Pet theft is on the rise, with close to 2 million pets being stolen each year. Depending on breed, some of these pets end up as fighting dogs, used for breeding, or sold to labs that test on animals. In many other cases, they’re simply given as gifts or taken home.

A stolen pet is a particularly tragic situation, as many of these pets are never reunited with their rightful families. While this may seem unlikely because you supervise your pet, the reality is there are many situations that put a pet at risk. Pet theft can happen any time; all it takes is a few seconds.

In observance of Pet Theft Awareness Day on February 14th, we want to help protect your pet by offering up the following tips.

10 Tips to Avoid a Stolen Pet

1. Microchip your pet. If your pet is found or is sold to a business, there’s a possibility they’ll be scanned for a microchip, which would identify the rightful owner. Microchipping is also the best way to ensure you’re reunited with your pet should they ever become lost.
2. Never leave your pet alone in the yard. The backyard may seem like a safe place for your pet to relax and play, but if your dog is out there unattended, it’s a definite red flag for possible theft. Instead, opt to enlist some help from a pet sitter or walker to take your pet out while you’re away.
3. Don’t leave your dog tied up in front of a store. It’s understandable for a pet owner of a well behaved pooch to want to leave their pet tied up for just few a few minutes while they pop into the store or cafe. In most cases, your pet will probably be greeted by fellow pet lovers, but there’s always the possibility of theft.
4. Don’t leave your pet alone in the car. This should be a no-brainer, but every year, pets perish from hyperthermia when left inside a car. However, even during mild days, thieves have been known to pick locks or break windows to grab a cherished pet.
5. Keep a close watch, even at dog parks. It’s natural to assume that dog parks are safe zones for our pets because so many other owners are around. They’re watching your dog, right? Not so much. Amidst all the chaos of people coming and going, someone can easily make off with your pet. Supervision is always a must!
6. Be careful about discussing the cost or rarity of your pet. It’s easy to chat up your pet with anyone and everyone, especially on social media, but remember this can also make your pet a target.
7. Be aware of breeds that are more likely to be stolen. Pit bulls, rottweilers, and other breeds are often stolen for fighting. Breeds like French bulldogs and Maltese are commonly stolen for their high price tag. Be aware of the risk.
8. Spay or neuter your pet. Intact animals are more likely to escape. If your pet roams, there’s a good chance someone will spot them and either keep or sell your beloved pet. Not everyone is a good Samaritan.
9. Lock gates and consider security. Make your yard univiting to thieves by installing security cameras and investing in privacy fencing.
10. Keep recent photos of your pet. Should your pet ever go missing, current photos can help locate your pet. Keep pictures on file that show your pet’s face and profile, as well as identifying traits or markers.

The idea of a stolen pet can be frightening, but it’s possible to prevent this scenario by keeping our helpful tips in mind. If you have any questions, please call the team at West Park.

The post An Unthinkable Tragedy: How to Avoid a Stolen Pet appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, love is in the air, and many of our readers may find themselves in a new relationship. For some pet owners, introducing your dog and your new partner may be dicey; for others, it goes surprisingly well (I mean, who wouldn’t love your dog?).

While your new partner may be a pet owner or an animal lover, introductions may need some finessing, especially in a new home. Even the most chill dog can get a little possessive or unruly when they’re introduced to another home with new sights, smells, and experiences.

The team at West Park Animal Hospital is happy to play Cupid by giving you some pointers on how to successfully take your pet to your new significant other’s home — without all the drama (we hope!).

