Air Fresheners – rabbit safe?

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Hi I was wondering, what air fresheners are safe around bunnies? Are any or all safe around bunnies?

I wanted to get an air freshener to put near the garbage can that I put all the litter in. It would be right next to her cage so I wanted to make sure it is safe for bunnies.

 

                                                              

 

Also another side question, does anyone know any way I could find a good spay clinic? I have found a vet I like, but it is over $150 and I wanted to see if I could find a rabbit spay clinic before I went and used the vet. I know that 150 dollars is pretty reasonable but I just wanted to see if I could find a cheaper, but still good quality clinc.

 

Thanks, and sorry for asking so many questions on this board, Whenever I am unsure about something then I always ask Binky bunny!

[osprey]

For a private vet, $150 is not bad. If I’ve gotten the right Pittsford, the Humane Society in Fairport appears to have a low cost S/N program of some kind. They might be able to help you.

[Beka27]

not sure about the air freshener thing. you don’t want something too overpowering, and i know those plug-in ones are very strong smelling.

if you find a place that is less expensive for the spay, make sure everything is included tho. sometimes they will quote just the actual surgery cost, but the other stuff is extra.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Well rabbits livers are very sensitive, that’s why wood chips cause damage, they have to filter out phenols (which are chemicals that make smells) and that’s what causes the damage. My vet recommends no air freshners or smells (like plug ins, sprays etc)…So in my opinion I’d say none are safe…it’s not what makes the smell that would make it unsafe it’s the smell itself. Basically if you smell something, it goes in your bloodstream and your liver has to filter it out…Same thing with a bunny, but their system is so delicate that it causes damge.

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Thanks for the info about air fresheners and what they might do to my bunny Kokaneeandkahlua. I would not want her to have problems because of an air freshener.

Well, since you all are unsure about the air fresheners, does spaying really decrease the smell? I don’t want to put a air freshener in and it will have the same effect as pine chips.

Just knowing will give me something to look forward to.

If worst comes to worst, I could just change the garbage more often. Lazy me only changes it when it’s full.

I will look into the low cost Spay/neuter program in the humane society, thanks osprey.

Yes, thanks Beka, I have to make sure meds and other stuff is included in the cost.

Thanks everyone!

[Beka27]

spaying does decrease the smell… emptying the garbage more often sounds like a good idea too…

[LittlePuffyTail]

I never thought of this. I actually bought some new plug ins and they smelll soooooo good. Obviously I would never plug them in near the rabbit cages but what about other places in the house where the rabbits don’t go like the basement or bathroom?

[MimzMum]

I personally don’t know how most people use those plug in things. They are much too strong for me to handle and give me an awesome headache if I were to use them.
But I am also allergic to heavy perfumes, so….
*ahem* Thinking back to my studies in high school about diffusion, I know that wherever a smell is, it will travel to where it’s not, but then it also dissipates over distance. But I would not use those fresheners anywhere in my house just to be safe. The best room freshener to me is an open window! ^_^

I am curious though, now the subject has been brought up. What about things like Lysol? If I spray that in my bathroom, it doesn’t seem to go far, but could the bunnies pick up a scent that I cannot perhaps?

[nikiway]

I know how terrible the smell of the litter in the trash can be! The first few weeks I was so grossed out to be in my room! haha
But I realized that when I pooper scoop my cat’s boxes, I use plastic bags which can be tied and tossed.

SOOOO Whenever I scoop the poop, I put it in a plastic bag and make sure it’s tied. That way it doesn’t just sit there while the smell lingers.
I’ve noticed it works nicely!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Rabbits can have adverse reactions to air freshners, much like a human, runny, itchy eyes, sneezing and so on. It is really best to keep them away from your rabbits and definately do not use a spray (it gets inhaled by both humans and animals alike). I have used a plug-in but in an entirely different room away from my rabbits. There are a few things to try like baking soda – try sprinkling it in the garbage can or on the garbage and keep one of the fridge-type boxes in the same area with the garbage can. For a more aromatic scent, try some lavender oil daubed on a cotton ball and place it on/around/near the garbage (this should not cause any adverse reaction to your rabbit).

