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Pet owners are being urged to double check the ingredients of their cleaning products, as many popular household sprays harbour harmful chemicals that can be toxic if ingested by dogs and cats.

Even when owners are being cautious, pets are still regularly exposed to cleaning products, particularly if they walk or lick the floor where disinfectant has been sprayed. Not sure which cleaning products are most harmful? This is what to look out for...

1. Cleaning products containing ammonia

Many popular cleaning products, including floor cleaners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners and multi-surface cleaners, all contain ammonia. While they can effectively remove stains, this ingredient is toxic to pets, causing severe irritation to their skin and eyes, as well as burning in the nose, throat and stomach if they lick it.

Instead, opt for all-natural cleaning solutions. These are likely to be more expensive, but won't cause irritation to your four-legged friends. 'Make sure to keep your pet well away from products containing ammonia and if you have to use them, keep your pet in a different room until it's completely dry,' says Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap.

Alternative product recommendation:

John Lewis & Partners

Method All Purpose Floor Cleaner, 739ml

Method johnlewis.com

£2.84

2. Cleaning products containing bleach

Pets have a hypersensitive sense of smell so the strong scent of bleach is likely to irritate your pup's nose, possibly even leading to breathing problems. Bleach can also be incredibly harmful to our much-loved pets if ingested because of the chlorine content.

'If you have to use bleach make sure to rinse the area with plenty of water and allow it to dry,' says Deyan. 'Keep your pet away until it is completely dry.'

Alternative product recommendation:

Boots

Milton Anti-Bacterial Surface Spray - 500ml

3. Air fresheners containing phthalates (sometimes listed as fragrance)

Phthalates — a family of industrial chemicals — are often found in home air fresheners, linen sprays and carpet fresheners to reduce odours in the home, but these too can be dangerous if inhaled or used near pets.

If you have to use a product containing phthalates, ensure your pet is out of the room to avoid them falling ill. Alternatively, you can naturally freshen up your home by opening your window.

William Slider / EyeEm Getty Images

4. Disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride

Another cleaning ingredient to avoid is disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride (such as antibacterial kitchen and bathroom sprays). At low doses they are relatively safe, but this strong chemical can cause surface irritation on pets' paws, eyes and nose.

Deyan explains: 'Of course, disinfectant is important to use in the home to keep viruses and bacteria away, just be cautious when you use it by making sure you dilute it as recommended on the instructions and wait until all areas are dry before letting your pet near it.'

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