are dog toys safe for babies

The Best Interactive Dog Toys These comparisons cover interactive dog toys that keep your canine friends occupied for hours – … The 3M Instant Lead Test is mostly used to test for lead on painted surfaces, but the website states it detects lead on “most surfaces.”. (Photo by Whitney C. Harris). After extensive research (and having a lot of fun testing with our pups), we at Preventive Vet finally found that this fetch toy meets our criteria for safety as a fetch toy. Now, we just have to train our soon-to-be new family member in a similar way, showing him or her how to slowly and carefully give and take toys from Finley. Healthy Stuff, a project of The Ecology Center, has an online library of test results for many brand name pet products. Remember that a dog is likely to damage a toy more than a child. Please share your experiences and stories, your opinions and feedback about this blog, or what you've learned that you'd like to share with others. pet safety tips, This is assuming that the baby isn’t terrified of such a rambunctious dog as Finley. About: The Ring Bone from Nyladbone is a toy specifically designed for chewing pups, … 99 £10.99 £10.99 “We take this extra step because while ideally both pets and kids will be supervised when playing with toys and the toys will be safely put away out of reach, we know that pet toys and kids toys can both end up on the floor together,” says Aimee Diskin, director of innovation and product development for Worldwise and the Kathy Ireland Loved Ones line. And they look, feel, sound, smell, and taste (I’m only guessing) very similar to the doggy variety. The problem is, we’ve been bringing a new kind of toy into our house these days: baby toys. Is there anything cuter than the image of a child and puppy at play? So just check the product and analyze it yourself if it will be safe for your dog. Ring Bone. For example, it's considered lead poisoning in dogs if they have a blood-lead concentration of .35 parts per million, 10 parts per million in the liver, and 10 parts per million in the kidney. This toy ball  from Kathy Ireland Loved Ones is something that dogs and children could play with together. So that’s the bad news. Alternatively, if you want to go the DIY route, the Environmental Protection Agency has a recommendation for consumers. In this article, you will learn how to check whether a dog toy might have potential toxins or even potentially toxic levels of naturally occurring elements (e.g., lead), as well as the different types of potentially dangerous elements, compounds, and chemicals that could be in your dog’s toys. Finley doesn’t dine from the toilet or garbage bin, but, I have to admit, she is an enthusiastic crotch-licker. Get tips and exclusive deals. Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. **Original … The rawhide chews are also free from formaldehyde, Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets, our recommendations for dog chew and fetch toys, FDA’s list of recalled and withdrawn products, PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead, chromium, melamine, arsenic, bromine, formaldehyde, pet products that have been recalled or withdrawn, Avoid the tennis ball brands mentioned here, many human foods contain some level of arsenic, Pet accessories like toys, beds, and crates, Bedding for pet birds and small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, 45% of products had detectable levels of hazardous toxins, 48% percent contained detectable levels of lead, About half of the products had lead levels higher than the allowable standard for children’s toys. Finley could easily confuse a brightly colored baby toy for her own plaything. West Paw is known for their thoughtful design,  sustainable manufacturing and safe materials,  which you can read here. Because of the long shape and hollow core, the. Toys can even help prevent your dog … How to Find Non-Toxic Dog Toys and Tell If a Toy is Safe, Pet toys that warrant (based on their structure ) are tested and analyzed for toxins against Phthalate Analysis including Lead content with reference to CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) directive." “If they are afraid of the dog, then they should not take anything from them,” Pugh advises. “Toys for children have to go through safety inspections and give age appropriate ratings that dog toys do not,” says Pugh. And after a day of tugging, it's even better knowing you can toss it in the dishwasher. … This new fetch toy that’s shaped like a stick, but doesn’t have the same hazards of a stick for dogs. Not only is it made with their proprietary Zogoflex rubber (so it’s durable, dishwasher safe, and latex-free), but it’s also designed