Moonlight Wolf we love questions and the more you ask the more we all learn! Ask away all you need, we’re here for you and thank you for the compliment!

[MimzMum]

Lavender Oil is okay? Oh good! ^_^ I have a nice organic one and I love that scent.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Sure is! Of course test it to see if your furred friend has any reaction like sneezing or watery eyes, but I’ve found it to be the most universially accepted scent, animal and human alike. I stock up on so much lavender oil and have plants all over the place. In fact I placed several pots on the back porch and run my hands through it to release the scent and it also acts as a mosquito repellent. My favorite is Spanish lavender and a close second is the French lavender. What is your favorite Mimz?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I find that theres a huge marget for perfumes, scented soaps and laundry detergents, febreeze and the like…..Being allergic to strong perfumes, I’m strongly of the opinion that keeping things clean is really the best approach-you don’t really need those things if it’s clean….Their litter smells are really terrible if theres lots of hay in the box-wet hay just stinks LOL Try putting hay in part of the box where they don’t pee and changing it more often to keep the smells down. You can stick a bounce sheet in your garbage to keep the smell down

[MimzMum]

lolz…I put Bounce sheets in my dresser drawers to keep my clothes smelling good, but sadly I can’t get one too close to my face or I start sneezing.

Isn’t Febreeze toxic to animals? I heard it was an urban legend, but I won’t use that stuff in my house, I am certain it is not good for them.

Wow, Rose, I had no idea there were so many lavenders. ^_^ I actually have the bottle of hand oil here, it’s Aura Cacia Lavender Harvest. I got it in my organics aisle in the supermarket.
Also, while my mum-in-law was here, we took the train to Denali and I bought this cute little fox (not a real one) plushie/neck wrap that’s got a pillow in it stuffed with lavender and buckwheat. I use it on my bed, it helps keep me from getting a crick in my neck and the lavender helps me get to sleep at night.

Where do you find your different lavenders? I’d like to try the varieties and see what the difference is in the various scents.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Mimz…it is an urban legend… me & you are real night owls aren’t we

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/febreze.asp

[kimberleyanddarren]

why not just put some bi carb in a tin with some drops of lavender oil or whatever you fancy, excellent for getting rid of smells, cheap and safe! (remember to keep it out of bunnys reach though!)

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Thanks everyone! and I am glad that asking too many questions is not bad, thanks Scarlet_Rose.

And I will probably try the lavender oil and baking soda thing, thanks kimberleyanddarren, MimzMum and Scarlet_Rose

I will also try the individual bag tying idea, thanks nikiway

Ok another question… what is a bounce sheet?

Thanks for all the ideas, I am glad that I asked before getting anything.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

LOL Sorry- a bounce sheet is just a dryer sheet You can put one that’s already been used in the garbage

[Sage Cat]

I use natural oils in an oil defuse – with a tea candle in the bottom – you can get tons of different scents at any natural grocery!
My buns seam to like it.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I never use Febreeze, they test on bunnies!!!!!

[Scarlet_Rose]

You’re welcome anytime Moonlight Wolf!

Mimz – You should be able to find different varieties at your local greenhouse. Most essential oils are a blend of different lavenders but it smells so good and is great for migraines and nausea too!

[MimzMum]

Good for migraines? Oh wow, I never knew that! My daughter gets terrible migraines every once in awhile if she eats something that doesn’t agree with her, or watches too much t.v./computer and her neck gets stiff. I’ll remember that.

I never thought of having fresh lilac in the house. Can it be grown in pots? Does it have any toxic effect on cats? (My two house cats will very definitely sample any green thing within reach.) Of course if it needs sunlight, the point is moot, we have none in winter.

Sage cat…can you find essential oils that smell like carrot? ^_^

[nikiway]

Posted By LittlePuffyTail on 09/02/2008 3:42 PM
I never use Febreeze, they test on bunnies!!!!!

