Bisphenol A, aka BPA, is a chemical compound used in many plastics — and for years, it has been linked to various health problems in humans and animals. For dogs, a potential source of BPA exposure is also one of their greatest joys: their toy box. A new studyopens in a new tab published in Chemosphere found that chewing toys containing BPA can lead to obesity in dogs.
The dangers of BPA for dogs
BPA has been linked to various health issues for many years now. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced opens in a new tab that low levels of BPA are safe, some experts disagree. High levels of BPA have been linked toopens in a new tab high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
BPA also disrupts the endocrine systemopens in a new tab, which causes hormonal changes. In dogs and humans, these changes are associated with infertilityopens in a new tab.
One study investigatedopens in a new tab the effect of dogs eating canned food from containers containing BPA. The researchers found that when 14 pets were switched to a canned food diet, their BPA levels increased threefold. It also confirmed that BPA can affect the animal’s gut microbiome, which can lead to gastrointestinal, neurological, and immunological health problems, possibly including some cancers.
Plus, what’s bad for the earth is bad for all of us. BPA is terrible for the environment; the Environmental Working Groupopens in a new tab states that it is a major pollutant of air, water, and soil. One study foundopens in a new tab that at high levels, BPA reduces photosynthesis in plants.
New research links some plastic toys to obesity
Researchers recently set out to find out more about the effect of BPA on the health of dogs. They found that when dogs chew toys containing BPA, the BPA is excreted in their saliva. It then changes certain gene receptors, leading to the creation of more fat cells. “Our findings suggest that companion dogs are at risk of exposure to BPA, which may contribute to obesity in dogs,” wrote Eun-Jung Park, the study’s lead author.
Park added that “the implementation of precautionary measures is very important.” Fortunately, many dog toys are BPA-free. West Paw is a petcare companyopens in a new tab making durable, resilient toys that are BPA and Phthalate free. Other non-plastic options, such as toys made of wood, wool, or rope may also be safer options. When looking for plush toys, keep in mind that the squeakers inside plush toys may be made of plastic, and some stuffing may be plastic.
You can protect your pup by researching the materials used to make pet toys before purchasing. Note that there is currently no FDA ban on BPA, so FDA-approved dog products are not necessarily BPA-free.