5 Tips for Successfully Taking Your Dog to Your Partner’s Home

1. Establish the rules. Sit down with your partner and discuss the rules of his or her house. At your place, it may be fine to let pets on the sofa, but not everyone welcomes this. Ask about the rules regarding furniture and places that are off-limits. Also do a thorough sweep of the place, eliminating any possible toxic plants, substances, and other items that could be of interest to your dog.
2. Keep it simple at first. Instead of an overnight stay, introduce your pet to your partner’s new home for a quick playdate. Keep the experience friendly, upbeat, and focused on a game in the backyard or a meal together. Allow your pet to explore while on a leash and walk with them throughout areas of the home that are pet-friendly.
3. Supervise and recognize. It might be tempting to pay total attention to your new significant other, but while you’re doing that, your pup may be doing something else…like getting into the trash or peeing on the curtains. Keep close watch over your dog and note any sort of issues that may arise, like resource guarding over you, food, or other items.
4. Stay consistent. Just like you do in your own home, dogs rely on consistency in schedule, routine, and rules, so stick as closely as possible to your daily routine. If your pet isn’t normally allowed on the couch or the bed, stay firm. Helping your pet understand the expectations in a new home and rewarding good behavior can go a long way to successful sleepovers.
5. Compromise. Compromise is the key to any relationship and that extends to how your partner interacts with your pet. Not everyone will have the same rules about dogs in the home, but it’s important that your best friend also feels safe and welcome. Don’t forget to pay attention to your pet and do activities together, like take a walk with you, your dog, and your new partner.

Your Dog and Your New Partner: Trouble in Paradise?

Sometimes, a compromise between your dog and your new partner cannot be reached without some help from the professionals. If your dog is displaying aggression or anxiety, please call us so we can help resolve the problem. It may require some adjustments and possible behavioral training, but with a little effort and patience, love conquers all!

The post They Call it Puppy Love: Your Dog and Your New Partner appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Chances are you’ve been out at a restaurant, hotel, or grocery store and have seen dogs in service animal vests accompanying their owners. You may have even considered getting your dog one of those vests so readily obtained on Amazon (advertising that you can “take your dog anywhere”), and passing them off as therapy dogs.

Many people are now doing this, and what’s the harm?

Most pet owners would love to spend more time with our dogs, and bringing them along wherever we go sounds pretty good. But, at West Park Animal Hospital, we are here with a plea: Don’t pretend your dog is a service animal. Here’s why!

First, Some Definitions

First, let us clarify some of the definitions.

Service Dog – A service dog has received extensive training (up to 2 years) to be able to perform tasks and work that ease their handler’s disability. These tasks can include but are not limited to:

• Pulling a wheelchair
• Reminding their handler to take medication
• Picking up objects for people whose spinal injuries prevent them from doing so
• Recognizing an oncoming diabetic episode or epileptic seizure
• Assisting a blind person in moving safely

Service dogs s are permitted access to all public facilities and accommodations under the Americans with DIsabilities Act. They are therefore allowed into public areas, such as hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores, that otherwise prohibit dogs.

People are generally discouraged from interacting with service dogs while they are working, as not to distract them from their work. They wear special vests that identify them as working service dogs, and they are specifically trained to be unobtrusive, non-reactive, and well behaved.

Therapy Dog – Therapy dogs also receive training and provide people with therapeutic contact, usually in a clinical setting like schools, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. They are generally easy going and friendly dogs who like human interaction. They do not receive any special access, however, unless agreed to in advance by the facility.

Emotional Support Animals – Although emotional support animals are sometimes a part of a medical treatment plan, they are not considered service animals under the ADA. These animals may relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and certain phobias, but they do not receive any special training.

The nuances of the difference between service and support animals are not well understood, and it is tricky to question someone on the validity of the need for a service animal. There are no special certification papers or even a certifying body for these animals. The combination of these facts have made faking a service animal more and more common.

The Sad Truth About Fake Therapy Dogs

The sad truth is that faking a service animal or therapy dog diminishes their recognition. Service dogs are so highly trained that they don’t eat off of restaurant tables, don’t greet other dogs or people, and, in general, are unobtrusive to the point that you might not even know they’re there. Sadly, some of the imposters have service dog vests, confusing business owners and giving true service dogs a bad name.

