Are Air fresheners Toxic to Pets?

Yes — air fresheners are mildly toxic to cats. Yes — air fresheners are mildly toxic to dogs.

CatsMildly toxicAre air fresheners toxic to cats? →DogsMildly toxicAre air fresheners toxic to dogs? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Toxic compound: Fragrance compounds, solvents
Toxic parts: Sprays, plug-in refills

Symptoms

Cats (mildly toxic)

Sneezing or coughing
Watery eyes
Drooling
Vomiting

Dogs (mildly toxic)

Sneezing or coughing
Watery eyes
Drooling
Vomiting

What to do

If your cat ate air fresheners

Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.

If your dog ate air fresheners

Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.

Good to know

Plug-in and spray fresheners can irritate the airways, especially in cats and birds. Chewed plug-ins can cause mouth irritation.

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Frequently asked questions

Are air fresheners toxic to cats?

Yes — air fresheners are mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include sneezing or coughing, watery eyes, drooling.

Are air fresheners toxic to dogs?

Yes — air fresheners are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include sneezing or coughing, watery eyes, drooling.

Which parts of air fresheners are toxic?

Sprays, plug-in refills.

What makes air fresheners toxic?

Fragrance compounds, solvents.

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