20 Air Fresheners That Pet Owners Should Never Buy

Air fresheners might seem harmless, but for pets, they can be a hidden hazard. Many popular brands contain chemicals that irritate sensitive lungs or cause serious health problems. Curious pets often sniff or chew items we don’t think twice about, making the risks even higher. Here are 20 products to avoid so that you don’t put your pet at risk.
Glade PlugIns Scented Oil

Plug-in air fresheners like Glade PlugIns emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate your pet’s sensitive respiratory system. Their continuous release of synthetic fragrances makes them especially risky in confined spaces. Cats and dogs are particularly vulnerable to respiratory distress caused by these products.
Air Wick Freshmatic Automatic Spray

Spraying every few minutes, Air Wick Freshmatic keeps your home smelling nice but can harm your pets. Automatic sprays release chemicals like phthalates and VOCs, which may lead to coughing, sneezing, or worse. Birds and small mammals face the highest risks. Hence, keep your pets safe by using baking soda or natural air purifiers instead.
Febreze Air Effects

Febreze Air Effects is widely regarded as pet-safe when used correctly and in moderation. The product has been tested to ensure it does not pose a toxic risk to pets. However, some pets, particularly those with sensitive noses, may react to the fragrance with mild symptoms like sneezing or discomfort.
Renuzit Gel Air Fresheners

Those colorful Renuzit gel air fresheners might look harmless but are far from pet-friendly. Pets may lick or chew on the gels, risking ingestion of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. Small dogs and curious cats are the most likely victims of accidental poisoning. A better option? Use bowls of vinegar to absorb odors naturally.
Yankee Candle Company Scented Candles

With their wide range of scents, Yankee Candles are a common pick for cozy homes. However, they often emit soot and volatile organic chemicals when burned. Paraffin wax used in these candles can release benzene and toluene, both harmful to your pet’s lungs. Hence, beeswax candles provide a safer alternative while maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.
Bath & Body Works Wallflowers

Some fragrances of Bath and Body Works Wallflowers may contain essential oils, like eucalyptus or tea tree, that can pose risks to cats and dogs, potentially causing respiratory issues or skin irritation. If you have pets, carefully check the ingredient list and consider avoiding variants with potentially harmful oils.
Little Trees Car Air Fresheners

Those hanging Little Trees air fresheners pack a punch in small car spaces. Note that it can stress pets during rides. Synthetic fragrances may cause sneezing fits in dogs with sensitive noses or create unnecessary anxiety. Always ventilate your car with fresh air and keep it clean with non-toxic, pet-safe wipes for a worry-free journey.
Ozium Air Sanitizer

Ozium Air Sanitizer is marketed as a heavy-duty odor eliminator, but its chemical composition makes it dangerous for pets. It contains trimethylene glycol and propylene glycol, which are harmful if inhaled in significant quantities. For a safer option, ventilate your space with fresh air or invest in a pet-safe air purifier.
Glade Solid Air Fresheners

This freshener on the list seems like a simple way to keep your home smelling fresh. Unfortunately, these scent-packed blocks can irritate your pet’s sensitive nose and trigger allergies. Filled with artificial fragrances and chemicals like phthalates, they can be especially problematic for cats, whose supercharged sense of smell makes them more vulnerable.
Air Wick Scented Oils

Air Wick’s scented oil plug-ins emit VOCs that can harm your pet over time. Dogs, who rely heavily on their smell, might become stressed or lethargic in spaces with strong synthetic fragrances. Consider air-cleaning plants like spider plants or bamboo palms for a natural, pet-safe solution.
Febreze NOTICEables

Febreze NOTICEables packs a hidden punch that isn’t so pleasant for pets. The continuous release of synthetic fragrances can irritate your pet’s respiratory system. Plus, their alternating scents, designed to keep things interesting, can overwhelm your pet’s acute sense of smell, leading to stress or discomfort.
Renuzit Adjustable Air Fresheners

These compact fresheners release chemicals that can irritate sensitive noses and even cause breathing issues for cats and dogs. With their noses working overtime, pets are especially vulnerable to the artificial fragrances packed into these little scent dispensers. Switching to pet-safe alternatives keeps the fresh vibes without the health risks.
Glade Automatic Spray

Glade Automatic Sprays release bursts of fragrance on a timer, which may expose your pet to high levels of synthetic chemicals. Pets with small lung capacity, like birds or rabbits, are particularly vulnerable. Replace these sprays with essential oil diffusers that use safe, diluted oils approved for pets.
Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oils

Air Wick’s scented oil plug-ins emit VOCs that can harm your pet over time. Dogs, who rely heavily on their smell, might become stressed or lethargic in spaces with strong synthetic fragrances. Consider air-cleaning plants like spider plants or bamboo palms for a natural, pet-safe solution.
Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray

Poo-Pourri sprays, generally used in bathrooms, contain essential oils that could be harmful if inhaled by pets in poorly ventilated spaces. Cats are usually sensitive to tea tree oil and similar ingredients. Keep these sprays far from your pets and choose odor-neutralizing solutions like activated charcoal.
Gel Bead Air Fresheners

Those squishy, bouncy beads are irresistible to curious paws and noses, turning them into a serious hazard. If your pet decides to snack on one, it can lead to choking or poisoning from the synthetic chemicals they’re packed with. Even just sniffing too close can irritate their noses or cause allergic reactions.
Febreze Fabric Refresher

If you are someone who likes their fabric smelling fresh and clean, Febreze Fabric Refresher might seem like a dream product. For pets, though, it’s more like a nightmare in a spray bottle. The chemicals and synthetic fragrances in this refresher can linger on surfaces, exposing your pets to irritants every time they snuggle up on the couch.
Essential Oil Diffusers

Those calming mists of essential oil diffusers can carry toxic oils, like tea tree, that spell trouble for your pet’s lungs. Cats and dogs, with their super-sniffing abilities, get hit the hardest by these airborne irritants, which can even cause skin issues if oils settle on their fur. So, it’s best to keep the diffuser out of their reach.
Scented Potpourri

Scented potpourri, typically used for decoration, contains essential oils that can harm pets if chewed or inhaled. Dogs may find the dried pieces tempting, leading to digestive issues. Instead, use dried citrus peels or herbs like sage as a pet-friendly and aromatic alternative for decorative purposes.
Aerosol Air Fresheners

Aerosol sprays, regardless of brand, pose a universal threat to pets by releasing fine mist particles. Birds, with their fragile respiratory systems, are particularly vulnerable to aerosols, which can cause asphyxiation. Open windows and rely on natural ventilation to keep your air fresh and your pets safe from harm.