Unless your dog is trained as a service animal, it’s wrong and may have legal ramifications to pretend otherwise. People who depend on a service dog to live a functional life are falling under unfair suspicion because of an epidemic of fakes. Of course, we all would like to be able to take our beloved pets with us everywhere we go, but not at the risk of making life more challenging for someone with a true disability.

With so many beaches, cafes, restaurants, and hiking trails in our fair city that welcome dogs, there are many opportunities to take your dog with you and still play by the rules. For more information on service and therapy dogs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The post Don’t Fake It: Service and Therapy Dogs appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

For centuries, humans have turned to the scientific method to help untangle life’s mysteries. Considering how deeply entwined our lives are with our dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, it’s no surprise that we would be intensely curious about what makes them tick, and how that relates to our relationships with them.

Here at West Park Animal Hospital, our fascination with pets remains at an all-time high, and we can’t think of a better way to ring in the New Year than with the latest pet research!

The Latest Pet Research at Your Fingertips

Pets can present a true paradox. On the one hand, it can seem like we know them as well as we know ourselves; we are accustomed to centering our lives around them, to a certain degree, and their moods, needs, habits, and wants seem clear as day. On the other hand, we don’t speak the same language, and it’s easy to get frustrated when you can’t figure out what your pet wants from you.

The latest pet research is proof that animal scientists and behaviorists are working to help us figure out what’s going on with our four-legged friends:

• Funny faces – A recent study has shown that dogs utilize more facial expressions when humans are looking at them, such as moving their eyebrows and exhibiting their tongues. Perhaps most surprisingly, these facial fluctuations appear unrelated to the desire for food or affection, but seem to be used as a means of communicating with their human family members.

• Your cat loves you – We all hope that our cats truly care for us, and not just for the food and shelter we provide. As it turns out, most cats will choose human interaction over food and favorite toys.

• Helping obese pets – The obesity epidemic has reached our pets, and over 50% of U.S. dogs and cats are considered overweight. New research indicates that pets can also lose weight in much the same way humans can, by embarking on a high-protein, high-fiber diet while simultaneously increasing their daily activity.

• Color counts – Studies indicate that a cat’s coat color has an effect on their personality. For example, cats with tortoiseshell coats tend to be more independent and attached to just one person, whereas the orange tabby reigns as the friendliest and most gregarious of felines.

Do you have any questions or concerns about the latest pet research and your wonderful pet? Please don’t hesitate to contact your team at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post Meow-Wow! Learn More About Your Furry BFF with the Latest Pet Research appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Humans and dogs have been working alongside each other for thousands of years. Throughout history, humans have bred dogs to perform specific tasks, and our shared history includes hunting, herding, and guarding. Although dogs are still performing many of the same tasks they were bred for, jobs for working dogs has changed in exciting and fascinating ways over the years.

Jobs for Working Dogs

Our modern society has opened up a world of new jobs for working dogs. These four-legged heroes perform critical functions for humans, including:

• Detection – The amazing noses and ears of military, police, and customs K9s are put to good use when it comes to detecting explosives, drugs, chemicals, cadavers, money, electronics, food and plant material, and more.
• Search and rescue – Search and rescue dogs work to find missing people, including lost hikers, drowning victims, and victims of natural disasters or terrorist attacks. The dogs may work with an official unit, such as police or military, or may be part of a volunteer search and rescue organization.
• Service – Service dogs are essential to the independence of adults and children with disabilities. They live with and perform duties, such as assisting the visually and hearing impaired with daily tasks, detecting a rise in blood sugar in a diabetic handler, predicting an oncoming seizure, and protecting those they assist from harm during a medical event.
• Therapy – Therapy dogs are specifically trained to comfort and support individuals who grapple with a wide variety of debilitating mental or emotional conditions, including PTSD, domestic violence, severe depression, and more. Therapy dogs can also be trained to visit and enjoy positive interactions with sick and elderly patients in hospitals and homes.

