Dr. Cynthia Maro
- Pet products like toys, leashes and bedding are not regulated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and may contain harmful toxins.
- Pet food and treats may contain toxins, fungus and yeast that are not typically screened for in standard blood tests.
Pet owners want what is best for their companions and have increased their awareness of best feeding and supplementing practices, as well as providing interactive and stimulating toys and games, giving treats that make great rewards for the best pet ever and even choosing protective clothing for the cold winter weather in western Pennsylvania.
Owners who research these best practices assume that when they purchase pet toys, treats, clothing, leashes and beds, the products have met safety and regulatory guidelines.
Unfortunately, when it comes to toys, leashes, bedding and pet wear – coats, boots, dresses, and other pet products, they are not regulated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), because pet products are not classified as consumer products and do not fall under federal guidelines.
Likewise, pet supplements, treats and foods are not tested for all possible chemicals and toxins that can contaminate foods, rendering them harmful, or for organisms that can develop over time, during storage, whether on a shelf or within your home. Mycotoxins, fungus and yeast can cause havoc for pets, but they are not tested for as part of typical blood screening tests.
Toxins found in pet care products can include the following persistent organic pollutants:
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- Dioxins
- Dioxin-like and non-dioxin-like polychlorobisphenyls (PCBs)
- Organochlorine pesticides
- Brominated flame retardants
- Perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS)
And non-organic products
- Phthalates
- PVC
- Vinyl
- Chemical dyes and other colorants
These toxins are known cancer inducers, and pets who play with the products frequently chew on and consume parts of toys and leashes.
Additionally, many countries, including China have less stringent rules regarding heavy metals and toxins, allowing higher levels of exposure. Pet products originating in other countries may introduce toxic minerals to pets who end up chewing on, wearing harnesses or sleeping in bedding that may be discharging arsenic or other chemicals.
As a practicing small animal veterinarian, I recommend several steps for owners to assure their pets are getting high-quality, safe products.
- Limit or stop buying products from online and unknown sources.
- Be aware that a statement of a product having been tested does not mean it passed a safety test.
- Consider making your own organic collars, bedding and boots for pets.
- Buy from a known source or organic products, preferably one that provides sourcing and safety data. These items may cost more, but in the long run they keep pets healthier.
- Making your own pet treats from scratch allows you to use organic and fresh ingredients
- Many treats spend a long time on shelves before purchase, so desiccants, like aluminum may be added. Aluminum can accumulate in the nervous system and cause signs of dementia in aging pets.
- Use well-known food brands or make your pet’s food from scratch with a balancing whole food supplement additive. You can also work with an integrative veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to guide you in creating a wholesome and safe balanced diet.
- When you find your pet acting strange after introducing any new items, new bag of food or treats, do NOT discard the item. Keep it until consulting with the veterinarian and take their recommendation for reporting a possible reaction and or submission for testing the item.
- Have your water periodically tested for toxic minerals and metals, especially if you have well water.
When your pet isn’t acting right and basic bloodwork comes out normal, continue to seek a complete diagnosis. I recommend testing nutritional balance in pets using fur mineral analysis and serum and plasma essential nutrient and amino acid testing.
Other non-invasive tests are available that investigate for glyphosate residues of weed killers, which are harmful to pets.
Mycotoxins in the environment or in foods can be very damaging, affecting the respiratory tract, skin, gastrointestinal tract and liver. They can be identified through a urine test which provides helpful information to your pet’s veterinarian.
Dr. Cynthia Maro is a veterinarian at the Ellwood Animal Hospital in Ellwood City and the Chippewa Animal Hospital in Chippewa Township. She writes a biweekly column on pet care and health issues. If you have a topic you’d like to have addressed, email [email protected].
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