OoOOO MMMmMmyYyyY Gosh!!!
do they really!??  That makes me so angry!!
I took ethics last semester and learned about the Draize Eye Test.  I think that’s the name.  I pretty much cried from that class!
Does Febreeze test everything on them?  Man, I love their one air spray!   I’m going to have to find a new smell I guess!
When Will These Companies Stop Using Puppies, Kittens, and Bunnies for their darn testing!?!!!!

[BunnyMuffin]

For the odour problem – I’ve also seen for sale on some pet supply websites these little mesh packets that have carbon pellets in them that neutralize the odours without giving off a smell of their own (Exit Odor packets).  Supposedly you just hang them on the outside of the cage or maybe in your case on the outside of your garbage can and they help get rid of smells for up to three months…. I’ve never tried them myself because I don’t have any issues with smells, but this thread made me think of them.  Plus they’re pretty cheap, so it might be worth a shot.

Personally, I just use this little bathroom size garbage can that I line with plastic grocery bags – but it has a lid with one of those little step pedals to flip it open. Since it’s small it forces me to change it more often (I’m lazy too!)  and the lid keeps the smells in – but I can usually get in 2 -3 litter changes before I have to switch – so not too inconvenient.  I do miss the days when I had a garbage chute though!

[Sage Cat]

OMG – I just checked -   You can actually get carrot seed oil.    And any herb you can think of – yep, you can get that too.

In case any one is interested, here is a website on essential oils – more than you will ever want to know – http://www.aromaweb.com

Here is their tip of the day: Many essential oils including citronella, lavender, and peppermint are a natural repellent against insects. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oils near your doorways and windows to help repel insects.

[Ang]

hello. i came to notice the intrest in lavender. i will post a topic in the lounge on all uses for lavander and the diffrent varieties.

lavander is my hobby pretty much. there are several varieties and uses you all will be suprised.

[kimberleyanddarren]

i know this isnt related but its an awesome tip – if you get a small dish like an ash tray or something and put a few spoons of coffee in it and put it in your fridge it absorbs all the fridge smells and keeps it odor less! it works wonderfully.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Does Febreeze test everything on them? Man, I love their one air spray! I’m going to have to find a new smell I guess!
When Will These Companies Stop Using Puppies, Kittens, and Bunnies for their darn testing!?!!!!

Febreeze is made by Proctor and Gamble. A huge company (which includes Covergirl, Tide, Mr. Clean and many other products). They do a lot of animal testing and use rabbits, guinea pigs and other small critters. I always check to see if a product is made by them, if it is, it stays on the shelf.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Along the notion of charcoal, you can also buy some simple aquarium (fish tank) charcoal pellets and put in a jar or mesh bag of your own for a lot less money to reduce odors.

Angelina – That’s great! I love lavender too and grow all sorts in my herb garden, I’m headed over to the lounge right now!

Mimz – Do you really mean lilac or do you mean lavender?  It is O.K. for your cats although I wouldn’t let them eat too much lavender.  Lilacs are huge bushes and wouldn’t do too well indoors.

[MimzMum]

Hogeeze, I slipped and said lilac, didn’t I? >.< Okay, senior moment there, sorry!

I meant LAVENDER. lolz….

Yes, the fox wrap is filled with lilac and buckwheat, I think the lilac is locally grown.

How would one plant/raise lavender, please? And thanks for the website, Sage Cat!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Not a problem! I have not seen lavender seeds sold, so I think you have to buy a plant or know someone who grows it. I admit that I have not tried it indoors but don’t see why it cannot be done. Spanish lavender is more bushy and full and I think would do better inside as opposed to the French lavender which can be a little tall and lanky looking if grown in a small pot. In my climate (Zone 3 or 4 hardiness), the Spanish lavender is an annual and the French is a perennial.

