Are Pet toys Safe

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What are Common Signs of Lead Poisoning?

 

Common signs of lead poisoning may include vomiting and diarrhoea that may

progress to symptoms that involves the nervous system such as seizures or

abnormal behaviour. Lead toxicity can also cause anaemia which can cause

lethargy and weakness. Hundreds of pets are poisoned each year. For more

information about the exposure to lead, diagnosis and treatment of lead

poisoning, go to www.petplace.com and read about Lead toxicity in Dogs.

 

Does Anyone Test Animal Toys to Determine Safety?

 

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).

 

Are Pet Toys Toxic?

 

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.

 

Until next time,

 

Dr. Jon

 

P.S. Keep your dog safe in all ways. Make sure you can do your best for

him or her in the case of a medical emergency.

 

 

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