...had a dog or dogs with an allergic reaction to...

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Answer by moo
Submitted on 5/5/2004
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i'm still trying to check the validity of this email i just got: >WARNING re Swiffer Wetjet > >Whether you own a pet or not...please read this and pass it on to your >friends and family who do... Thank you. > > >PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED > >Take this for what it is worth. I use this product and plan to stop using >it immediately. I'll stick to steam from now on. > > >From a Pennsylvania rescue list:: > > >I recently had a neighbor who had to have their 5-year old German Shepherd >dog put down due to liver failure. The dog was completely healthy until a >few weeks ago, so they had a necropsy done to see what the cause was. The >liver levels were unbelievable, as if the dog had ingested poison of some >kind. The dog is kept inside, and when he's outside, someone's with him, so >the idea of him getting into something unknown was hard to believe. My >neighbor started going through all the items in the house. When he got to >the Swiffer Wetjet, he noticed, in very tiny print, a warning which stated >"may be harmful to small children and animals." He called the company to ask >what the contents of the cleaning agent are and was astounded to find out >that anitfreeze is one of the ingredients. (actually he was told it's a >compound which is one molecule away from anitfreeze). > >Therefore, just by the dog walking on the floor cleaned with the solution, >then licking it's own paws, and the dog eating from its dishes which were >kept on the kitchen floor cleaned with this product, it ingested enough of >the solution to destroy its liver. > >Soon after his dog's death, his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver >failure. They both used the Swiffer Wetjet for quick cleanups on their >floors. Necropsies weren't done on the cats, so they couldn't file a >lawsuit, but he asked that we spread the word to as many people as possible >so they don't lose their animals. > >Regards, >Judy >Equinox Kennels Perm R >www.equinoxca.com/ >

Answer by CB
Submitted on 1/21/2006
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My dog, Dustin, is a Westie and Westie's are known for their allergies to anything and everything. However, he has a mild case of allergies and it's usually not bad until the spring time. He doesn't have red bumps and he doesn't itch, but he is having severe eye problems. I was trying to locate the source of the problem and the only thing that I just started using is Tide with Febreeze...so I was curious to see if other pet owners were having difficulties and I came across this faq form. I am beginning to think that Febreeze is the cause of his issues...and that it may effect him differently because he has mild allergens. Anyways, I wanted to thank all of you for your information.

Answer by hamsandwizh
Submitted on 1/11/2007
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my jack russell terror, mix has the same red bumps on his back but they are not itchy. I am confused to this though. We use to use febreeze when we first brought them home and no problems, we have not used it for a good month and a half to two months at most and now i've noticed it. The only product we've got recently is clorox disinfecting spray and he really has not been around it. I am the only one who uses it, and only in one room and I make sure the dogs are out of the room and close the doors when i use it so if any contact it's from the floor and that'd be his paws and no problems. So I am worried about this. We recently have him a bath in which shortly after I noticed the red bumps but we've used the same shampoo twice before and he's had no problems. Well...actually we used some of the powder carpet freshiner stuff, I can't find it now and never used that before, then again that was about a week before his bath and it showed up a few days after his bath, so a week and a half after the carpet stuff. So i dunno, im going to stop using the carpet stuff and the disinfect spray just in case thats it but if it's not then I dont have a clue!

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Question by beth
Submitted on 9/29/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Canine Allergies FAQ
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Has anyone had a dog or dogs with an allergic reaction to febreze or swiffer wet? That is the only change I have made and now both of my dogs are itching where as before only one was sensitive. Thanks

Answer by Val
Submitted on 10/2/2003
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You may have answered my problem. My new puppy has been dragging her belly (crawling) through the house and only has a rash on her underbelly. I'm wondering if this could be the problem since I use both of these products!

Answer by Bridgett
Submitted on 12/29/2003
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Yes. I think there is something up with this. My dog has broken out all over her belly and back. I used it b/4 the holidays and she has broken out all over with little bumps. I'm going to scrub the floor clean right now!