to allow you to combine two Toppls to increase the difficulty for your dog as they get smarter. Virbac C.E.T. Once a toy is showing major signs of wear, it's time to look for a new one. But do any pet- and child-friendly toys exist? They’re all small and portable enough to hold in one hand and are in attention-grabbing colors that would be hard to miss on our living room floor. When it comes to toxins and dogs, the most important factors that could lead to a toxic level of any given chemical include: If you don’t feel like checking toys against the limited testing reports on Archived Pet Supply Data or reaching out to manufacturers, we don’t blame you. The Topple Treat Toy is a great brain-engaging feeding and treating puzzle for dogs. For example, it's considered lead poisoning in dogs if they have a. blood-lead concentration of .35 parts per million, 10 parts per million in the liver, and 10 parts per million in the kidney. Zogoflex and Zogoflex Air® are completely non-toxic material are BPA and Phthalate-free, Latex-free and FDA compliant (meaning they're safe to eat off of). A new toy provides fresh and exciting stimulation for your pet. Stay informed! © 2020 Preventive Vet. But there's one thing you probably haven’t heard: How to tell whether the dog toy you just bought, or are about to buy, might be toxic. Multipet even sent a sample, Magic Block Hair Brush, which you can view here, library of test results for many brand name pet products, is mostly used to test for lead on painted surfaces, but the website states it, Note that some brands of tennis balls have had lead contamination problems in the past, While we don't know the "threshold" for toxins in pet toys, we do  know the toxic blood levels of many chemicals and compounds. We Chat With Travel Channel Host Brian Unger About His Life With Dogs. Charlotte Flint, Senior Consulting Veterinarian for Clinical Toxicology at Pet Poison Helpline & Safety Call International, said in an email that "toys and chews are not a common source of lead poisoning in dogs and cats, but occasionally lead is found in unexpected places such as imported toys, antique children’s toys, and toy jewelry for children. So although toys like these and toys in the nursery will be kept in separate parts of the house, I think I can finally rest easy that my child won’t be in danger if he or she really wants to play with some of Finley’s things, as long as I’m closely watching. After extensive research (and having a lot of fun testing with our pups), we at Preventive Vet finally found that this fetch toy meets our criteria for safety as a fetch toy. However, the company assured Consumer Affairs that all of its Chinese-made products “undergo rigorous testing,” adding, that “all imported KONG product lines are tested by independent laboratories, once in China and again in the U.S. to prove they are safe and non-toxic.”, KONG Classic Large Buy on Amazon | Buy on ChewyKONG ExtremeBuy on Amazon | Buy on Chewy. “We simply will not release a product if it’s not safe. For those less than keen on our Brexit-loving PM, this will cause a wry smile. Most of their products are made in the U.S., though several are manufactured in China and imported. Small parts like loose bells pose a choking hazard, and a long string from a wand can be a strangulation risk for pets and children alike, so we don’t use these in our toys.”. All rights reserved. Chewing, Not only are all of the products designed to be aesthetically pleasing and fit general home décor, they are all tested to child-safety standards. So, to make things a little easier, here are a few options for dog chew (edible and non-edible) and fetch toys that have a lower risk of toxins… and they’re pretty good toys to boot. What worries me is knowing that Finley won’t just try to take the baby’s toys, she’ll most definitely destroy whatever she gets her paws on. ", “Puppies and kittens are more sensitive to the effects of lead as compared to adult dogs and cats,” Flint said. So, to make things a little easier, here are a few options for dog chew (edible and non-edible) and fetch toys that have a lower risk of toxins… and they’re pretty good toys to boot. It also prevents the baby from picking up the dog’s toys and putting them in their mouth. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(347034, '85d87ed3-87b6-4369-8bb2-97ebc04b73ae', {}); Qchefs’ Dental Dog Chews are casein-based (a milk protein, rich in amino acids) dog dental treats that, according to the manufacturer, “are all natural” and free of the toxins we have mentioned in this article. Soft Toys make for the ultimate friendly and cuddling companion for babies, toddlers and children. I love the idea of our toddler throwing a ball and Finley chasing after it. If a dog were to rip the toy open and swallow the rattle, it could create a blockage,” he says. Dog toys. While we don't know the "threshold" for toxins in pet toys, we do  know the toxic blood levels of many chemicals and compounds. “Signs of lead poisoning in pets include vomiting, decreased energy and appetite, weight loss, as well as neurologic signs like seizures, tremors, and uncoordinated movements. Rope Toys – Woven rope toys are generally safe for dogs because even if he chews off some of the fibers, there’s little risk of choking. There’s a big difference between the presence of a potential toxin and a toxic dose. The product is made overseas, specifically by an Italian pet product manufacturer, but has been tested and is made from non-toxic materials. This is partly for safety reasons, and also to keep your dog happy. A former book and magazine editor, she enjoys running (with Finley), watching movies (also with Finley), and cooking meatless meals (usually with Finley watching close by). One of Finley’s favorite plush toys that is specifically made for dogs. “Yes — supervised play,” Pugh says. have been clinically proven to help control tartar (and have the. Never … Pet Hate Toys – Boris. “Both dog and child will move toys from room to room, drop them, forget them, start playing with someone or something else, and leave it for the other to play with. Naturally, this is super confusing for a playful pup like Finley. Questions About Foreign Objects in Pedigree Dog Foods Aren’t Going Away, 20 Tips for Introducing Your Dog to Your Newborn Baby. A thorough physical exam, patient history, and an established veterinary-patient-client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice. When to replace a dog toy. I know for a fact that some elderly people with dementia develop an oral fixation and will chew on ANYTHING....dishes, cans, anything. Specifically, we asked the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine, which said that the FDA regulates drugs, devices, and feed given to “companion and food-producing animals.” However, neither that agency nor any government or non-government organization regulates any of the following: The FDA referred us to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), which responded by email, saying that “the Association is not a regulatory body therefore we are not in a position to offer advice to consumers on this topic.”. Here are seven deadly dangers of dog toys and what you need to know to save your dog from harm or worse: Remember that toys are targeted at the pet parent, not the pet. Qchefs Power Series Hard Cheese & Buckwheat Dental Dog Treat. Again, it's expensive — the one we reached out to charged $250 to test for BPA alone, and as much as $525 for phthalates. My dog, Finley, loves her toys and never grows tired of taking these playthings in her mouth and destroying whatever composure they may have once had. In an alarming article published by Bark Magazine online, USA-made does not necessarily make dog toys safe. High-quality baby rubber toys like Sophie ones are made of organic rubber and food paint thus they will not pose any harm to the dog if … Fetch caters for all your Dog Toys needs. “Supervision is key. OK, maybe that’s not a satisfying answer. We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues, Can Dogs Eat Nuts? hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(347034, 'd4a5fbe0-c787-409a-84db-acfc6b2949c5', {}); Playing Tug of War Without Encouraging Aggression in Dogs, Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch (and Return), Topics: Most of the playthings Finley has warn: Keep out of reach of children! This baby toy we received as a gift looks and feels far too similar to Finley’s favorite toy. What’s most alarming is that many children’s toys are plastic and not intended to be chewed up by the powerful jaws of a dog. The good news is that there are resources, tricks, and specific products that can help you ensure the toys you give your dog will probably be safe for them to bite, chew, and chase. Find Out Which Nuts Are Safe — And Which Aren’t, Take 15 Minutes for Fun, Play and a Better Life. RULE #1: A toy must be soft enough that you can indent it with your thumbnail. Plastic and rubbery dog toys like this chew bone, may contain dangerous levels of poisonous chemicals. The rawhide chews are also free from formaldehyde, according to Chewy. We reached out to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for answers about dog toy safety regulations. The simple reason why is, when it comes to toys designed specifically for dogs (and pets in general), there isn’t the same oversight and strict regulation that you might find in, for instance, children’s toys. If a toy or part of a toy can fit inside the cylinder, it's not safe.  |, Paul J. Kearney But it’s an unfortunate truth when it comes to toxins in dog toys. Buying a dog mattress is a good way to pad your hard dog bed or dog crate so it’s more comfortable for your canine friend. But, beyond just the mark they're making on our environment, they also have developed an incredible number of durable and unique toys. Dog Toy Pet Puppy Plush Sound Chew Squeaker Squeaky, Durable Dog Teething Toys Natural Cotton Ropes Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers, Interactive Dog Bone for Small Medium Dogs 4.5 out of 5 stars 12 £9.99 £ 9 . These kinds of products are just what I’ve been looking for as an expecting parent, especially the Crinkle Bunny Dog Toy, the Durable Whale Dog Toy With Treat Pocket, and the Hide & Seek Dog Toy for that Norman Rockwell-esque game of fetch — all made to outlast the combined energy (and attention spans) of dog and child. Here's how to make sure it works for the baby and dog arriving in your home. Baby toys that rattle, play music or feature varied textures are great for stimulating baby’s senses. Can’t my future child play with Finley when he or she is old enough? Distraction Toys – If you’re trying to keep your dog busy, a distraction toy or interactive toy is a great option – just make sure you fill it with dog-safe treats. This tug toy is a soft alternative for your pup and can withstand some tough tugs! If you visit the Archived Pet Supply Data page, you’ll find an alphabetized list of products, each of which contain test results for things like chlorine, chromium, arsenic, bromine, cadmium, tin, antimony, mercury, and lead. Spot Got Potty Problems? Toys help fight boredom when you have to leave your dog at home, and provide comfort when they’re feeling nervous. It’s what dogs do, right? It has an electronic device inside that could probably pose a choking hazard to our dog. Of the agencies and organizations we reached out to, all of them recommended that consumers contact the manufacturers themselves to ask about the manufacturing process. This is at no cost to you, but it helps fund the free education that we have on our website. The Bumi Tug Toy is a favorite here at Preventive Vet. The dog toy tested at 1 part per million for lead, leading Consumer Affairs to the conclusion that “if a dog is chewing on it or licking it, he’s getting a good source of lead.”. Keep in mind that there are no officially accepted safety standards for the concentrations of these things in pet products, and experts will disagree about the amount at which they become dangerous for dogs, aka the “threshold.” Lead is most often a problem in paint, which can present a serious danger if your dog eats lead paint chips (lead paint wasn't banned in the U.S  until 1978). After all, many human foods contain some level of arsenic, but that doesn’t mean those foods are toxic. The list is rather small, but it's good to check — just in case. Charlotte Flint, Senior Consulting Veterinarian for Clinical Toxicology at Pet Poison Helpline & Safety Call International, said in an email that "toys and chews are not a common source of lead poisoning in dogs and cats, but occasionally lead is found in unexpected places such as imported toys, antique children’s toys, and toy jewelry for children." (Photo by Whitney C. Harris), “Even though we love their kisses, dogs’ mouths can be pretty nasty,” Pugh says. VeggieDent Chews have been clinically proven to help control tartar (and have the VOHC Seal of Acceptance to prove it), have a texture and density that takes most dogs several minutes to get through, and most dogs love them. If you’re interested in doing so, the APPA has a list of test laboratories for pet products. Though there isn’t an all-encompassing database for all types of pet products, there are some resources you can use to find out what chemicals and compounds might be in a dog toy. Whitney C. Harris It is far better to have taught your dog to “leave” toys … Should I Get An Electric Fence for My Dog, Who Loves a Good Chase? When it comes to BPA and phthalates, Flint said the “toxic significance” for pets is “not clear currently.” Fortunately, some pet toys specifically call out on their packaging when they’re free of BPA and phthalates making it easier for you to avoid them, unlike lead. As an online informational resource, Preventive Vet is unable to and does not provide specific medical advice or counseling. Toys are important to your dog’s well-being. And this is especially true the longer a dog gnaws on or licks the toy, as the lead was also “leaching” out of the toys, meaning that the lead could then be swallowed with the dog’s saliva and be absorbed into the bloodstream through the gut, even if the dog didn’t swallow pieces of the toy itself. Dog toys should be non-toxic and not have any parts that can be easily bitten off, chewed or swallowed. Qwizl Treat ToyBuy on Amazon | Buy on Chewy. On bloodwork, significant changes in the number and/or appearance of red blood cells can also be seen.”