Many dog owners are willing to spend on various toys for their beloved pets. However, as dogs often explore toys by chewing, improper design or materials may pose health risks. The Consumer Council tested 30 models of toys labelled as suitable for dog use. None of the models were detected with phthalates, free formaldehyde or prohibited azocolourants, or sharp points or edges that could cause injury, indicating satisfactory performance. However, the migration level of chromium (III) in components of 1 model was found higher than the upper limit stipulated in the European Children Toys Safety Standard. In addition, although some models were in compliance with the standard, migration of certain elements with potential health concerns were detected, such as the element with carcinogenic property - chromium (VI) and the element which could accumulate in the body - lead. The Council recommends product suppliers to refer to the test results to continuously improve product quality, minimise the content of harmful substances, and clearly indicate on the labelling the applicable dog types (e.g. size, age), washing instructions and precautions, to safeguard pet health and safety and promote the development of the pet economy.
The 30 dog toy models of various brands were purchased from pet supply stores, grocery stores and online shops, with prices ranging from $30 to $179. The models covered 4 major categories: 11 plush/soft toys, 7 rope/knot/knitted models or models with related component, 9 models with rubber or latex as the major component, and 3 models containing leather components. Among them, 6 models claimed that owners could put pet treats in the toy for dogs to explore.
The Consumer Council also noted that the Mainland introduced a recommended standard for pet supplies last year, namely GB/T 43839-2024 Safety Technical Requirements for Products Used for Companion Animals (Pets), which also covers pet toys. However, the standard only sets migration limits for lead and cadmium in accessible components of non-feed contact products, and it is only applicable to plastic materials and products, as well as surface paints and coatings. Considering that some pet toys currently available on the market resemble toys intended for children in appearance, and that the materials used are not limited to plastics, in addition to the fact that various consumer organisations in different regions, animal welfare groups, and some pet toy suppliers have conducted safety assessments of pet toys with reference to children’s toy safety standards — among which the European children’s toy safety standard is more widely adopted — the Council referred to the European Children Toys Safety Standard to conduct migration tests for 19 certain elements and physical tests on models made of various materials. Furthermore, based on the material characteristics of the models, tests for harmful substances, including phthalates, free formaldehyde, and azocolourants that may release aromatic amines, were conducted with reference to applicable European or international standards.
97% of Models Complied with Safety Standards for Migration of Certain Elements
Some Detected with Various Types of Elements
As dogs typically spend extended periods chewing or licking toys, the chemical safety of the toys is of particular importance. The migration test for certain elements covered 19 elements, including aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium (III), chromium (VI), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organic tin and zinc. Results showed that 97% (29 models) were in compliance with the migration limits stipulated in the European Children Toys Safety Standard, indicating satisfactory overall performance. 9 elements, namely arsenic, boron, cadmium, cobalt, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and organic tin were not detected in any of the models. In terms of the number of certain elements detected, 7 models were found to have 6 to 8 elements, while 4 models were detected with only 1 element, performing relatively better.
Migration of Chromium (III) in 1 Model Higher than the Upper Limit
Leather Models Generally Showed Higher Migration Levels
Chromium (III) was the most commonly detected element, found in components of 28 models, with migration levels ranging from 0.02mg/kg to 647.7mg/kg. Among them, the migration level of chromium (III) in components of 1 leather model exceeded the upper limit (460mg/kg) set by the European Children Toys Safety Standard for Category III toy materials (i.e. scraped-off materials). Most of the other models had chromium (III) migration well below the standard’s upper limit (detected with less than 2mg/kg), suggesting a low likelihood of causing health risks.
Overall, the migration levels of chromium (III) detected in the leather components of the 3 models were significantly higher than those of the other materials, ranging from 218.5mg/kg to 647.7mg/kg, and the averaged migration level of approximately 357.3mg/kg, believed to be related to the common use of chromium (III) compounds in the leather tanning process. According to the United States (US) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), chromium (III) can cause skin sensitisation in animals. If pets develop persistent or recurrent skin problems after contact with leather toys, owners should consider bringing the pet along with the relevant toy to a veterinarian to seek medical advice and treatment options.