Your Working Dog

Whether you have a purebred dog or a Heinz 57 mix, there’s a good chance they still experience the drive to do whatever jobs their ancestry was bred for. Since most of us no longer need the assistance of dogs to provide us with food or protection, it’s important to find other ways to keep their brains and bodies busy. Try out a few of these jobs with your pup to provide exercise and mental stimulation:

• Nosework – Many dogs can be easily trained to find a hidden treat, object, or even person for a thrilling game of hide-and-seek.
• Tug – Even if your dog wasn’t specifically bred for pulling, they still may enjoy a good round of tug-of-war.
• Retrieving/chasing – There’s nothing wrong with a plain old game of fetch, but you can spice it up for your dog in a variety of ways. Try slowly dragging a toy or stuffed animal tied to a string to stimulate your dog’s prey drive, or play a game of “keep away”.
• Puzzle fun – DIY treat puzzles and homemade agility courses are wonderful ways to challenge an active breed.
• Obedience – Practicing simple commands or moving on to more complex training is mentally stimulating for all dog breeds.

Questions or concerns about your best pal or jobs for working dogs? Your team at West Park Animal Hospital is only a phone call away!

The post Modern Jobs for Working Dogs appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Looking back at the last holiday season, does it feel like it was longer than a mere 12 months ago? It’s all relative, of course, but for many, 2017 was a long year. Luckily, the Cavaliers and the Indians kept our enthusiasm in tact, lest we forget that Lady Gaga, Guns’N’Roses, and Billy Joel all graced our fine city this year.

Reflecting on our own accomplishments in 2017, we can say we’re honored to be a part of your pet’s life. We hope our pet care blog found a way to help you with your pet’s health, fitness, or behavior. Beyond the usual issues, we also like to explore topics that are relevant to our community of pet lovers, especially ones that support and enhance the human-animal bond.

Our Top 10 Pet Care Blogs of 2017

1. Pet Treats: The Good, The Bad, And The Delicious – Pets and treats seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. We use treats for training, rewarding, and simply to make our pets happy. American pet owners buy so many treats, in fact, that pet treats made up 16% of U.S. pet food spending in 2014. Read More…
2. The Current Scoop On Canine Kennel Cough – With the recent outbreak of canine kennel cough and canine influenza occurring in the Chicago area, the media is all abuzz with talk about these diseases. Many pet owners want to know what the word is on canine kennel cough and whether they should be worried. Read More…
3. 5 Things Pet Owners Should Know About Winter In Cleveland – Like much of the United States, we enjoy four distinct seasons here in Cleveland; rainy springs, warm summers, crisp autumns, and snowy winters. While we are fortunate to not experience a lot of the extreme weather dangers typically seen in other parts of the country, Cleveland residents (and their pets) must contend with a longer-than-average winter, typically November-April. Read More…
4. Those Adorable, Adoptable Dogs! – October is the American Humane Association’s Adopt-a-Dog Month, and your friends and West Park Animal Hospital want to thank all of the wonderful pet parents who have provided homes for pound puppies and other shelter pets over the years. Read More…
5. Winter Paw Care For Healthy, Happy Feet – Just as you might pay special attention to your pet’s paws during hot summer days, winter brings its own challenges for paw health and safety. Read More…
6. Gifts That Give Back – How You Can Help Animals In Need – If you are like most of us, this time of the year can be a source of stress. There’s so much traffic, limited parking at stores, growing credit card debt, and scheduling conflicts that can muddle our intentions of gratitude and love. However, after you take a much-needed deep breath, notice that the inherent seasonal joy can be magnified if the gifts you give are coming from your heart. Indeed, the true spirit of the holidays will shine when you give back to those in need. Read More…
7. Lost And Found Pets: What To Do With A Found Pet – At some point or another it’s likely that you will play the role of the Good Samaritan who comes across a scared cat under a porch or rescues a confused and frightened dog from a street or alley. Once we address the emergency at hand – that is, ensuring the pet is kept safe from immediate danger – we then find ourselves in the position to ask, “Now what?” Read More…
8. Walking The Dog! Celebrating National Walk Your Dog Month – The middle of winter may seem like strange timing to honor the importance of getting outside to walk your pet, especially here in Ohio. Temperatures in January don’t often inch far above freezing, and pets and their owners struggle to cope with cabin fever. Indeed, who really wants to get all bundled up right now to traipse through ice and snow? Read More…
9. Lost And Found Pets: What To Do When Your Pet Is Missing – Those of us who care for a pet find the idea of him or her becoming lost terrifying. Yet, each year, the greater Cleveland area sees thousands of lost pets on the streets and in shelters.  And, while some of these missing pets find their way back to their families; many pets remain unclaimed due to lack of identification tags or a microchip. Read More…
10. Corneal Ulcers In Pets: A Common Condition – Perhaps the most frequent eye problem that we see in our pet patients is the corneal ulcer. Pets with this problem often squint the eye, have tearing, or maybe even redness and swelling. These eye ulcers can be extremely painful and vary in severity from no big deal to an emergency situation. Read More…

