Protecting Your Pets and Yourself From Household Cleaners, Toxins and More with Dr. Barbara Royal
Introduction
As pet owners, we often think about our own health, but what about our furry companions? In this insightful conversation with Dr. Barbara Royal, internationally renowned veterinarian and holistic pet care expert, we dive into the hidden dangers of household cleaners, and ways to keep our pets safe and healthy. If you love your pets and want to ensure their well-being during these uncertain times, keep reading for expert advice that will give you peace of mind.
Can Pets Get or Transmit a COVID-19?
One of the biggest concerns pet owners have is whether their beloved animals can contract or spread COVID-19. According to Dr. Royal, there is currently no strong evidence suggesting that pets can get sick from COVID-19. However, she emphasizes that studies are still ongoing, and while some pets have tested positive for virus fragments, it’s unclear whether they are actually infected or merely carrying particles from their environment.
The key takeaway? Your pet is not likely to get sick, but they can carry the virus on their fur or skin, just like any surface in your home. So, while you don’t need to worry about your pet becoming ill, it’s essential to be mindful about how germs can spread within your household.
How to Minimize Risk: Cleaning Without Harming Your Pets
Keeping your home clean is more important than ever, but did you know that many household cleaners are toxic to pets? Lysol, Pine-Sol, and other chemical-based cleaners contain ingredients that can be harmful, especially to cats and dogs.
Instead, Dr. Royal recommends pet-safe alternatives like:
- Essential oils: A diluted mix of oil of oregano, water, and a small amount of alcohol can be an effective natural disinfectant.
- Thieves Oil: A powerful blend of essential oils known for its antimicrobial properties.
- Murphy’s Oil Soap or Castile Soap: Great for wiping down pet fur if needed.
- Nature’s Shield by Now Supplements: A natural cleaner alternative.
If you need to wipe down your pet (especially if they’ve been outside or around others), opt for these safer options instead of chemical-heavy disinfectant wipes.
Boosting Your Pet’s Immune System During Quarantine
Your pet’s overall health plays a major role in how well they resist illness, just like in humans. Dr. Royal shares some essential tips for keeping your pet’s immune system strong:
- Incorporate fresh foods into their diet, such as eggs, goat cheese, and lean meats (in moderation).
- Reduce overfeeding: Many pet owners unknowingly feed their pets too much, which can lead to inflammation and other health issues.
- Encourage outdoor activity: Even if you can’t go for long walks, allowing your pet to sniff around outside provides mental stimulation and physical exercise.
- Introduce soil exposure: Good microbes found in organic soil can help balance both pet and human immune systems. Sprinkling a bit of organic dirt on your hands and letting your pet interact with it can actually be beneficial.
The Hidden Dangers of Over-Sterilization
While cleanliness is crucial, over-sanitizing can actually strip away beneficial bacteria, leading to weakened immune systems for both humans and pets. Dr. Royal suggests balancing sterilization with exposure to healthy microbes found in nature.
Ways to prevent over-sterilization:
- Limit harsh chemical exposure for both yourself and your pets.
- Let pets roll in the dirt! It might sound odd, but good microbes can boost their immunity.
- Keep fresh air circulating in your home to avoid chemical buildup.
Conclusion
Keeping your pet safe and healthy during COVID-19 doesn’t have to be complicated. By using pet-friendly cleaning solutions, feeding a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy environment, and understanding how germs spread, you can ensure your pet stays happy and protected. As Dr. Royal advises, “Take a deep breath, stay balanced, and embrace this time with your pet.”
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos podcast via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
