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Keeping Your Boston Terrier Safe: 100 Toxic Household Items to Ditch and What to Use Instead
- Cassidy Davis
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
100 Non Toxic Swaps
Boston Terriers are curious, clever, and undeniably close to the ground; meaning they sniff, lick, and lie on just about everything in your home. That’s why it’s so important to create a clean, safe space that’s free of harsh chemicals and toxic products.
At Davis Farm Boston Terriers, we believe your home should be a haven ~ for humans and dogs. Boston Terriers are prone to respiratory issues, skin sensitivities, and gastrointestinal reactions, so switching to non-toxic alternatives can go a long way toward protecting their health.
Why Avoid Toxic Cleaners?
Many everyday products like air fresheners, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, and sprays contain chemicals that may be harmful to your dog’s respiratory system, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Boston Terriers are especially sensitive due to their short snouts (brachycephalic structure), making them more susceptible to inhaled irritants.
Why It Matters for Boston Terriers:
Size and Sensitivity: Boston Terriers are small dogs with more delicate respiratory systems. They’re closer to the floor where toxins accumulate (in carpets, cleaners, air fresheners, etc).
Snub-Nosed (Brachycephalic): Their flat faces make them more prone to respiratory issues. Scented products, sprays, or fumes can exacerbate breathing problems.
Licking & Chewing: Dogs groom with their mouths, lick floors, furniture, and even ingest cleaning residues.
Thin Skin & Paws: Chemicals absorbed through paws or skin can enter the bloodstream more easily in smaller dogs.
Cumulative Effects: Long-term exposure to low levels of toxins can lead to organ stress, hormone disruption, or even cancer.
These are also all reasons why you should also not let your dog walk on lawns, parks, etc that have been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides.
Toxic exposure can come from:
Walking on freshly cleaned floors
Licking paws after contact
Breathing in scented aerosols or plug-ins
Chewing on furniture or toys that absorbed or have a residue of toxic products
🧪 100 Common Toxic Household Items & Dog-Safe Swaps
Toxic Item | Dog-Safe Alternative |
Bleach | White vinegar + hydrogen peroxide (never mix directly) |
Ammonia | Baking soda + vinegar |
Air fresheners (sprays/plugs) | Essential oil diffuser (safe oils only: lavender, chamomile) or open windows |
Dryer sheets | Wool dryer balls |
Scented candles (paraffin) | Beeswax or soy candles (unscented or dog-safe oils) |
Pine-Sol | Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap or Branch Basics |
Febreze | DIY fabric spray: water + vodka + lavender EO |
Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda + vinegar scrub |
Oven cleaner | Baking soda paste |
Drain cleaner | Boiling water + baking soda + vinegar |
Floor polish | Olive oil + vinegar solution |
Furniture polish | Coconut oil or olive oil with lemon juice |
Glass cleaner (Windex) | Vinegar + water + a drop of dish soap |
Antibacterial sprays | Vinegar + hydrogen peroxide (use separately) |
Carpet deodorizers | Baking soda with a few drops of lavender EO |
Mothballs | Cedar chips or lavender sachets |
Paint (oil-based) | Low-VOC or no-VOC paints |
Superglue | Plant-based or medical-grade adhesive (keep out of reach) |
Nail polish remover | Acetone-free wipes |
Dishwasher pods | Dropps or Seventh Generation Free & Clear |
Laundry pods | Molly’s Suds or Branch Basics laundry booster |
Fabric softener | Vinegar rinse |
Scouring powder | Baking soda or Bon Ami |
Mildew remover | Tea tree oil + water spray |
Bug spray (DEET) | Wondercide (cedar oil based) |
Weed killer | Boiling water + salt + vinegar |
Pesticide granules | Diatomaceous earth (food grade) |
Flea bombs | Flea comb, neem oil spray, regular vacuuming |
Roach traps | Borax + sugar (place out of reach) or sticky traps |
Ant poison | Cinnamon or vinegar spray |
Mosquito foggers | Lemon eucalyptus oil spray (avoid citronella on pets) |
Tiki torch fuel | Unscented soy-based fuel (keep dogs away) |
Potpourri | Dried herbs in breathable bags |
Incense | Open windows or baking soda jars |
Bath bombs | Dog-safe or fragrance-free versions |
Bubble bath | Oatmeal soak or baking soda bath |
Shampoo (human) | Earthbath, 4Legger, or other pet-safe brands |
Hair dye | Keep all hair dyes far from pets |
Deodorant (aerosol) | Natural sticks or DIY deodorants |
Cologne/perfume | Skip near pets, or use essential oil rollers cautiously |
Makeup removers | Coconut oil or micellar water |
Nail polish | Water-based polish |
Lip balm with xylitol | Beeswax or coconut oil balm |
Sunscreen (zinc oxide) | Dog-safe sunscreens (Epi-Pet) |
Bug repellent lotion | Vet-approved topical or Wondercide |
Toilet tank drop-ins | Avoid altogether—use vinegar weekly |
Dish soap (fragranced) | Molly’s Suds or Ecover Zero |
Hand soap (antibacterial) | Castile soap or unscented natural soap |