As they say in the film industry, 2017 is “a wrap,” but that doesn’t mean we’ll forget all the valuable lessons and important tips from this past year.

From all of us at Westpark Animal Hospital, we hope you have a safe and happy celebration. See you in 2018! And thank you for reading our pet care blog!

The post Westpark Animal Hospital’s Top 10 Pet Care Blogs of 2017 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Throughout history, human beings will find any excuse to throw a party. We get together to celebrate nearly every milestone in life including birthdays, graduations, awards, retirements, baptisms, and many more. But why should we have all the fun?

Today’s pets enjoy an elevated status in our society, and with over 50% of U.S. households containing one or more four-legged family member, it makes sense that the pet party industry has taken off. At West Park Animal Hospital we love the idea of celebrating pets, and have put together some ideas to get you started off on the right paw when it comes to throwing your own pet friendly party.

Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right location is key to the success of any pet friendly party. A fenced in yard is ideal, but if you don’t have enough space in your home check out the local options in your community such as a local park (be sure to abide by leash laws), doggie daycare, or community center.

The Guest List

Just like with a human party, the guest list can make or break your gathering. Make sure to invite pets that get along with each other, and consider the ages and experience levels of any children that will be in attendance.

Goodies

A good menu is essential to any party. Besides providing for the humans at your party, you’ll need to make sure your four-legged guests have something tasty to munch on. Try making a batch of homemade dog treats or pupcakes, and make sure to provide plenty of bowls of fresh water.

Games

A party isn’t complete without an activity or two, but with a group of pets this can get tricky. Opt for simple, easy pet party games that don’t encourage jealous or guarding behaviors, or provide a pet pinata for some picture-worthy fun.

Pet Friendly Party Safety Tips

Making sure the environment is safe for all of the guests is top priority when it comes to planning a pet friendly party. Keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure that anything edible that will be served is not potentially poisonous to pets or poses or choking hazard.
• Similarly, toys, party favors, and other items pets may come into contact with should be free of toxins and small parts or bits that can be chewed off or swallowed.
• Clean up all leftovers, wrapping, ribbons, and other debris immediately to prevent pets from investigating.
• If you aren’t at home, pick up and properly dispose of any pet waste before you leave.
• Pets should be supervised at all times.

We hope your pet friendly party is a huge success! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff at West Park Animal Hospital with your questions and concerns regarding your pet.

The post Party Animals! Your Guide To Throwing A Pet Friendly Party appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Whether you’ve had your home completely decorated and all of your meals and gatherings planned since November, or you take a more minimalist (and last-minute) approach, there’s a certain element of nostalgic joy that goes along with the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays. This time of year probably doesn’t evoke the same emotions in your cat, but it may bring about intense curiosity, playfulness, and even stress that could get a kitty into hot water.

