We care a lot about ocean plastics. What about the threat to our pets? Some dogs are power chewers and they destroy the play things which their owners buy for them. Because of this, it's possible that dogs are eating small pieces of their toys. Do we have to be worried about plastic and our pets? When it comes to plastic and pet health, there aren’t many straightforward answers. But arming yourself with information about the materials in a toy, and knowing how rough your pet may get with it, are important things to consider before you make a purchase.
A common chemical used in plastic production that might be a cause for concern among pet owners is BPA, aka Bisphenol A. All products for pets should be BPA-free, but that is not always the case.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies have linked BPA with possible fertility issues in lab animals, though more research is needed to understand its overall health risks. The Food and Drug Administration says that BPA exposure is mostly safe (the agency has expressed some concern about its potential effects on fetuses and babies), but independent experts don’t necessarily agree.
A study conducted by researchers at Texas Tech University found that aging and worn dog toys contained increased concentrations of both BPA and phthalates, a group of chemicals that can make plastic more flexible and durable. Phthalates, too, have been associated with concerns around fertility.
“The interaction of pet health and environmental chemicals is understudied,” said Kimberly Wooten, one of the study authors. “What may be a safe dose for one species isn’t always a good measure for another species. But the amount of BPA and phthalates we found from the bumpers [a specific type plastic toy often used to train retrievers] would be considered on the high end of what you might find in children’s toys.”
Even toys made from BPA-free plastic can be risky for your pet, especially if they’re a toy assassin. “Toys made of hard plastic can cause damage to the gums if chewed vigorously, and softer toys can be an ingestion risk,” said Nelson, adding that knowing your dog’s chewing and play style can help you determine what kind of toys are best for her. “A squeaky plastic flamingo might be cute, [but] it could pose a risk to your pet if too easily destroyed or ingested."
Even if you think you’re buying a toy free of plastic, things aren’t always as they seem.
The squeakers found inside plush toys are often made from plastic. And stuffing materials tend to be made of polyester fiber fill, which happens to be a type of plastic used in toys for both humans and pets. Whether this material contains toxins or not depends on its source; even if it’s toxin-free, however, it’s not a good thing for your pet to be ingesting stuffing, as this can lead to digestive issues. Bits of hard plastic can be rough on your furry friend’s GI tract, too.
Some people try to get around all these challenges by making their pet’s playtime plastic-free. Look for toys made out of natural materials like wool, hemp, cotton, and bamboo.
Wooliie toys are completely plastic free and safe for play. Wooliie only uses natural fibers and materials for manufacturing your pets' toys, beds, clothes, and chews. Wooliie products are made from natural and organic sheep's wool. Your best friend will love them!
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