Answer by Westie Mom
Submitted on 3/11/2004
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I'm bringing my little Westie back into the vet's tomorrow because of continuous scratching. She's had allergy testing to no avail and we're going to try switching her food next. But I also use the Febreze and Swiffer wet and am now wondering if that could be it! I'm going home to scrub my floors clean and immediately getting rid of both of those items to see if it helps!

Answer by etom
Submitted on 4/23/2004
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my dalmatian has recently gotten all of these tiny bumps under her fur on her back. i've been worried, thinking it's fleas, but she hasn't been itching and she has no other signs of them. ive used febreeze on my bedspread and she sleeps at the foot of the bed, usually on her back! i'm worried now that she's allergic to it, it would make sense. i'm going to wash that comforter asap and bring her to the vet on monday. i'll let you all know how it goes.

Answer by profhound
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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In response to "Moo" -- According to Snopes.com, the e-mail you received is false. However, I've also seen many comments on the Internet about folks' pets reacting to these products. So whereas Swiffer, et al, may not necessarily be life-threatening, there appears to be enough evidence of rash, discomfort, etc. I'm thinking it may be a good idea to stay away from these products if you have pets or small children. Snopes is a great place to check "urban legend" e-mails! Check it out: www.snopes.com

Answer by C. Sense
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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Please do not forward this to anyone else. I just researched it and like any other email of this type, this too is false. Try the common sense test. Mom cleans kitchen floor. Toddler plays in kitchen. Toddler's toys go from mouth to floor to mouth. If this product was so lethal, babies would be dying all over this country. Here is a link for your review. http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/s/swiffer.htm

Answer by emily
Submitted on 5/20/2004
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My dalmatian has the same thing as the above mentioned. Vet had no idea. Red bumps all over her back, flakey skin. Doesn't seem to itch her, but she'll thump her foot if i pet her there. Could it be febreeze? i'm going to wash her doggy bed asap!

Answer by TK
Submitted on 6/28/2004
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My 8 month old lab has been fighting a really tough skin infection (diagnosed as allergy induced staph) for the past month. I've been racking my brain to figure out what the agent that caused the allergy could be. I decided it could likely be the Swiffer formula, which he is daily contact with. I searched online for "Dog, Allergy, Swiffer" and found this thread and others. Where there is smoke, there is fire. I will discontinue my use of this product and others like it immediately.

Answer by Darlene
Submitted on 4/21/2005
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I noticed my cat had a bald spot appear on her back two weeks ago. Made vet appt brought cat and she said it could be simple nerves (I do not think so). I had not inspected cat but when we looked on her tummy she had more bald spots. I had used febreeze on sofas and think it might also have caused the problems. For now I have covered up the sofas before I can get them cleaned. Watching cat to see if there is any improvement. Vet said there was a small cyst on one of cats mammary glands and when she took biopsy results were benign but cyst broke and nothing to remove. Quite worried about product and not using any further either.

Answer by Ann
Submitted on 10/6/2005
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My GSD puppy also has a rash on her underbelly, and I am a heavy user of Febreeze. However my two other dogs don't seem to have a problem with it... Damn, is there a product that can replace Febreeze?

Answer by Becky
Submitted on 10/28/2005
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Yes! My dog is allergice to Febreze and Pet Fresh, which is supposed to be safe. She scratches and recently got red, puffy eyes and lips after I used Arm and Hammer non-vacuum Pet Fresh. Never again will I use this stuff!

Answer by Cate
Submitted on 10/30/2005
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I must add a bit here if I can, I have no dog story, but I vacate the house if someone uses fabreeze, It causes me to have massive breathing issues. My guess is that not only dogs are affected.

Answer by Lumpe
Submitted on 11/2/2005
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I currently have a dog having grand mal seizures.. we are not positive.. but they started not to long after i got a wet swiffer.. (he tends to eat stuff off the kitchen floor) He currently is on Phenobarb we thoguht it could be a possibility it was this so we stopped using it.. and wow no seizures for a month.. i used it and wow a seizure withing 4 days after using it.. maybe its just a coincidence, i dont know.