The gift of a cat friendly holiday is something any of us can create with a little bit of planning and preparation. Your ….

Tips for a Cat Friendly Holiday to Purr About

Create the ideal environment for your furry family member with our cat friendly holiday ideas:

• The tree – It’s the rare cat who isn’t fascinated by some aspect of the Christmas tree, whether that’s the ornaments, the branches, the water, or all three! Keep the tree secured to prevent toppling, and cover the water in a real tree as it may contain harmful fire retardants and other chemicals. Avoid hanging breakable or delicate ornaments on lower branches where your cat could get at them.
• Shiny, stringy dangers – Tinsel, curly ribbon, and string can be irresistible to cats, but can cause serious damage to the intestinal tract, including intestinal obstruction, if ingested. Leave these items out of your wrapping and decor.
• Plant safety – Many common holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, and especially lilies can be extremely toxic to cats. Think twice and check this list before bringing any plants into your home.
• Candles and fireplaces – There’s nothing like a bright, flickering flame to draw the attention of cats and kittens, but danger lurks if they get too close. Always supervise your cat near an open flame.
• Cords and lights – To your cat, that shiny string of electric lights or the extension cord stretching across the living room rug look like just another cat toy for them to play with. Unfortunately, chewing on a cord can cause electric shock, burns, or death. Hang lights where kitty can’t reach them and secure cords against a wall.

Celebrating Our Feline Friends

The holiday season is notoriously festive and full of parties and gatherings. A house full of people, music, laughter, New Year’s eve fireworks, and other seasonal chaos can be a fun part of the holidays, but what do our cats think?

Cats in general are highly sensitive to noise, and to changes in scenery and routine. Make sure you provide a safe, and preferably quiet, place for kitty to hide during a party or gathering. This could be an out of the way room (with doors that close), a high cupboard, or some other spot where they won’t be disturbed. Strive to keep your cat’s routine as normal as possible throughout the holidays to further alleviate stress.

Enjoying a cat friendly holiday will mean the world to your feline friends! Be sure to give the staff at West Park Animal Hospital a call with any questions and concerns you may have about your pet.

The post Meowy Christmas: Celebrating a Cat Friendly Holiday appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If you are like most cat aficionados, the holidays have a way of making things a little more complex around your home. Just how long will it be before Pickles knocks over the Christmas tree, or sends an heirloom ornament crashing down the hall? But holidays with cats doesn’t have to be a recipe for disaster.

In fact, your team at West Park Animal Hospital has a few tricks up our sleeve to keep your pets and decor safe, as well as to create a very catty Christmas that is meowy in every way.

Holidays with Cats: Big Trouble or Festive Fun?

Cats and Christmas make for a quirky mix. While we love them for their immense curiosity, this same quality makes it hard to keep the baubles and lights from becoming kitty’s playthings. Some holiday items to keep away from your pet include:

• If your cat is a climber, make sure to anchor your tree to the ceiling or adjoining wall for stability.
• Breakable items can shatter and cut your pet, so choose non-breakables like plastic, wood, and other sturdy ornaments.
• Prevent an accidental poisoning emergency by keeping all toxic foods, such as chocolate and desserts that contain Xylitol, as well as plants like lilies (highly toxic), holly, and mistletoe away from your pet.
• One of the worst offenders for pet emergencies during the holiday is tinsel. Tinsel, along with curling ribbon, is easily ingested and can cause a serious digestive system obstruction that often requires surgery.

Greats Gifts for Your Whiskered Loved One

After attending to all of the risks that should be off of your pet’s list this season, let’s take a look at the good stuff! Creating a cat-friendly holiday is all about planning and a little creativity.