[MimzMum]

Well if anyone has somewhat of the climate in the 48 that I have up here, it’s got to be you, Rose. I think I’ll do a search and see if there’s any greenhouses in my are that sell lavender. The Spanish sounds good, but I hope they have both kinds so I can compare.

[Scarlet_Rose]

I have a bunch ouside in pots, I think I’ll bring one in this winter and see how it does! Thanks Mimz for the idea!

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Wow all the great Ideas, thanks! I really should go out and buy lavender oil, where would you get lavender oil?
I also will go to a pet store and get some charcoal, (I always wondered why my fish tank had charcoal in the filter…)

You know it is actually not me that is complaining about the smell, It is my mom… Personally I can hardly smell it and it does not bother me. I guess since I sleep in that room I have gotten used to it as the smell got progressively worse.

I am also headed over to the lounge to see angelina’s forum.

Oh yea by the way, I will not be on the forum too much now that school has started, *groan*… 

[Scarlet_Rose]

Awe that’s the pits…going back to school that is. I usually buy lavender oil at my local health food store. You’re mom must be super-sensitive to the odor. How often do you change the litter box? Sometimes the stronger-smelling herbs like cilantro and kale make bunny pee smell stinkier too.

[Moonlight_Wolf]

I usually change it once every three days.

I am also hoping that the smell will be diminished after she is spayed.

[kimberleyanddarren]

yes it probably will you may need to start doing it more often, i do mine every day

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Oh but I have two that I clean and I clean both every three days. I probably will have to clean them more often though…

Also Is there any other oil,(other than lavender oil) that is safe for rabbits? My mom is iffy about the smell of lavender, she says it makes her think of old ladies…. 0_0

Are tea rose and geranium rose oil OK?

Any other suggestions.

What about using lemons? (my mom suggested that.)

Thanks.

I am going to try everything and see what works the best, I already tried the bounce sheet (because we already had some) and the smell got reduced a little.

[kimberleyanddarren]

i think lemons would be safe however it may put the rabbit off peeing where it should because they dont like the bitter smell, so although safe it may discourage litterbox use, not sure about the other two though hopefully someone will know.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Wolf – What room are you specifically trying to reduce the odor in, the one where the rabbits are located? You coudl use a plug-in in another room away from the rabbits. A rabbit may be allergic to any scent, but pure essential oils don’t have propellents or other ingredients that you can’t pronounce and wouldn’t want near yourself like aerosol sprays and some perfumes. Another thought is an air purifier that has an ionizer built in to help reduce odor. Also some of the pre-filters for them have baking soda in them to also help reduce odor. Plus an air purifier will also help with dust from hay, dust in general and flying bunny fur too. You can usually find a good one for about $40.

[SnuggleBunny]

as for air fresheners, i’ve been using this airwick freshmatic mini that you can have spray a burst of fresh scent every 5, 15 or 30 minutes. i set it on the lowest setting and its on the opposite side of the room from my rabbit and she doesn’t seem to mind it, or even notice. maybe thats because its not constantly spraying and its far from overpowering. its a nice light fruity scent, it would probably make her hungry if anything =P

and for the smelly garbage, have you thought to sprinkle some baking soda in it? at the costco by my house you can buy a 10 lb bag for like less than 5 dollars and so far mines lasted me months and i’m only halfway done with it. i put it in the litter box to diffuse the smell, but when i change her litter i run the bag right to the outdoor garbage, maybe try sprinkling a little into the can with the soiled litter??
good luck !!

[SnuggleBunny]

oooh my bad, someone already said the baking soda idea! see, it really works!

[MimzMum]

Lemon is a bunny-pee-repellent? 0_0

Wow, I did not know that. Hm. That could be put to productive use in future perhaps.

[sallysmom]

I would try the Renuzit gels. It’s the cone type that you pull up. They have an odor neutralizer one that works really well. There is a slight smell, but if you only open it a little, it shouldn’t be too bad. I use it for the dogs room. The litter for my bun gets throwed directly in the trash outside. I hope this helps.

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