Battling Internet Rumors:

The Internet is a great way to share information, but if something alarms you, please investigate it further before sharing with your friends. Stuff like this spreads like wildfire, causing pet owners undue panic.

Messages and images like the examples below that don't cite sources or appear to come from legitimate experts are all too often created just to incite fear and cause harm to big companies without cause:

SWIFFER WETJET CAUSES LIVER FAILURE IN PETS

A false account of a "neighbor's 5-year-old German Shepherd put down due to liver failure...and soon after his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver failure" has resurfaced. The message declares that Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution poisoned all the animals in the house just by using it to clean the kitchen floor.

Know that THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION that has been circulating since May 2004, and it has been brought back to life via social media (there are already 19,000 comments on the post in the image taken just 10 days ago).

We encourage everyone to read this article originally published by Snopes in May 2004. It contains important information, including a statement from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxicologists (direct link to press release is in the article) that explain thoroughly why this is nothing but a myth.

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Diffusing Essential OilS KILLS CATS

This infographic has gone viral, fueling panic among pet owners across the web. Note that this graphic does not cite any reputable sources or additional information.
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TRUTH:
Essential oils, when ingested or applied topically (particularly if undiluted) can cause harm to pets. Cats, birds, and exotic pets can be more vulnerable to certain oils.

Essential oils should be used only under the guidance of a veterinary team that is knowledgeable about their therapeutic uses, toxicities, and your pet's physical health.

If you have questions about whether the essential oils that you're using in your home (in diffusers, sprays, DIY cleaners, or topically on yourself), ask!

There is no harm in being cautious, but please seek a professional opinion. Do not rely on information from an unknown source.

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Please, if you share anything related to these claims, share this! Fighting against viral rumors takes an army!