Tips for Avoiding Toxic Pet Products
You love buying new things for our furry friends. There are so many types and options out there that it makes it hard to decide which ones to choose. One thing you want to make sure of is that there are no hazardous materials in the toys or other things you buy your dog. There are a few chemicals that can show up in pet products, that Sit Means Sit wants you to be wary of.
Common Toxins
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC can sometimes be used to make dog toys, and when it is used, manufacturers have to add phthalates to make these toys softer. Phthalates are a group of toxic chemicals that you would not want your dog to be chewing on. PVC has been associated with reproductive and developmental problems as well.
PVC also contains chlorine which produces dangerous pollutants as the dog chews the toy. These pollutants can lead to cancer and immune system damages in animals.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
BPA is a chemical used to manufacture plastics found in many everyday products. Specifically relevant to your pup, BPA can be found in the lining of canned dog food. According to a study, this can affect the canine endocrine system, which can cause issues with your dog’s metabolism.
Lead
Lead paint is not just a potential toxin to humans, it can affect your furry friend as well. Common places your dog could ingest lead pain include:
- Paint chips from walls still using lead paint
- Golf balls
- Imported tennis balls made specifically for pets
- Imported dog toys
- Ceramic bows that were improperly glazed
- Lead-contaminated water
If your dog comes in contact with these things, or anything else containing lead, it can damage various organs like the nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. It is especially important that puppies do not come in contact with lead because they are more susceptible to lead poisoning.
If you think that your dog may have been exposed to lead, here are some common signs to look for.
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hysteria
- Anxiety
- Jaw champing
- Salivation
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Lack of coordination
- Muscle spasms
Chromium
In small doses, chromium is a necessary dietary mineral and vets may use it in micro doses as an insulin supplement for dogs. In large doses, chromium can be toxic. This toxin can be found in some dog toys that have been made in China. It is harmful to you dog because it is known as a cancer-producing agent. It also can have negative affects on the respiratory system, GI system, immune system, liver, and kidney,
Formaldehyde
Many rawhide chews are preserved with formaldehyde. If your dogs chews on these for a lengthy amount of time, they could experience respiratory or digestive irritation. It could also cause cancer according to the American Cancer Society.
Bromine
Bromine is sometimes used as a flame retardant in furniture foam. This foam is used in certain types of dog beds. Toxic levels of bromine can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, constipation, appetite loss, pancreatitis, muscle spasm, and tremors.
How To Avoid Toxins
Seeing all of these toxins that could potentially be in your dogs belongings can be scary. There are things that you can do to make sure your dog is not harmed by any of these things.
Check for Safety
- Perform a Health Safety Product Search for the things that you buy
- Check Health Stuff’s Archived Pet Supply Data list
- There are DIY ways to check for lead like the 3M Instant Lead Test
Choose Hazard-Free Manufacturers
Like anything, certain pet companies have better protocols, safety practices, and higher quality assurance policies. Do your research to see which companies have the values that you look for. Look for statements that the companies make on labels and on their website. You can even call or email them to get answers you cannot find anywhere else.
Another helpful tip is avoid descriptors like “natural”. Instead, look for ones like “BPA-free” or “organic”. These terms require a certification and are useful in deciding the product’s quality.
When it comes to a furry friends, no measure is too much to ensure their safety.