Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our bulldog got very sick this week and began acting like he was poisoned. The only thing my husband and I could recall that was out of the ordinary was our cleaning lady used a Swiffer mop in our house. A friend said they were toxic, so I’m really concerned that it made our pet sick. But then I saw a commercial for the Swiffer Wet Jet Mop and they even show it as the official mop of the movie “Hotel for Dogs.” If it’s true that dogs can get sick and die from it, how can they advertise it that way?
Jennifer, Petaluma
Dear Jennifer: I’ve also heard about those rumors and that the mop contains antifreeze in it. The truth is that one of the ingredients that squirts out of the “jet” is propylene glycol, which is a type of antifreeze but is not considered too dangerous for pets. In my opinion, though, I just wouldn’t want my dog or cat exposed to any household cleaners, so I feel like any cleaners that belong “in a bucket” may also cause a pet to “kick the bucket.” Better safe than sorry, right? While it is not likely that your pet got sick from the mop your housecleaner used, I can’t rule it out, so I would not continue using it and recommend you keep your slurping bulldog away from the freshly cleaned floors until they are dry. Good luck with him!
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My sister always drives everywhere with her Pomeranian “Pixie” on her lap. I always tell her it seems dangerous; what if she got under her feet while she was driving? Don’t you think it would be better to keep Pixie in a crate or leave her at home? I feel if I can’t use a cell phone, why should my sister be allowed to cuddle her dog?
What do you say to that?
Dear What do you say? I say that there are already so many laws, imposing another one may be taking us all to the breaking point. I hope that common sense can rule this time. Is your sister a booby who lets her little pet run amuck in the car and pose a danger, or is she a mature, responsible person whose dog just curls up on her lap and behaves? I see far too many vein-busters behind the wheel that need to “chill” while driving (myself included) who could probably benefit from the relaxing benefits of a little pet companion while driving. Perhaps “Pixie” would yap and be more distracting if confined in a little crate. Who knows, that old adage “out of sight, out of mind” may take place and your sister could even forget her in the crate in the car on a hot day. Although your concern is based on very good intentions, I think this needs to be looked at on an individual basis. If you are truly concerned that your sister’s driving/doggie situation is placing her at risk, have a friendly talk with her and ask about fitting her pointy-nosed buddy with a doggy harness and seat belt so you won’t worry about her so much. And I do think there is a big difference between cell phones and dogs: cell phones can really enrage people who can get into big fights while behind the wheel; on the other hand, a pet can be a soothing and sumptuous addition to your outing – and you can quote me on that.
Dr. F
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