Need for Pet Toy Regs

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When it comes to health regulations for pets, there isn't much to go by. In fact, many producers of pet products outside the food realm, follow existing laws outlining what's safe for children.

So when mega-store Wal-mart learned that Consumer Affairs.com found unsafe levels of certain toxins in two brands of its dog toys, a war of words broke out.

Beyond that, controversy over safe amounts of toxins brought about a striking issue.

At of the time of this report, there are no regulations on safe toxin levels for pet products. Bob Vetere, President of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) says the 900 members of his organization are looking for just that.

ExperTox Analytical Laboratory performed the tests we mentioned earlier. But Veterinary Toxicologist Dr. Gene Niles of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology claims that since the toxin levels are well within the amounts allowed in children's toys, ExperTox's argument doesn't hold water.

With no definitive rules to go by, there's a swarm of mitigating factors playing in to consumers' fears. Those concerns could lead to misguided recalls down the road – a risk the booming pet market may not be willing to take.

But for now, at least, guidelines for kids' products rule.