When introducing a humidifier into a household, a commonly asked question amongst pet owners is: Are humidifiers safe for dogs? Yes - humidifiers can be safe for dogs depending on the situation. For instance, the mist created by a humidifier should be fine for your dog since they filter out unhealthy bacteria. It's only unsafe when your humidifier is placed where your dog can reach it.
If your companion knocks down a warm mist humidifier, the danger comes from the boiling water inside and potentially any water near an electrical outlet. In this guide, "Are Humidifiers Safe For Dogs" from Hey Dewy, we'll go over the types of humidifiers, benefits, safeness, and dangers when placed around dogs.
Types of Humidifiers
Humidifiers creating a mist in your dog's environment should be fine since they help improve air quality. There are several types of humidifiers to keep in mind:
- Cool Mist Humidifiers: This device is perfect for warmer environments or when you're dealing with congestions. Unlike warm mist humidifiers, the cool mist doesn't produce mist with boiling water. The possible danger of having this device around your dog(s) is when it accidentally gets knocked down. When you're placing your cool mist humidifier around your home, keep it out of reach and away from electrical outlets or outlet extenders.
- Warm Mist Humidifiers (High Safety Risk): This humidifier is the opposite of a cool mist. It creates a warm mist using heated water. If you're dealing with the flu, the warm mist humidifier could improve and lessen your symptoms. This humidifier should be out of reach when around your companion. Aside from potentially having water spilled near electrical outlets, boiling water is an additional safety risk. This applies to children and other pets.
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers: The ultrasonic is the type of humidifier that creates water vapor using a vibrating metallic diaphragm. Unlike the cool and warm mist device, many ultrasonic humidifiers allow the device's owner with both options. If you dislike buzzing and fan noises, then the ultrasonic humidifier is recommended. It doesn't create as much noise. Since water is stored, try to keep this device away from electrical outlets and out of reach for your dog.
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Are Humidifiers Safe For Dogs?
Overall, humidifiers are safe and beneficial for dogs if you keep these devices out of reach. Depending on which type of humidifier you use, there are safety risks involved. A warm mist humidifier or any device that uses hot water requires extra caution. In a scenario where a dog accidentally knocks it down, the boiling hot water could burn them. Another caution owners of humidifiers should keep in mind is placing these devices near an outlet.
Since they contain water, make sure to keep the humidifier at a distance or somewhere safe to prevent any electrical problems. If you place a humidifier on your desk with an electrical outlet extender beneath it, then that's a safety risk. If it's plugged into your laptop or the wall, then that reduces the risk. We covered the safeness of these devices - let's go over the benefits of these devices and the impacts they can have on your dog.
Benefits of Humidifiers For Dogs
Humidifiers increase the humidity levels in your dog's living environment using a tank of water. By producing water droplets or mist, it can benefit your companion in numerous ways, such as improving its nasal passages, reducing skin irritation, reduces snoring, helps with stuffy noses, and overall improve the quality of life.
Improves Nasal Passages
Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies. When a dog is dealing with allergies, it can damage the nose due to sores and scabs. This can lead to discomfort and the inability to relax. With a humidifier around your dog's living environment, the moisture level helps open up the nasal passage to open up.
Soothes Skin
Dogs can deal with dry and itchy skin. If you notice your dog constantly scratching itself, then having a humidifier would greatly benefit your dog. With dry and itchy skin, your companion won't be able to rest and sleep peacefully. One of the effects of having a humidifier is that it helps soothe the skin.
Reduces Snoring
Some dogs snore loud, and some dogs snore quietly. If you notice that your dog is constantly snoring loud, then having a humidifier would reduce the snoring. A humidifier helps your dog breathe easier since it moisturizes their nasal passages.
While humidifiers help improve your dog's quality of life, you should always see a veterinarian if you suspect something about your dog isn't right.
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Conclusion For "Are Humidifiers Safe For Dogs"
In the end, the pros of owning a humidifier outweigh the cons. Not only are humidifiers safe and beneficial for dogs, but they also benefit children and other household pets. With several risks involved, you can keep your dog safe by keeping these devices out of reach. Remember to be extra cautious with devices that produce boiling hot water.
It can harm both you and your companion if not moved or placed carefully. Since humidifiers improve indoor air quality, your dog will be more comfortable when it's dealing with a stuffy nose or skin irritation. If your dog is still suffering from potential health issues. consult with a veterinarian. Remember to keep your humidifier clean to prevent any bacterial growth.
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