Baby wipes | Water wipes or Earth Rated dog-safe wipes |
Surface disinfectant wipes | Force of Nature, CleanWell, or alcohol-based DIY |
Hair sprays | Skip indoors or use outside only |
Cooking sprays | Brush with olive or avocado oil |
Non-stick pans (Teflon) | Stainless steel or cast iron |
Plastic food containers | Glass or stainless steel |
Aluminum foil (chewed) | Use only under supervision |
Essential oils (some) | Only use safe oils and never directly on pets (no tea tree, citrus, peppermint) |
Perfumed trash bags | Unscented bags |
Dishwashing rinse aids | White vinegar |
Mold removers | Vinegar + tea tree oil |
Wood floor cleaner | Vinegar + olive oil or Method Wood Floor Cleaner |
Tile cleaner | Baking soda + water scrub |
Lye (drain cleaner) | Boiling water, vinegar, baking soda |
Rust remover | Lemon juice + salt |
Plastic wrap | Beeswax wraps |
Cling wrap (PVC) | Silicone covers |
Food coloring | Beet juice, turmeric, spirulina |
Room sprays | Simmer pot (cinnamon sticks, cloves, citrus) |
Dishwasher cleaner | Vinegar rinse cycle |
Grill cleaner | Steam clean + baking soda paste |
Toothpaste (fluoride, xylitol) | Dog toothpaste or coconut oil |
Mouthwash | Avoid altogether |
Whitening pens | Not safe around pets |
Alcohol-based cleaners | Use with proper ventilation and store safely |
Hair dye remover | Avoid entirely |
Shoe polish | Natural wax polish or buffing with olive oil |
Silver polish | Baking soda + aluminum foil + hot water |
Brass polish | Lemon juice + baking soda paste |
Dehumidifiers (with chemical packs) | Natural options, and keep machines out of reach |
Air purifiers (ionizers) | Use HEPA filters (no ozone) |
Scented litter | Unscented, natural litters (if you have cats too) |
Caulk or glue | Natural caulk (keep away during curing) |
Dryer vent sprays | Use wool dryer balls with essential oils (only in final rinse) |
Shampoo with sulfates | 4Legger, Kin+Kind, or dog-specific brands |
Fabric sprays (like Downy Wrinkle Release) | Steam or spritz of vodka/water/lavender EO |
Disposable cleaning pads | Washable microfiber cloths |
Drain snakes with chemicals | Manual drain snake tool |
Pledge furniture spray | DIY lemon oil + olive oil polish |
Candle warmers (scented wax) | Electric warmers with soy wax melts (unscented) |
Plug-in diffusers | Diffuse water + pet-safe oils in well-ventilated areas |
Bath cleaner spray | Castile soap + vinegar |
Scalp treatments | Avoid using near pets |
Pet "odor eliminators" (chemical) | Activated charcoal, baking soda, vinegar |
Room deodorizers | Simmer pots, charcoal bags |
DIY cleaners with unsafe oils (tea tree, citrus) | Stick to lavender, frankincense, or chamomile oils |
Scented trash cans | Use charcoal odor absorbers |
🐾 Non-Toxic DIY Recipes & Dog-Safe Brands Cheat Sheet
Created especially for Boston Terrier owners and anyone who wants a safer home for pets.
🐾 DIY Dog-Safe Cleaner Recipes
All-Purpose Spray Cleaner
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Mix in a spray bottle.
Great for countertops, floors, and bathroom surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch
Optional: 1 drop lemon essential oil (test for sensitivity)
Shake before each use.
Carpet Deodorizer
1 cup baking soda
10 drops lavender essential oil
Sprinkle on carpet, let sit 15 minutes, then vacuum with a shop vac.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup vinegar
Let sit 10 minutes, scrub, then flush.
Floor Cleaner (Hardwood or Laminate)
1 gallon warm water
1/2 cup white vinegar
Optional: 1 Tbsp Castile soap
Pet-Safe Air Freshener
1/2 cup vodka or witch hazel
1/2 cup water
10 drops lavender or chamomile EO
Shake in a spray bottle, use in the air (not directly on pets).
🌿 Recommended Dog-Friendly Non-Toxic Brands
Cleaning
Branch Basics, Force of Nature, Bon Ami, Dr. Bronner’s, Molly’s Suds
Laundry
Molly’s Suds, Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Eco-Me, Dropps
Dishwashing
Ecover Zero, Better Life, Biokleen Free & Clear
Air & Fabric
Fresh Wave, Enviroscent, Homemade sprays with pet-safe oils
Pet-Specific
4Legger, Earth Rated, Kin+Kind, Skout’s Honor, Wondercide
Every Boston Terrier Deserves a Safe Home
Choosing safer cleaning products isn’t about perfection—it’s about being mindful of what your dogs are exposed to every day. By making a few simple swaps, you can reduce their risk of allergies, respiratory distress, and long-term toxin buildup.
Want more tips on healthy living with Boston Terriers? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram @DavisFarmBostonTerriers for natural care tips, puppy updates, and behind-the-scenes at the HOAstead!
Have questions? Contact us—we love helping our extended Boston family stay happy, healthy, and thriving.
~ Davis Farm Boston Terriers
Where wellness and wagging tails meet, well if Bostons had tails to wag anyway lol
Disclaimer - List and recipes were generated by ChatGPT, do your own research and always check with a veterinarian before introducing or using any new products on or around your dog.
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