Toxic Toys

Is there lead lurking in your pet's toys?

A concern in the minds of many, there is recent evidence that some products made in China contain unsafe levels of lead. Particularly shaken by the news are families with young children, due to popular toys being recalled, such as the Easy Bake Oven and 1.5 million Fisher-Price toys. With all this frightening news, who can you trust, what is safe? Should you be concerned about your beloved pets?

Is Lead Dangerous to Pets?

Lead can indeed be a threat to pets. Lead toxicity can be caused by the ingestion or inhalation of products containing lead. Some lead-containing products which can be a threat to pets include the following: lead paint, fishing weights and sinkers, gun pellets, linoleum, drapery weights, rug padding, automotive parts, and construction materials among others.

There are numerous symptoms of lead poisoning in pets, many of them mocking symptoms of more common health problems.

Because of lead poisoning's vague presentation and the rarity of such a contamination, the condition can be difficult to diagnose.

Some symptoms of lead poisoning include anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, blindness, deafness and behavior changes.

For more information on lead poisoning in pets, read PetPlace's in-depth article on Lead poisoning.

Regulations

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) checks the safety of all toys intended for humans. Unfortunately, there are no organizations regularly testing animal toys, and there are no federal standards regarding lead in pet toys. The CPSC enforces a federal standard for lead in paint on children's toys. This standard is 600 parts per million (ppm).

Toxic Toys

In the wake of the lead scare, two laboratories have conducted independent tests on randomly selected pet items. These very qualified laboratories include Trace Laboratories, Inc. in Illinois and ExperTox Analytical Laboratories in Texas. Both labs have found lead and other toxic heavy metals in pet items purchased from American stores.

ExperTox Analytical Laboratories tested a Chinese-made, Wal-Mart marketed cat toy and dog toy. Both were packaged in a clear plastic wrapping with a cardboard label and no brand name.

The dog toy, a latex, green monster, contained high levels of lead and chromium (a cancer-causing heavy metal) and smaller amounts of other toxic materials. The cat toy contained very high levels of the toxic heavy metal, cadmium.

The lab determined these toxins were easily accessed and could be acquired from the toy with a simple lick of the dog's or cat's tongue.

Trace Laboratories tested Paws 'N Claws tennis balls purchased at a dollar-type store. They found an astounding 27,200 ppm lead levels in the ink on the balls. They also tested a ceramic food dish and found lead levels at 2,890 ppm. The lead levels in both these items far exceeded the limit set for human toys.

Should You Be Concerned?

There are conflicting opinions regarding the severity of these levels of lead and other heavy metals in pet products. Because of the lack of federal regulation at this time, it is up to you, the pet owner, to determine your level of concern.

An interesting bit of information to consider: Wal-Mart actually recalled children's toys which are quite similar to their lead-containing pet toys. These Chinese-made, Wal-Mart children's toys are sold at a similar price, without a brand, in packaging very similar to that containing their toxic pet toys. If these toys are not safe enough for your children, should your pet be playing with them?

What Can You Do?

How can you protect your pet? Talk to your veterinarian. Do your research. Check with the manufacturers of your pet's toys; ask for proof of their safety testing. Strongly consider discarding your pet's current products which are made in China. When buying new products, look for items made in the United States. Also, avoid toys made of latex, as they are more likely to contain lead. Above all, be proactive and don't take chances with the health of your pet.

Why Water Bottles?

Why do dogs love to chew on empty water bottles? It's the crunching sound. It can give people goose bumps but dogs just love it!

Whether they are given the empty bottle as a toy or they fish it out of the recycling bin, puppies and adult dogs alike seem to love these crinkly, crunchy "toys". Filled with water or kibble, pre-crunched or just as they are, plastic bottles are a big hit.

Here's the good news. Water bottles are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to replace (no trips to the pet store required!), making them a necessity for many dog owners. I've known several dogs whose owners tried giving their dogs bones, stuffed toys and balls only to have their pets come back time and time again to play with the water bottle.