Answer by katie
Submitted on 11/14/2005
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I have recently been using tide with Febreze. I broke out with red, itchy, rash on chest, neck, and face. I am in my mid 40's, and am not a dog, cat, or the like. I am absolutely sure it is this fabric softener as I have been using Tide for years without incident. Febreze is the only thing I have changed in my routine.

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Answer by Daisy
Submitted on 11/30/2005
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I have a year old Jack Russell Terrier and I am trying to find out why she has little bumps that seem to be growing from 5 to 10 to 20 within the last 2 days. I have recently started using fabreez on the bedspread and the carpet. I believe that may be what is causing it I will have to wash everything and hope that works or I will be taking her to the vet in a few days.

Answer by Barbara
Submitted on 4/1/2006
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My 2 lb chihuahua died from inhaling febreeze. She was fine till I went to my daughter's house in SC and she inhaled it. She went from a healthy dog to one with multiple breathing problems and finally died as a result. I now have a Papillon and I would never use Febreeze or Swiffer. This letter is true and you can email me at bjl616@yahoo.com.

Answer by Jess
Submitted on 4/28/2006
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When we first got our dog we woke up to find his face swollen to no avail! He had to be rushed to the vet for a shot to reduce the swelling he was having an almost fatal allergic reaction. Couldn't figure it out for about a week (this happened 3 times in a week)and then it hit me FEBREEZE! I use it in the house, and I bought tide and downy with febreeze, everytime he came near the couch or bedding or any fabric he swelled right up! DON'T USE THIS WITH PETS!

Answer by barber
Submitted on 6/22/2006
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the story about the swiffer wet clothes seems to be true. I have a 3 month old malti-poo who was cute and playful as usual last Friday. I used the wet swiffer for the first time Friday afternoon and 3 hours later was in the emergency vet. She was drooling and shaking. The vet gave her fluids, checked blood levels and anti nausea meds and she was better the next day, but this was the only thing I did different the entire day. I really think you should be careful using the wet swiffer pad.

Answer by chekawa
Submitted on 8/23/2006
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Our yorkie acted much the same. Rushed him to the vet after a sleepness night. Upon exam he had small red welts on his belly and redness between the paws. We sprayed the couch and carpets the day before with fabreze.The poor thing just could not stay still. He also crawled on his belly.I think sometime ago a warrning lable used to be on the product for pets. not sure.

Answer by soxadoodle
Submitted on 11/27/2006
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my boxer has bumps under his fur as well, although there has never been any of the products that you have mentioned. He doesn't itch, but they are on his back and hind legs. Do a lot of cleaning supplies have these tendecies? Thanks for the help

Answer by Michele Weiss
Submitted on 12/2/2006
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My dog Heidi has two incidents with an allergic reaction to swifter...her ears get red her nose area red and also gets inflammed. It's really terrible and more people should be aware.

Answer by Babs
Submitted on 12/10/2006
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After using Swiffer dry cloths all through my house, I had an allergic reaction that included wheezing, fluid in both ears, post nasal drip, and tons of swelling inside the nostrils. This went on for 5 days with lots of coughing, and I finally went to the doctor when I developed a bacterial infection .

Answer by westiemommy
Submitted on 1/28/2007
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My neighbor's son had a terrible allergic reaction when he laid down on the floor after she had used the Swifter Wetjet. So, I think if it affects a child's skin, it can do the same to dogs. Most of the people have noted they have short haired dogs - easier for it to get to the skin. She was also told by the dr. that it does contain an ingredient similar to anti-freeze. Common sense says, don't use this if you have pets or kids.

Answer by natalietucker
Submitted on 3/25/2007
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i found this thread and i hope your situations have been the answer to my concern. my 10mth old puppy gets bumps on her body and a rash on her belly. we use swiffer wet and she lies on the kitchen floor all the time to stay cool. i think i'll be tossing the swiffer right now.

Answer by Kell
Submitted on 6/26/2007
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It may be but I use those products but my 2 dogs dont react it may be those item ask ur vet if they are harmful or allergy triggering in dogs if they are allergic