contacted or ingested cause corrosive burns. Treatment is supportive and general with exposed skin or eyes immediately and thoroughly cleansed with water.