Is It Safe To Buy Dog Toys Made in China?

We love our dogs and we want to give them the best life we can.  That means delicious food, lots of exercise, and the funniest toys.  Unfortunately, the toys you buy for your dog may contain toxic chemicals that can cause long-term adverse health effects.

This article will guide you through common toxic chemicals found in dog toys and how to make sure your dog’s toys are safe.
When children's toys are manufactured, they must go through many tests before they are deemed safe for children to play with. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) requires any product intended for children under 12 to be tested for lead, phthalates, toxic metals, safety, and more.

What exactly makes dog toys poisonous?

Children's toys undergo rigorous testing to ensure that no harmful chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, in addition to other safety features.  If you don't know what to look for, harmful chemicals that are banned from children's toys may also be present in your dog's toys.

Here are some of the most common chemicals found in dog toys:

Phthalate-free dog toys
Phthalates
Polyvinyl chloride (also known as PVC or vinyl) is a very hard plastic that is too difficult for dogs to chew. Phthalates are added to PVC to soften it and make it easier on your dog's teeth.  If you've ever smelled vinyl, these added chemicals give it a unique smell.

Phthalates are very toxic to your dog (and you).  They are associated with damage to the dog's kidneys, liver and reproductive system.

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A, another common additive to PVC, is used to strengthen phthalates to prevent them from breaking down.  Bisphenol A

BPA free dog toys

The same thing can happen with your dog's toys.  Your dog interacts with the world through his mouth, so any chemicals that leach from these toys will be ingested directly by your puppy.

In the case of BPA, research shows it alters a dog’s metabolism and has also been linked to cancer.

lead

As we all know, lead is a dangerous metal and exposure to it can cause damage to our brains, kidneys, and other vital organs.  As a result, lead-based paint was banned in 1978, and older homes are still being tested to prevent lead poisoning.

Unfortunately, lead is still commonly found in dog toys, especially imported toys and tennis balls.  In fact, the Ecology Center's Healthy Food Laboratory found that 48 percent of the pet products they tested contained detectable levels of lead.

Lead is particularly problematic because it can accumulate in the body.  Lead poisoning in dogs can damage the dog's organs, including the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Other potentially toxic substances

Some chemicals are safe and even need to be used in small amounts.  At higher levels, they become toxic.

One of these chemicals is chromium, an important mineral used in microdosing as an insulin supplement for dogs.  If the dose is too high, chromium can have negative effects on the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, immune system, liver and kidneys.