Protect Your Pets! Hidden Dangers in Pet Toys

 At CD Law, we often talk about protecting families from hidden dangers lurking in everyday products. CD Law Partner Vineet Dubey commonly warns us to be mindful of toxic chemicals in our homes for the sake of our children and loved ones. But what about our four-legged friends?

Vineet Dubey shares, “Just as BPA, phthalates and lead are harmful to humans, when they are included in pet toys they present double-trouble, because your pet and the humans playing with them are potentially both exposed to these chemicals.” Click HERE to visit our Instagram page for more from Vineet.

The Hidden Dangers in Pet Toys

Pet toys are meant to bring joy and health benefits to our animals, not harm. Unfortunately, poorly made products can contain toxic chemicals and unsafe parts.  Some of the most concerning include:

• Phthalates: Often found in soft plastic toys, these are known hormone disruptors.
• BPA (Bisphenol A): A common chemical in hard plastics, linked to serious health risks.
• Lead: Sometimes present in painted or dyed toys, especially if they are not regulated.

What Labels and Materials Should You Look For?

When shopping for pet toys, avoid toys without clear information about the materials they contain. Safer products usually highlight their standards. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Safe Labels:

  • FDA-grade silicone (food grade)

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (textiles tested for harmful substances)

  • BPA-free or Phthalate-free

• Safe Countries of Origin:

  •  Toys made in the USA, Canada, or Japan are more likely to meet stricter safety standards.

• Safe Materials:

  • Natural rubber

  • Undyed cotton or hemp

  • Bone or food-grade silicone

Consider how your pet will use the toy. Plastics, when broken apart, chewed or swallowed leach more chemicals from their damaged surfaces. That’s why you should not use plastic food bowls, but opt for stainless steel or ceramic.

Check recycling codes. If a toy has the number 3, which is the code of polyvinyl alcohol, it’s best to avoid because PVC is an indicator of phthalates.

Practical Steps at Home

Even safe toys can become unsafe with wear and tear. To protect both pets and humans:

• Wash regularly: Clean toys with mild soap and warm water, or run dishwasher-safe toys through a cycle (top rack, by themselves).

• Inspect and replace: Toss toys that are old, cracked, or chewed up.

• Smell test: If a new toy smells like a shower curtain, it’s likely off-gassing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which could include phthalates, formaldehyde, benzene. Avoid it.  In fact, if you buy a new shower curtain and it smells like a new shower curtain, bring it back because it’s not healthy for you either!

Other Toy Hazards to Avoid

Chemicals aren’t the only risk. According to Autumn Trails Veterinary Center, you should also be cautious of toys with:

• Stuffing that can be swallowed

• Squeakers that become choking hazards

• Splinters from wood or brittle plastics

• Small accessories (buttons, eyes, feathers)

• Antlers, hooves, or bones that can be hard on your pets’ teeth

• Rawhides, which are choking risks and hard to digest

Proceed With Caution

Our pets are family, and just like with our children, safety should always come first. By reading labels, choosing natural materials, and opting for safer alternatives, you can help ensure playtime stays safe, fun, and worry-free!