Cat tree – Even though your cat can’t climb the family’s Christmas tree, you can find a tree especially for them to enjoy (without lights). The CatHaven Cat Tree will provide all of the fun foliage your cat loves to climb, or this Christmas Tree Cat House for curling up for a cat nap!

Personalized stocking – Just in time for Santa, this pet stocking is purrfect for filling with catnip, catnip mice, treats, and grooming supplies for kitty.

New holiday-themed toys – Nothing spells Christmas like gifts! Treat your special friend who has been good all year to a Santa Hat Crinkle Bag or these Time for Joy holiday plush toys.

Picture with Santa – Some venues offer days where you can bring your pet in for a holiday picture with Santa. If your cat is comfortable in new places, this may be a great idea for holiday postcards. Of course, you can also dress up like Santa and have a friend take a few Instagram-worthy shots, too, all from the comfort of home.

Silent Night for Cozy Cats

Christmas and other holidays can be wonderful, but also stressful for our whiskered pals. If your cat suffers from stress or anxiety around crowds, noises, and new experiences, your best bet would be to keep them in a secure room. But it doesn’t have to be boring! You can provide all of the treats, gifts, and essentials of home for a warm, content, and stress-free Christmas.

And, at the end of the busy day, you can relax with some kitty snuggles!

If you’d like additional ways to make holidays with cats safe and merry, please call the West Park team.

Happy Catty Holidays!

The post A Very Catty Christmas: Celebrating the Holidays with Cats appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Pets are a part of the family, so it only makes sense that we exercise scrutiny and caution before giving them things that might be dangerous. When it comes to supplying fun chew or chase toys, we’re typically drawn in by the bright colors, fun sounds, and neat designs of pet toys. Sometimes, we’re also attracted by the price. Unfortunately, there really aren’t any standards in place for safe pet toys, and there could be excessive levels of harmful chemicals affecting our best friends.

Searching for Guidelines

When most pets chew, lick, slobber on, bite, tug, and retrieve toys between the jaws, it doesn’t make sense that these objects aren’t closely controlled or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Luckily, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) does pay close attention to the importance of safe pet toys. Retailers like PetSmart also work toward supplying products that pass certain chemical standards.

At the end of the day, however, it’s up to each pet owner to find and offer the safest products for their pet. When you know what’s at stake, this process is much easier.

Increased Exposure

The baseline for lead levels in pet toys in the U.S. and Europe is 300 parts per millions (ppm). As we mentioned, when an animal plays heavily with a commercially sold product, the chances increase of exposure to formaldehyde, dyes, lead, arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals like barium, cadmium, chromium, and selenium.

Health problems vary, but permanent neurological damage is often associated with exposure. Vomiting, weight loss, seizures, and anemia are also possible.

Bad Vinyl

Commonly known as vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is extremely prevalent in pet toys. Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates are added to vinyl for different reasons, and they’re both highly toxic. They leach into skin, living tissue, air, water, and anything else in the environment. The general rule is that if a product has a strong chemical smell, the more dangerous additives it contains.

General Rules

When faced with the choice of buying discount store pet toys, consider that safe pet toys cost more because they’re of higher quality.

When used properly, safe pet toys add a great deal of activity and interest to your pet’s life. Please do not forego the purchase of toys; just be sure they meet high standards of safety. Also, the following guidelines apply:

• Do not leave toys out when you’re away from home or asleep.
• Safe pet toys must also include those that do not present choking risks.
• Toys with a single air hole can cause your pet’s tongue to become stuck.
• Watch how your pet chews; take toys away that shred to pieces.
• If the pet toy smells like chemicals, don’t buy it!
• Even toys made of non-synthetic fibers can present choking hazards or GI blockages.

Safe Pet Toys

It may seem like safe pet toys don’t exist, but they do! Please give us a call with any questions; we’re happy to direct you to the right products and nearby or online retailers. When it comes to your pet’s overall health and safety, we’re always here for you!

The post Dangerously High Levels: Do You Have Safe Pet Toys at Home? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.