1 Model Detected with Carcinogenic Chromium (VI) in its Component but Still in Compliance with the Standard
Potential Long-term Impact on Pets’ Gastrointestinal and Skin Health
1 rubber model was found to migrate chromium (VI) in its component, with a migration level of 0.0362mg/kg, which did not exceed the upper limit (0.053mg/kg) set by the European Children Toys Safety Standard for Category III toy materials. However, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, chromium (VI) compounds are carcinogenic to humans, associated with lung and nasal cancers, and there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. Therefore, it has been classified as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1 agent). Relevant studies in the US and Europe have shown that oral intake of chromium (VI) may affect the gastrointestinal system of animals, while skin contact may also cause allergic or irritant reactions. Although the level of migration detected in the model complied with the standard requirement, considering the potential health risks, the Council urges the relevant manufacturer to carefully select raw materials to ensure pet safety.
30% of Models Detected with Trace Amounts of Lead
70% Detected with Zinc – All Within the Standard Requirements
Lead was detected in 30% of the models (10 models), with migration levels ranging from 0.212mg/kg to 0.738mg/kg, all within the upper limit (23mg/kg) set by the European Children Toys Safety Standard. Among them, 5 models had 2 to 3 components that were detected with lead. According to the US National Canine Cancer Foundation, prolonged exposure to lead-containing dog toys may cause lead poisoning in dogs, potentially causing severe neurological issues, with puppies being more susceptible. Although the detected levels of all models were within the standard limit, considering lead’s tendency to accumulate in the body and its potential health risks, the Council advises consumers to choose dog toys with lower or undetectable levels of lead to minimise exposure for pets and family members.
Zinc was detected in 70% of the models (21 models), all of which complied with the relevant standard’s upper limit (46,000mg/kg). Zinc was more commonly detected in latex or rubber components, likely due to the widespread use of zinc compounds in the manufacturing of these materials. Cases in the US and Australia have reported dogs suffering from zinc poisoning after ingesting zinc-containing foreign objects. The Council reminds consumers that rubber or latex materials are more prone to being chewed apart by dogs. If such components are damaged, owners should promptly discard the toys to reduce the risk of pets ingesting large amounts of toy materials, which could increase the risk of zinc intake.
It is worth noting that 6 models were labelled as “treat-hiding toys”, allowing owners to insert pet treats for dogs to explore. Among them, 2 rubber models were detected with 3 and 4 elements respectively, with significantly higher zinc migration levels than the other 4 models. One of them was also detected with a trace amount of lead. The Council reminds suppliers to pay special attention to the “treat-hiding toys”, and to lower the harmful substance content in components of these dog toy products.
Upon reviewing the product labelling information, 70% did not indicate the washing instructions. Improper washing of dog toys may cause damage, affect durability, or cause dirt, saliva and microorganisms to accumulate, resulting in the growth of bacteria and even formation of harmful substances. The Council recommends suppliers to include proper instructions on the product reminding owners to clean and inspect toys regularly to protect the health of pets and family members.
Pet Toys May Also Pose Potential Risks to Young Children
Parents Should Remain Vigilant
Many dog toys resemble children’s toys in appearance. When interacting with dogs, young children may mistakenly put dog toys into their mouths to chew or suck. The chromium (III) and chromium (VI) detected in the models may cause skin allergic reactions in humans, such as itching, redness, rashes, swelling, or even blisters at the contact area. In addition to its carcinogenic risk, chromium (VI) may also trigger allergic contact dermatitis even at extremely low concentrations. Children may also ingest lead through contact with pet toys. The Council reminds parents to avoid allowing young children to come into contact with pet toys, especially when unsupervised, to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion of small parts, choking or other aforementioned health hazards.
Tips for Dog Owners When Choosing Pet Toys
- Pet owners should visit physical stores in person to select dog toys, observe the product’s workmanship, check whether the stitching is secure and resistant to pulling, and assess whether the size and texture are appropriate. Also check the labelling for applicable dog types, washing instructions and other precautions;
- Choose suitable toys based on the dog’s age, size, bite strength, activity level and playing habits. For large dogs, avoid toys that are too small to prevent accidental swallowing or choking. In terms of materials, choose those that are durable and easy to clean. As leather is difficult to clean, prone to mould growth, and may have residual harmful substances from the manufacturing process, it is advisable to avoid leather pet toys;
- Avoid toys with detachable small parts. Regularly inspect the condition of toys and promptly address any loose parts, sharp points or frayed ropes to prevent pets from being injured or swallowing foreign objects. Always check the toy’s condition before giving it to the dog each time, and discard it if damaged;
- Check treat-hiding toys daily and remove any uneaten treats to prevent bacterial or mould growth. Regardless of the toy type, regular and proper cleaning is essential for hygiene.
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