Here at Woof Republic, we want to do everything possible to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. This means, we make sure our canine companions are getting proper nutrients, daily exercise, and regularly see their veterinarian. In addition, we ensure that our furry friends are away from anything in our households that could potentially be a serious health hazard, whether it be chocolate bars or bathroom cleaners.

However, despite our vigilance, our dogs still may get sick due to items in our house. After all, microplastics, microfibers, and plastic chemicals are everywhere – in our blankets, our carpets, our furry friends’ most beloved toys, and the lining of their food bags.

In July 2024, EARTHDAY.ORG released a report titled Pets Vs. Plastics, describing the harm that exposure to microplastics and toxic plastic chemicals may be doing to our pets. Given that most furry friends absolutely love chewing on plastic toys, there is no doubt that they are consuming plastics.

According to the report, “these microplastics, microfibers and their additive chemicals have already been associated with a variety of health issues, from embryo development in dogs, to potential infertility, liver failure, and miscarriage issues in our pets.” EARTHDAY.ORG also determined that the impact plastic may have on our pets should be further researched.

In addition, the report found that the regulations to keep our pets safe, when it comes to their food, toys, and clothes, need to be far stricter.

To help us better understand the situation, we spoke to Aidan Charron, the co-author of Pets Vs. Plastics and dog owner.

During our interview with Aidan, he explained why he believed there should be more research done on how plastic is affecting our furry friends.

“The best way this is put to me by a veterinarian I recently spoke with is that our pets are sentinels for our health,” explained the plastics expert at EARTHDAY.ORG. “So whatever effects that our pets are facing are ultimately going to be affecting us.”

Aidan also explained how plastics, like “a large plastic toy,” could negatively impact our canine companions' health.

“Additive chemicals that give plastic a certain characteristic breakdown with it and start to kind of flake off and that can cause direct obstructions in the intestines of the pets. And that has to be removed. So it goes in as a flexible material it ends up in their large intestine or their small large intestine as a solid block that has to be then surgically removed,” said Aidan.

Aidan also suggested that pet parents should be concerned about the lack of regulations when it comes to our dogs’ food. Not only is the food quality not the best, but most pet food packages are lined with plastic.

He said, “The sheer lack of regulation we have on pet food versus basically any other food is astounding.”

When asked how everyday individuals can demand stricter regulations on our pets’ food, toys, beds, and clothing, he replied that EARTHDAY.ORG is asking for people to write to the FDA. The petition can be signed here.

“We're asking the FDA to further regulate and protect our pets,” said Aidan.

Photo by Rickie-Tom Schünemann on Unsplash

In addition, he encouraged pet parents to stop purchasing plastic items for their furry friends.

“The other thing is just influencing companies with your wallet. I know it's something people hear a lot of the time, but if you start demanding that companies pay more attention and start using more natural fibers and refuse to buy the cheap plastics or the cheap synthetic fibers, companies will make the shift. They will recognize that it is an issue,” said Aidan. “And just call them out. Ask them, like, ‘Why are you okay with using plastic? Why are you okay with selling these things?' I know it's cheap, but at the same time, it's not cheap on us, and we have to go to the vet to combat these problems.’”

If you don’t know what to purchase when it comes to plastic-free goods for your pet, Aidan has some suggestions. He recommended using ceramic or stainless steel bowls for your dog’s food and water. As for toys, he has purchased items with natural fibers for his furry friends. In addition, his canine companions sleep on bedding stuffed with buckwheat.

Now, steering clear of potentially harmful pet food can be a bit trickier. However, Aidan recommended talking to your dog’s vet if you would like to make your own food for your canine. He stressed that getting your “vet's guidance is the main key point.”

In addition, Aidan encouraged pet parents to make changes to their lifestyle. For instance, check to see if your blankets or carpets are made out of “synthetic fibers that tend to flake off and are inhaled easily by our pets.”

He also recommended slowly removing dog toys and bedding made from plastics or synthetic fibers.

“Start making the shift incrementally. I know it can be hard because your pet may have an attachment to certain toys,” said Aidan.

EARTHDAY.ORG Research Shows Plastics Could Be Harming Pets -- Here's What You Can Do to Protect Your Beloved Animal

Proudly Featured On: