By Linda Chaé

Pet products may be hazardous to your pets

There are few events more distressing than the injury or death of a pet. Psychologists have likened it to the death of a family member.

After the recent pet food contamination that killed some pets and made many others sick, worldwide attention focused on making sure pet products are SAFE. Can you honestly trust most manufactures to do that for you?

Products we normally use on our pets – shampoos, odor eliminators, etc. – may create health concerns for our pets just as they can impact our health. Toxic synthetic chemicals used in personal care products are also used in pet care formulas. When scientific studies show these ingredients cause cancer, heart disease, hormone disruption and other aging diseases in humans, the tests on animals generally have the same results.

We need to be aware that chemical ingredients cost pennies and profits are huge, so incentives to inform consumers may be missing. Our pets’ lives are more important than that. I, for one, am willing to spend more to protect my pets and extend the quality of their lives.

Living on a ranch presents a host of unique problems every day. Our horses, dogs and are exposed to more things that require greater care than you can imagine. So, I have had the opportunity to identify a variety of solutions for these four-legged loved ones. That includes protecting them from various problems in the environment, small critters and the irresponsible actions of two-legged creatures as well.

Here is what I have learned:

Shampooing is a major effort that can be very messy. Putting your dog in the bathtub or shower isn’t exactly fun for them or you. I recommend using a safe, ToxicFree® pet shampoo. Remember, you are applying it all over their body and most of the time it is not all rinsed out of their hair. So you’ll want one without harmful ingredients or drying agents that will irritate their skin. Find a natural, organic shampoo without synthetic chemicals that can affect your pet’s overall health. It may cost a few pennies more per application, but the safety of our pets is worth it.

Can you imagine having your pet sprayed by a skunk? It’s the worst smell and it lingers for days! Our dogs have greeted us with this unpleasant odor and it nearly drives us out of the house. We use an oxygen-based odor eliminator to neutralize the worst pet odors safely. I recommend you look for products with NO artificial fragrance. Synthetic fragrance is toxic for pets and humans. These petroleum-based ingredients settle and hover about 12” off the floor where pets

and babies (if you have any) spend a lot of time – walking and crawling through non-biodegradable toxins!

As an informed consumer, you can make effective, healthy choices –for yourself AND your pets. I recommend you avoid the following at all cost:

•Sodium laureth sulfate: ethoxylated cleanser found in most shampoos - may contain dioxane, which is banned by the California Safe Cosmetic Act.
•DEA (diethanolamine): carcinogenic foaming agent; significant risk to children (National Toxicology Program; FDA Office of Cosmetic Fact Sheets)
•Propylene glycol: can cause brain, liver and kidney abnormalities (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)
•Parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl, ethyl): xeno-estrogens which may contribute to sterility and hormone imbalances (Brunel University)
•Fragrance (usually contain phthalates): highly toxic; can affect central nervous system (Environmental Health Network; FDA Office of cosmetics Fact Sheet).

I sincerely hope this information is helpful. We all love our pets. Now you can protect your little friends and feel confident you are making the very best choices for them. Extend your pet’s life…now.
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Copyright © Chaé Organics 2007

Author Bio:

Linda Chaé is a prominent researcher, formula consultant, educator and consumer advocate. She has met with many Congressional Leaders and Health Committee Members in Washington D.C., fighting for 'Your Right to Know' legislation and public protection from unsafe chemicals in products. For organic pet products or more information about pet care – visit www.chaeorganics.biz

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author:
Linda Chae