Toxic Materials Found in Common Pet Products (and How to Avoid Them)

Toxic Materials Found in Common Pet Products (And How To Avoid Them)

Spoiling your pet with toys is fun and an easy way to reward them for good behavior. But it is important for pet parents to be aware of hazardous materials that can be found in some pet products. We have created a list of chemicals that can show up in common pet products.

Toxins found in dog chews and pet toys

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC is commonly known as “vinyl” and is sometimes used to make dog toys. On the surface, PVS isn’t dangerous. But, PVS contains chlorine. Dog chews made of PVC will release chlorine over time. This is dangerous because chlorine produces dioxins (dangerous pollutants), which cause cancer and immune system damage in animals.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of toxic materials. They’re the additive that makes PVC pet toys flexible and inviting for dogs to chew on. If the pet toy has a strong smell of vinyl, the more phthalates it contains. And the more toxic. When your dog chews on the toy, the toxins are able to move freely and can be absorbed into your dog’s gums or skin. This can result in liver or kidney damage

Lead

Lead is a commonly known toxin. Dog toys do not directly contain lead, but other household sources of lead can include: golf balls, imported tennis balls made for pets, imported dog toys, (not common, hence the word “imported”), ceramic food or water bowls and lead-contaminated water.

Although puppies and kittens are more prone to getting lead poisoning, any animal in contact with lead can get poisoned. It can damage multiple organs, including the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Look here for signs of lead poisoning.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is a chemical used to manufacture plastics and found in everything from beverage bottles to cosmetic packaging to receipts. Most importantly, BPA can be found in the lining of canned dog food. A study shows that BPA upsets the canine endocrine system and cause disruptions to a dogs metabolism.

Formaldehyde

Rawhide chews are often preserved with formaldehyde. If your dog chews rawhides over an extended amount of time or in high doses, he might experience respiratory or digestive irritation. According to the American Cancer Society, any type of exposure to formaldehyde—whether ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin—can cause cancer.

Bromine

Bromine is a type of flame retardant commonly found in furniture foam, which includes foam in dog beds. Toxic levels of bromine in your pet may cause stomach upset, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, pancreatitis, muscle spasms, and tremors.

How to Avoid Toxins in Pet Products

Another way to assure you are buying safe toys, is to choose hazard free manufacturers. Descriptions like “natural” aren’t specific enough to tell you whether the product is safe, but details like “BPA-free” or “organic” are good clues as to a product’s quality. Look for company statements about production and quality control on labels and websites.

We can never be too safe when it comes to our furry companions. We would love to hear about your favorite toxin-free toys, leave us some of your suggestions!