Do you know for certain what’s in your pet’s bed? Formaldehyde? Lead? Arsenic? Those are a few of the incredibly harmful substances found in many memory foam dog beds. The majority of dog beds sold in the USA are made in China. Since your furry friend spends so much time on their bed, it’s crucial to properly research the materials used and where it’s produced. On average, dogs and cats sleep 12-18 hours per day, meanwhile fur babies and older pets need more rest. It's crucial they rest on a natural orthopedic bed, since your pet will spend the majority of their life sleeping!This article explores the shocking Top 5 Toxins found in foam dog beds by the Ecology Center in Michigan.
What's Wrong With My Pet's Bed?
It's no secret that some manufacturers have been cutting corners by using toxic substances and fillers in their foam for decades. Unfortunately, there is very little, and sometimes no regulation in terms of safety or purity of imported-manufactured memory foam dog beds. [1]
In conventional pet beds, there are a number of harmful chemicals that can be present, such as flame-retardants, hormone disrupting substances, VOCs, pesticide residues and more. Not only are they cheaply made, but most fiber, foam and synthetic pet beds are produced with toxic chemicals like arsenic, formaldehyde, lead and mercury. These toxins are slowly but surely having harmful consequences on your pet's health and the purity of your home.
Due to the significantly lower quality standards in some countries, the toxic fillers used slowly pollutes your home and puts your pet's health at risk. This is a real issue as these manufacturers are not necessarily obligated to disclose the hazardous substances used. [2] Plus, the cheap fillers have no supportive benefits or added durability, meaning they will quickly flatten, stain, off-gas and fall apart!
Unfortunately, the U.S. government does not require full testing of chemicals before they are added to most consumer products. Furthermore, the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has limited data on existing chemicals including toxicity exposure. Therefore, companies are not required to submit toxicity information unless a rule is issued. [2]
The Ecology Center's study provided the shocking facts that we've been speculating for years. The Ecology Center is a Michigan-based non-profit environmental organization. They educate consumers in the hopes for healthy communities, environmental justice and a sustainable future. [3] The Ecology Center conducted a series of tests to analyze the toxins commonly added to cheaply made pet beds.
Let's dig deeper and explore in detail the Top 5 Toxins found in dog beds.
Top 5 Toxins Found in Dog Beds
1. ARSENIC
Arsenic is a highly toxic heavy metal and a carcinogen used in preservatives, herbicides, pesticides and fuels. [4] Once absorbed by the body, arsenic travels to all the organs such as the liver, spleen kidneys, lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Continuous exposure to Arsenic to pets can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver disease, rapid weak pulse, lethargy, low body temperature, and weight loss. [5]
2. BROMINE
Bromine is a common type of flame retardant found in Chinese pet products. Other common and highly toxic flame retardants found in Chinese foam dog beds are Antimony, Chlorine, Formaldehyde and Tin. Nearly 95% of dog beds have detectable levels of Bromine, making it the most common toxin found in Ecology Center's tests. Exposure to bromine causes stomach irritation, vomiting, lethargy, constipation, tremors, muscle spasm, pancreatitis, depression and can even be sometimes fatal. [6]
3. LEAD
Lead is often used in the form of lead weights in dog beds. Absorbed lead enters the blood and soft tissues and eventually to the bones. [7] The Ecology Center found that out of 400+ pet products tested, 25% of them had detectable levels of lead. Furthermore, 7% of all pet products had lead levels higher than the 300 ppm limit allowed in children's toys. [8] Lead poisoning can lead to kidney damage, loss of appetite, vomiting, blindness, nervous system complications and anxiety.
4. PBDE - POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHER
PBDE is a neurotoxic fire retardant commonly used in Chinese-manufactured and cheap dog beds as a fire retardant. In 2008, Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a first of its kind study by testing the blood and urine samples of 20 dogs and 37 cats. Shockingly, the test results found 19 different PBDEs in the dogs' samples and 23X the amount in the cats' compared to the average levels found in humans. PBDEs disrupt the normal functioning of thyroid hormones and pose risks to the brain during development. [9]
5. PHTHALATES
Phthalates are a cheap plastic often used as vinyl in many dog beds. "Vinyl" is the common name for Polyvinyl Chloride, better known as PVC. Vinyl is known to be highly toxic, as it may contain numerous additives such as lead, bisphenol-A and phthalates. Not only does it have that horrible "vinyl" smell, being able to smell it means it is off-gassing in your home and being absorbed directly onto your pet's skin. Dogs that are exposed to even a minimal amount of PVC every day can risk liver damage, reproductive damage and possibly cancer.
How Can We Stop This?
Truthfully, now that you know better, the only way is by taking matters into your own hands. Unfortunately, the U.S. government does not have any regulations banning the use of toxins and chemicals in dog beds. Although we've only listed the Top 5 Toxins, there are several more dangerous substances included in low quality pet products. Surprisingly, the same dog bed in your home right is most likely illegal to produce here in the United States.
Furthermore, American manufacturers must comply with labor laws, fair pay wages, meet environmental regulations and guarantee a certain standard of product safety.[2]
At NaturoPet, we use nature's purest materials in our dog beds. Our natural and certified organic materials are responsibly sourced, eco-friendly and offer real orthopedic support.
With American-made pet products, you can expect quality, durability and longevity. Our products are hand-crafted with care in the United States, because we take pride in providing superior quality pet products that will last. Our pet beds also contain natural materials like organic cotton and natural virgin wool that are sourced in the USA. Read more about the numerous benefits of buying natural products made right here in the USA!
NATUREPET PROMISE
We promise to be to always be true to our pets and planet. Therefore, we carefully create our pet products with natural, safe and durable materials.
We vow to stay true to our environment by using materials that promote sustainability and won’t harm our beloved pets or planet. Furthermore, we promise to help the pet community by donating and providing our pet products to better the lives of pets at our local shelters.
At NaturoPet, our success is determined by the happiness of the people and pets we serve. We're proud to be the only brand on Amazon offering natural & innovative pet products with the best service.
By choosing high quality and natural products instead of cheap products filled with chemicals, you will improve the health and happiness of your pet. Plus, using natural pet products reduces the exposure of toxic chemicals off gassing in your home. Affordable, natural, and handcrafted in the USA, NaturoPet's products are for pet lovers, by pet lovers!
Resources
[1] Rocky Mountain Mattress - "American Made Memory Foam vs. Chinese Made Memory Foam"
[2] Mattress Inquirer - "6 Questions To Ask When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress"
[3] EcoCenter - "About Healthy Stuff
[4] World Health Organization - "Aresenic"
[5] VCA Hospitals - "Arsenic Poisoning in Dogs"
[6] WagWalking - "Bromide Toxicity in Dogs"
[7] Merck Veterinary Manual - "Overview of Lead Poisoning"
[8] The Bark - "Beware of Lead & Toxic Dog Toys"
[9] Environmental Working Group (EWG) - "Polluted Pets"
[10] Whole Dog Journal- "The Dangers of Vinyl Dog Toys"