Today, the horse’s would like me to share this experience about cleaning fluids and scented products.
In consultations, the issue of scented products and cleaning fluids comes up regularly, the use of these products has an effect on animals and ourselves that we often ignore. Most of the horse’s that I speak too, would like us to consider these effects, and be mindful about using unscented products or even better switch to natural products. Vinegar is one of their favourites for cleaning, not only does it clean, it also keeps molds and mildew at bay.
In 2003, in Hong Kong, I was hired to speak to a cat who lived on the 38th floor of an apartment building. When she was 5 monthes old, she was brought from a pet store, carried into a taxi, carried into the building, carried into the lift/elevator and carried into the apartment. As an adult, she had never had direct contact with the Earth, she had not set foot outside in over 8 years.
Her humans were concerned, she had no appetite, was grumbly, suddenly prone to attack, lethargic, nervy, agitated and losing clumpfuls of hair.
The cats first concern was getting a collar, lead and going outside for a wander and smell. Everyone agreed that this was feasible and her humans willingly committed to a walk as soon as possible.
With this issue resolved, the cat brought up her second concern, disinfecting cleaning fluids. Every few days, EVERY surface in the apartment was sprayed, wiped and mopped with disinfecting cleaning fluids. As this was occurring, having no place to rest, the cat, restless, moved constantly, stepping on the wet surfaces. Her paws would be irritated. She would lick them and ingest the cleaning fluid. She was poisoning herself with each lick. This was causing mood swings, body temperature changes, a weakened immune system, digestive and internal problems, all systems were depleted and drained. With all her senses overloaded, any strong scent, soap, perfume, aftershave, shampoo, conditioner, hand cream, deodorant, liquid detergent, air fresheners, candles, laundry detergent or fabric softener triggered a strong aggressive physical and emotional reaction.
After removing all scents and replacing most of the cleaning products with vinegar, combined with regular enjoyable excursions outside, the cat was pleased to confirm that her health improved immensely, her outlook on life became content, she’s had many adventures and could appreciate her humans hands cuddling her, without having a reaction to their hand cream!
Be aware of the effects these products may have on your horses, pets and yourself. We often clean or do the laundry using strong-smelling laundry detergent and fabric softeners, we also spray scented products on furniture, shoes, in the air, to remove smells. We often do this with all the windows closed, the animals inside with us. We also use shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, etc with very strong smells. After thousands of consultations, it is definitely something to consider if you are puzzled by your dog, cat or horse’s health or behavioural issues .
You must be logged in to post a comment.