What are the Health Hazards of Plastics in Pet Toys?

Willow chewing on a Chewswild.com trachea!

If you are a pet owner, you probably want to provide your furry friend with the best toys possible. But did you know that some of the plastics used in pet toys can pose serious health risks to your pet and even to yourself? In this blog post, we will explore some of the common types of plastics found in pet toys, their potential effects on your pet's health, and how to choose safer alternatives.

One of the most widely used plastics in pet toys is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl. PVC is cheap, durable, and easy to mold into various shapes and colors. However, PVC also contains harmful chemicals called phthalates, which are added to make the plastic soft and flexible. Phthalates can leach out of the plastic over time, especially when exposed to heat, sunlight, or saliva. Phthalates have been linked to various health problems, such as hormonal disruption, reproductive abnormalities, liver and kidney damage, and cancer. Phthalates can also affect humans who handle the toys or breathe in the dust from them.

Another common plastic in pet toys is polycarbonate, which is often used to make hard and clear plastic items, such as balls, bones, and chew toys. Polycarbonate contains bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that mimics estrogen and can interfere with the endocrine system. BPA can also leach out of the plastic over time, especially when heated or scratched. BPA has been associated with various health issues, such as infertility, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and breast and prostate cancer. BPA can also affect humans who touch the toys or ingest the residue from them.

So how can you protect your pet and yourself from these harmful plastics? Here are some tips to follow:

- Look for toys that are made of natural materials, such as rubber, cotton, hemp, or wood. These materials are biodegradable and do not contain toxic chemicals.

- Avoid toys that are made of soft or clear plastic, or that have a strong plastic smell. These are signs that the plastic may contain phthalates or BPA.

- Wash your hands after playing with your pet's toys, and wash the toys regularly with mild soap and water. This can help remove any dirt or residue that may contain harmful chemicals.

- Discard any toys that are damaged, broken, or worn out. These toys may release more chemicals or pose a choking hazard to your pet.

- Check the labels and packaging of the toys before buying them. Look for certifications or symbols that indicate that the toy is phthalate-free or BPA-free.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pet's toys are safe and healthy for both of you. Remember that your pet's health is in your hands, so choose wisely and play safely!

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I recommend chews like beef cheeks and chew treats like pig snouts from chewswild.com. Their products are all-natural, digestible, and not made of rawhide. 

This is a Playology toy I have had for about a year. It has stood the test of time and only has one end chewed off with continued use.