Youyour best friend,And your dog's products may be ToxicYouyour best friend, And your dog's products may be Toxic
Not on the Regulatory Radar
Some products on the market of animals don't fall under the regulatory authority of any government or non-government organization, including:
- Cat litter
- Pet accessories, such as toys, beds, and crates
- Grooming aids
- Bedding for pet birds and small animals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters
Source: FDA
Many Pet Products Are Not Regulated
Children's products have to meet strict federal requirements, yet it seems like no one is looking out for our fur babies.
There is no oversight of shape, materials, or manufacturing processes for quality or safety of many pet products.
Research Suggests Toxins in Pet Products Include
Toys
Phthalates:
Added to plastic to increase flexibility and durability, phthalates disrupt the hormonal system and cognitive development and are linked to health problems including cancer, infertility, obesity, asthma, and more.
Lead:
Used to soften and stabilize plastic, lead is one of several heavy metals found in certain pet products. Lead damages organs like the brain and kidneys, weakens the immune system, and can even lead to death at high levels.
Beds
Flame Retardants:
Used to prevent or slow the spread of fire, flame retardants interfere with immune system and hormone function and are linked to cancer, thyroid disorders, learning disabilities, and more.
Formaldehyde:
Used in adhesives (e.g. glue) and finishing treatments (e.g. wrinkle and stain resistance), formaldehyde is linked to numerous health problems including respiratory conditions, eye and skin irritation, and cancer.
Grooming Supplies
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):
Used to make shampoo foamy and help clean dirt and oil off the coat and skin, SLS is very drying and is linked to skin and eye irritation as well as allergic reactions. SLS can also be contaminated by ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen.
Parabens:
Used as a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in shampoos, parabens disrupt the hormonal system and are linked to health problems including but not limited to allergies, developmental abnormalities, obesity, and cancer.
And Many Other Toxins Are Also Found.
What does this mean for my dog?
Pets Are Contaminated with Toxic Chemicals
Whether it's chewing their favorite toy, eating scraps off the floor, or grooming themselves, dogs are frequently using their mouths, allowing for easy absorption of toxins. They also don't (typically) wear clothing or bathe daily, leading to further contamination as their skin is 3x thinner than ours. They're also more sensitive to chemicals as they're smaller - like children.
While we can't teach our dogs to stop using their mouths to explore the world or bathe them every day (as that could harm the health of their skin and coat), we can choose better quality products to reduce their exposure to health-harming chemicals.
Pets Develop Health Problems More Rapidly Than Us Due to Their Shorter Lifespans
Dogs age faster than humans, as much as we wish they wouldn't. When exposed to toxins, dogs develop diseases in a similar way to humans, however they get sicker faster because of their shorter lifespans. In fact, dogs have historically been considered “sentinels of environmental exposure” and have been used to monitor carbon monoxide levels in mines, study the impact of air pollution and pesticides, and more as a read through for human health.
By doing our best to keep our pets safe from toxins, we may be able to improve their quality of life and extend their lifespans by keeping them healthier for longer.
Pets Are Suffering From the Negative Side Effects of These Toxins
Not surprisingly, pets are suffering from their exposure to toxic chemicals. The leading causes of death for dogs today are cancer, cardiac and kidney failure, and autoimmune disease. We've seen a large increase in dogs diagnosed as overweight or obese in the past 10 years, growing to over 50% of all dogs. Research suggests that overweight dogs live up to two and a half years shorter on average and are significantly more likely to develop skin problems, diabetes, thyroid disease, mobility issues, and respiratory conditions.
Our pets rely on us to take care of them. Here at The Hearty Paw, we want to empower you to make more conscientious decisions to improve the wellness of your best friend.
Our Pledge to You
High-Quality, Clean, and Sustainable
Products You Can Trust
We did the research for you by leveraging the science, listening to the experts, and using sound judgment to bring you a highly curated selection of products that you can trust. While no process is perfect, we are fully committed to you and your pet's wellness and are guided by our core principles of quality, safety, and sustainability.