Special Report: Toying with Trouble

7-year-old Riley downright devours her toys.

Dede Griesbauer, pet owner
"She ate one of my running socks. Then she graduated to actually eating toys."

But our pets could be playing a dangerous game. Since June there's been one recall after another of children's toys made in China, because the paint on them contained dangerous levels of lead.

But those aren't the only toys being manufactured in China. Most of the toys we give our pets are also made there and many are painted.

Dede Griesbauer, pet owner
"It definitely would be a huge worry because she does eat everything."

We decided to test some of these toys for lead. We bought several pet products, like this squeaky ball and a collar with a painted bell, all made in China. They came from popular pet store chains both here and outside New England.

Two of the five toys we bought locally tested positive for lead, and all of the toys purchased outside New England came back with low levels of lead.

Dr. John Shane, PRO-LAB Inc.
"We tested them for lead and they ran from 25 parts per million to 48 parts per million. All of these amounts are low but they are still measurable."

The levels were well below what is considered safe for humans, but vets say many dogs weigh less than children and so smaller amounts of lead could cause serious health problems in pets. Even worse: Unlike kids many dog spend hours chewing on their toys, sometimes even actually eating them.

Dr. Patrick Hallisey, Kindness Animal Hospital
"The levels of lead are small, however if the animal was also small, then the amount of lead consumed over time could be enough to set off a chronic toxic lead dose."

We contacted the stores that sold the lead tainted toys. A spokesman for one store said they conduct independent tests of their toys for lead and are aware some toys they sell contain lead.

The spokesman said the company continued to sell the items because the levels were below those considered safe for humans.

No government agency currently regulates or tests for lead in pet toys. So to be safe our vet offers some general advice:

Dr. Patrick Hallisey, Kindness Animal Hospital
"Try to avoid a toy that has any sort of paint on it, and specifically avoid toys that are painted that are coming in from China."

Riley's owner says she's not taking any chances.

Dede Griesbauer, pet owner
"It's like having a child. In terms of the lead content that's why we try to stay with toys that we kind of know."

And knowing exactly what your pet plays with is the key to making sure your animals aren't toying with trouble.

Vets say if your pet is exposed to low lead levels it would take several years for symptoms to appear. Signs to look out for are a loss in appetite, vomiting and even seizures.

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