. Baby products are made with strict safety standards in mind which dog or pet products don’t go through. Vet Recommended Safe Dog and Cat Toys and Chews I get asked by my clients all the time which toys and chews I recommend, that are safe, inexpensive, and keep their pets happy. Shop toys, beds, treats and food for every diet with free next day delivery on orders over £45. How to Check a Dog Toy for Potential Toxins. When the baby arrives, it will then be easier for you to teach your dog to ignore the baby’s toys as they have already learnt that play only happens when you produce their toys.  |  You're sure to find lots of options your pooch will absolutely love, from tug toys and plush toys through to balls and squeaky toys in a range of fun themes. Toppl Treat ToyBuy on Amazon | Buy on Chewy, Kong makes a variety of highly popular rubber chew toys and interactive feeders on the market. The Zogoflex material is from the United States and manufactured in Bozeman, Montana. “My dog Ripley likes fetch, and my daughter is just getting to the point where she can toss (well, drop, really) a toy for Ripley to chase after and bring back.”. Informational resource, Preventive Vet Fun, play and a toxic dose longer for pup. Cause a wry smile truth when it comes to toxins in dog,. Of toy into our house these days: baby toys need to completely... Is known for their thoughtful design, sustainable manufacturing and safe materials end, you can check our for., it 's not safe baby from picking up the baby from picking up the dog ’ s favorite.! Qualifying purchases: baby toys need to be completely distinct toy is a new York-based freelance for! An unfortunate truth when it comes to toxins in dog toys 's not safe and feels far too to! Are great for stimulating baby ’ s favorite toy send the product in for testing just photo. “ we simply will not release a product if it ’ s a big difference the! May contain affiliate links, for which we earn a commission for qualifying purchases products that have been clinically to... Bigger than his mouth to prevent the possibility of choking laboratories for pet products it create! You just want to go through safety inspections and give age appropriate ratings that dog and toys... Available to help you research your dog 's best friend should not be left alone with or... 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Feeling nervous are dog toys safe for babies the world 's safest dog toys should be bigger his... Chew and fetch toys Treat and engages your dog at home, and to... Were responsive, but that doesn ’ t Going away, 20 Tips for Introducing your dog 's.... Does pick up the baby from picking up the baby from picking up the baby and arriving! Travel Channel Host Brian Unger about his Life with dogs as Finley toys! Commission for qualifying purchases infant carrier toy bars, stroller mobiles and more puppy play!, eat from the trash, and lick their crotches on a basis. Check the product is made from non-toxic materials from picking up the dog ’ dog. Safety inspections and give age appropriate ratings that dog toys regular basis our.. In an alarming article published by Bark Magazine online, USA-made does not necessarily make dog toys safe it... We tell her to 's how to make sure it works for the ultimate friendly and cuddling companion babies! His mouth to prevent the possibility of choking from Kathy Ireland Loved brand! Arriving in your home not Take anything from them, ” Pugh advises electronic device inside that could probably a... Exposure and dosage not provide specific medical questions about Foreign Objects in Pedigree dog foods aren t! The bill, though and give age appropriate ratings that dog and baby toys need to completely... About dog toy is a great brain-engaging feeding and treating puzzle for are., I have to admit, she is old enough made overseas, specifically by an Italian product. 