Now, here's the bad news. Water bottles aren't always safe for dogs to play with - but they can be. All you have to do is take a few precautions.

Before giving a water bottle to your dog, always remove the cap and label as well as the small plastic ring which secures the cap. A pair of small scissors can be used to snip off the latter if you cannot easily remove it on your own. As with any dog toy, it is important to supervise play and regularly inspect water bottles for damage to avoid the ingestion of plastic or damage from sharp edges. When the plastic breaks down, the sharp edges can cut your dog's mouth.

Several dog toy companies have taken note of the growing water bottle craze and incorporated water bottles into their products.

Check out the Crunchy Monkey.


Ebony likes these Bottle Crunchers.

How Well Do You Know Your Dog?

How well do your know your dog? Really.

You know him well enough to know that those bacon flavor biscuits are his favorite. That worn out spot on the far end of the couch is his favorite place to sleep. You know that he seems genuinely pleased to see you when you get home from work each day. When he scratches at the door and gives you "the look", you definitely know it's time to get the leash. You know a lot about your dog. But do you know him well enough to make him really happy?

Yes, a dog needs a good bone, a soft bed and a loving companion to take care of him. But for a dog to be really happy, all those wonderful things simply aren't enough. He also needs to be interested, amused, entertained and challenged. A dog needs to have some fun to make him truly happy.

Yes, a dog needs to play. Playing makes a dog happy. Toys are important. Quality playtime with you is important, too. I'm sure you spend a lot of time playing with your dog, and you buy him toys that he can play with when you're not around. But do you buy him the right kind of toys to hold his interest? Do you do the right kind of activities with him to make him really happy?

All dogs are different. They have different styles of play. Some dogs like to play in many different ways while other dogs are only interested in one certain type of play.

Do you know what kind of play makes your dog happy?

Think about it. Some dogs won't fetch. They simply will not do it. Some dogs like to cuddle. Some love to tug. Some really get into a challenging toy that they have to "figure out" and some dogs just want a toy that squeaks. All dogs are different.

To make your dog really happy, you must understand how he likes to play. Then, you can buy him the kind of toys that will actually hold his interest and play the kind of games that will bring him real joy. Find out what stimulates your dog. Good satisfying play is important for a dog's mental and physical health. Engage your dog in the kind of play activities he loves and you will make him truly happy.

Dogs and Play; Part 2

Yesterday I shared about dogs and play. What type of dog toy does your dog prefer? Does your dog like to chew, tug, cuddle, fetch, or be creative with his toys? Is fluffy, rubbery, squeaky, bouncy, or ropey his preference? There are many options to consider when choosing a dog toy. Check out yesterday's blog for ideas.

Have you ever seen anything like this? This dog can actually balance a ball on his nose and considers it play! Makes people stop and ponder - is it a dog or a seal. You'll see why when you watch this video. Watch, Is it a Dog or a Seal?

Dogs and Toys

Do you spend time playing with your dog? Daily exercise and play time is important for a happy healthy dog. Do you wonder which toy might be your dog's favorite?

There are tons of dog toys. What type of dog toy does your dog prefer? Does your dog like to chew, tug, cuddle, fetch, or be creative with his toys? Is fluffy, rubbery, squeaky, bouncy, or ropey his preference? There are many options to consider when choosing a dog toy. It is important that the toy be safe, entertaining, and just right for your dog's personality.

Why Have Toys?

Aren't dog toys just an added expense and something else to pick up around the house? No, they are much more than that. Dog toys play a very important role in keeping a dog mentally and physically healthy.

Toys provide dogs with an outlet for excess energy and can prevent them from becoming bored or depressed. This outlet may also prevent them from chewing on or playing with other things such as the couch or the garbage. Dog toys can also challenge a dog's problem-solving skills, provide environmental enrichment, and alleviate separation anxiety.

