Has anyone heard anything like this?

Question

I heard from a co-worker that using Febreeze in an area where she kept her birds (not directly spraying at the birds or cages) killed her birds. I have asked around and been told that Febreeze is harmful to small pets.

I use it all the time in my home, dog beds, couches, etc.

I haven't researched Febreeze yet (I do plan on it) or talked to my vet about it, but I was wondering if anyone else had heard of Febreeze being dangerous to animals.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi KJ!
No, KJ, most likely, birds dying, caused by other harmful materials.

First, you may ask, what is Febreze®? It's a fabric deodorizer that comes in a pump bottle. It's water-based, and uses a modified starch as its main ingredient. Starches in this class are approved by the FDA as food additives. It also contains 1% or less zinc chloride, which is a similar level to what's in eyedrops. There's also a preservative and some perfume. Please look article: How Safe Is Febreze, written by website, GoodDogMagazine ; http://www.askedweb.com/askedweb/How_Safe_Is_Febreze/

Article include: the official statement from NAPCC, talking to a consumer,....

According to research, the modified starch is too big a molecule to get into the skin, and there are no reports of zinc chloride causing skin allergy. The preservative and perfume are very common in other household products.

"In a high concentration, zinc chloride can be corrosive and can cause skin lesions. Febreze, with 1% or less of zinc chloride and a pH of 4 to 5, might be slightly irritating if sprayed directly on the skin, but not enough to cause skin lesions. It's not likely to be a problem if used according to the label instructions."

Before Procter & Gamble markets a product, it does extensive testing to determine safety and efficacy. The individual ingredients in Febreze have been tested, and the final product has also been tested. The company reviewed tests conducted by independent labs, as well as other scientific experiments involving zinc chloride. Based on this, P&G's Damon Jones declares, "Febreze is safe to use around pets." Please look article.
Jason Homan

Answer 2

I have heard the same . I have a Jack russel terrier dog and I spray it around all the time. I have 4 birds too and im careful with anything I spray around them. I think they are coming out with Febreeze for pets if they already haven't. I know if you have birds usually you don't want to spray any sort of freshner or chemical around them. I hope I answered your question.

Answer 3

I've heard the same thing about Frebreze and dogs & cats...according to urban legend sites, the claim is false. However, I personally will get sick if I am in close proxcimity to pillows or cushions that were recently sprayed with Freebreeze, so I think the product *may* be harmful to some small pets.

Answer 4

I have heard of birds dying from the product when it first came out. I have used it around my dogs without a problem. Birds are sensitive. n

Answer 5

I never heard of that. I have 3 yorkies, 2 geckos, 1 bearded dragon and 1 pretty large Iguana and I use Frebreeze. So far they have been fine however I think I'll check you answers and check with my vet too!

Answer 6

Havent heard of that yet. better check with your vet right away in case they are right.