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Are Dog Toys Leaking Dangerous Chemicals?

Summary: Dogs that chew on plastic toys may be exposed to hormone-altering chemicals. Is your furry friend at risk?
Air Date: 8/29/13
Duration: 10
Host: Dr. Michael Smith, MD
Guest Bio: Dr. Kim Wooten, PhD
Kim Wooten is a Ph.D. student in the lab of Dr. Phil Smith at The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University. Her previous education includes an M.S. in environmental toxicology from Texas Tech University and a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University. Wooten’s research has focused on mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment, with an interest in their potential for in vivo endocrine activity.
Are Dog Toys Leaking Dangerous Chemicals?
If you have a dog, you probably also have several toys or training tools that your furry friend regularly plays with.

Unfortunately, those toys may be doing extreme harm to your pet.

In a recent study, researchers found that bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates – ingredients of hard plastics and vinyl – readily leach from bumper toys, which are used to train retrieving dogs.

The new study is one of the first to examine dog products as a potential source of exposure for pets.

Dr. Kimberly Wooten joins Dr. Mike to discuss the latest findings and offer safer alternatives for man’s best friend.