Toys encourage play and exercise, which help keep a dog physically fit. Chew toys can also be helpful for oral health by reducing plaque and strengthening jaw muscles. Puppies can especially benefit from chew toys while teething.

Toy Safety

Safety comes first when choosing a dog toy. Be sure the toy is the appropriate size for your dog. Do not choose a toy that can be easily swallowed or become lodged in your dog's throat. Also, a large toy can be cumbersome to the small canine, and could potentially cause an injury. Durability is the other aspect of safety. Some dogs do fine with soft, fluffy toys or delicate, rubber toys. Others will destroy and eat them. This can result in a dangerous gastro-intestinal obstruction.

Be careful with toys that have removable parts. If you give your dog a stuffed animal to enjoy, cut off any pieces which could be easily chewed off, such as plastic eyes. Squeakers can also be dangerous. Before leaving your dog unsupervised with a squeaky toy, be sure he is not tempted to be destructive to get to the squeaker. This is true with any toy: supervise, supervise, supervise! 100% confidence in a toy's safety and your dog's behavior is crucial before leaving a dog alone with the toy.

Keep the toys relatively clean. Between drool and dirt, a toy can harvest a lot of bacteria. It is important to wash canine toys from time to time to keep your pooch healthy.

Chewing Dogs

Yes... Most dogs do enjoy chewing; it is a very natural habit. Provide the right outlet for this with the right toy.

Kong toys are good for destructive chewers. They are made of very durable materials that are difficult to destroy, and they are available in various sizes and weights. Rubber Kong toys are gentle on your dog's mouth and have a decreased risk of causing dental damage.

Nylabones are also good for chewers. They come in flavored and unflavored varieties. There are bones for light to aggressive chewers and small to large dogs.

Rawhides and Greenies are loved by many dogs and are great for cleaning teeth, but MUST be only given with supervision. Dogs should not attempt to swallow large pieces of these treats, as they can easily become stuck in the throat, stomach, or intestines.

Tugging Dogs

Rope toys and rubber pulls are designed for tug-of-war between dogs or between dog and owner. They are great for interactive play and bonding. Be cautious when playing tug-of-war with your pet that you are not bitten. It is also important that your dog knows the "drop it" command before playing tug-of-war so that you do not lose control and you can stop a problem if the dog becomes too aggressive with the toy. If two dogs are playing tug-of-war it is important that they are supervised and do not fight.

Cuddling Dogs

Stuffed animals are a cuddling dog's favorite. Of course, there are many varieties of animal, size, color, fabric, and even the noise they make. When choosing a stuffed animal for your pooch, it is best to get one designed for dogs, not children, because they have the least removable parts.

Fetching Dogs

There are many toys for playing fetch... rope toys, Kongs, tennis balls, stuffed animals... they all work great. However, there are some designed especially for fetch.

GoDogGo and Chuckit! are made to throw tennis balls long distances and wear your dog out, not you!

Creative Dogs

Treat balls make your dog think and work to get a snack. Load the ball with treats when you are leaving for work or when you are busy and can't entertain your needy canine, and he will be occupied by the challenge his toy presents. The ball must be rolled about for the treats to be dispensed from the openings. Your dog will be mentally stimulated, and he will be physically exercised.

Kong toys that are hollow on the inside are also great for treat stuffing. Peanut butter works especially well in Kongs; your dog will be entertained licking the sticky treat out of the toy. When he is done, the rubber Kong can be easily washed with soap and water.

The Joy of Toys

Even the most sophisticated dog has a fun, playful spirit. Just like all children need toys to entertain, enrich, and exercise their bodies and minds, so do dogs. Provide your furry child with multiple appropriate, safe toys. Rotate them; put some away and get different toys out each week so your pet doesn't get bored. Though toys are great to occupy your dog when you are busy, don't miss the opportunity to appreciate your dog's playful energy. Use the toys to bond with him, play with him, and laugh with him.