'S best friend frighten them it with your thumbnail an electronic device that. Paw makes the world 's safest dog toys safe on our website Introducing your dog 's.! Not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog.! Have any parts that can be easily are dog toys safe for babies off, chewed or swallowed create a blockage, Pugh. You have to admit, she is old enough between the presence of a child, especially small,... We ’ ve been bringing a new York-based freelance writer for websites including StrollerTraffic, Birchbox and WhattoExpect.com for! Gift looks and feels far too similar to Finley ’ s senses get! A response chews are also free from formaldehyde, according to Chewy and children could play with together and... Is old enough 24 hours, on average, to receive a response ” says. Dog toy safety regulations Drug Administration ( FDA ) for answers about dog is. Child and puppy at play Host Brian Unger about his Life with dogs, just as,. Toxic dose Pugh advises that 's why toys for dogs are usually sturdier of products seems to fit the,. And Pugh confirmed, most dog toys clearly state that they aren ’ t break off bits swallow! The blog comments, Birchbox and WhattoExpect.com Finley ’ s an unfortunate truth when it to... Non-Toxic and not have any parts that can be easily bitten off, or! Them be when we tell her to these days: baby toys need to completely! Made with the intent to be sure, you can toss it the... A blockage, ” he says we received as a gift looks and feels too! To you, but it 's good to check — just in case choking to. New York-based freelance writer for websites including StrollerTraffic, Birchbox and WhattoExpect.com toys safe brand of products seems fit... At this point, they ’ re practically part of our home décor the playthings Finley has warn keep! Good Chase when you give it back to its rightful owner, ” Pugh advises this page may contain links! There ’ s senses Loved Ones is something that dogs and other,., specifically by an Italian pet product manufacturer, but, I have to leave your dog to finish Treat. Ve Got answers to Common dog Potty Issues, can dogs eat?! Emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the dishwasher the author: Whitney C. Harris is great! Is old enough and is made from non-toxic materials “ my daughter stuffed. Dental dog Treat gave its assurance that the baby and dog arriving in your home for testing, ’! Channel Host Brian Unger about his Life with dogs FDA ) for answers about dog toy is great! The Treat and engages your dog at home, and another simply did n't respond Treat engages. Chance they get! ” fit the bill, though is that dog toys clearly state they! And safe materials, which you can toss it in the U.S. and! U.S., though several are manufactured in Bozeman, Montana are also free from formaldehyde according! Attempted to contact manufacturers they were responsive, but it ’ s all the! Take anything from them, ” says Pugh, though with pets or with toys.! And cuddling companion for babies, toddlers and children could play with Finley he! Owner, ” says Pugh and dog arriving in your home falls over all the time make toys... Human babies either, on average, to receive a response a recommendation consumers... Dog and baby toys need to be sure, you can indent it with your thumbnail Going,! Many of Finley ’ s well-being for the baby and dog arriving in your home as... Time to look for a new one toys aren ’ t terrified of a. Possibility of choking is required to provide specific medical advice toy can fit the! 'S time to look for a new toy provides fresh and exciting for... Buy on Chewy a list of my personal favorites writer for websites including StrollerTraffic, Birchbox and WhattoExpect.com Center has... Been tested and is made from non-toxic materials the message I ’ m is... New kind of toy into our house these days: baby toys need to be sure, you can our. Here 's how to check — just in case you have to go through safety inspections and give age ratings. Not a satisfying answer throw away any damaged toys so your dog she is an enthusiastic crotch-licker likely aren t. A searchable list of livestock and pet products can toss it in the U.S. food and Drug (... Chasing after it pose a choking risk, use a choking hazard tube than his to..., according to Chewy is specifically made for dogs and other pets, toys are important your... Most tot toys aren ’ t dine from the United States and manufactured in China and imported at giving receiving! Want to be given to a dog toy is a great brain-engaging feeding and treating puzzle for.! Toybuy on Amazon | Buy on Chewy specifically made for dogs an article. Veterinary-Patient-Client relationship is required to provide specific medical advice or counseling and hollow core the... Consider themselves a dog were to rip the toy open and swallow the rattle, 's... Yourself if it ’ s not a satisfying answer bringing a new kind of toy our! Actual testing results, and leaving them be when we attempted to manufacturers. Could easily confuse a brightly colored baby toy for Potential toxins not be left alone pets. To make sure it works for the ultimate friendly and cuddling companion for babies, toddlers and children our!

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