How To Protect Dogs And Cats From Microplastics

Protect your dog or cat from harmful microplastics with these 12 practical tips. Reduce plastic exposure, choose safer products, and support natural detoxification.

Plastic is a major environmental concern. It never fully decomposes but instead breaks down into microplastics. These tiny particles now contaminate our soil, water, and food – and end up in our animals’ bodies (and ours). Here’s how to protect dogs and cats from microplastics. These tips also help reduce plastic waste in the environment. 

12 ways to help protect your dog or cat from plastic ingestion

1. Use stainless steel bowls for water and food. Stainless steel is non-porous, easy to clean, and long lasting. It prevents bacterial growth and won’t rust or leach chemicals into food. 
2. Feed your dog or cat the highest quality fresh food diet you can afford. Fruits and vegetables add fiber that keeps the GI tract working smoothly and may aid in the elimination of microplastics.
3. Make sure he drinks plenty of water. Adequate hydration supports the kidneys and helps the body eliminate toxins. 
4. Don’t use bottled water, which is a significant source of microplastics. Filtered tap water is a better choice for your dog or cat. Many reverse osmosis systems effectively remove microplastics from drinking water. 
5. Adding antioxidants to your dog or cat’s diet can help combat the oxidative stress caused by microplastics in the body.
6. Regular detoxing may help his body rid itself of microplastics (see page xx for more about detoxification).
7. Buy toys made from natural materials. Many “indestructible” toys are made from hard plastic. These can wear down your dog’s teeth over time. A determined dog can even break off and swallow bits of plastic from these toys. Choose alternative toy materials such as hemp or rubber and supervise your dog or cat when he’s playing with them.  
8. Look for more sustainable, plastic-free pet food packaging wherever possible. Manufacturers use phthalates, or plasticizers, to make plastic containers more flexible. Small tubs or food pouches are often made from this kind of plastic. Some pet food bags include plastic in the lining. Manufacturers often line dog food cans with BPA and cat food tins with PVC. If you’re having trouble finding plastic-free choices, voice your concerns to the pet food companies. Money talks. 
9. Never heat food in plastic. It can lead to microplastic shedding. Use glass or ceramic instead. 
10. If you’re home-preparing your dog or cat’s food, use a wooden or bamboo cutting board rather than plastic. 
11. Keep garbage and recycling out of your dog or cat’s reach. Human trash can be attractive to animals who may lick, chew and sometimes swallow food wrappers. Secure them out of reach – from coated burger paper to shrink wrap on raw meat. The same goes for plastic bottles and jars. Even after washing, food or beverage traces often remain inside and may attract your dog or cat. 
12. When redecorating your home, try opting for natural materials as much as possible. Carpets, in particular, often release microplastics. And our dogs and cats spend a lot of time on the floor. 

What can we do about plastic waste in general?

Consumers began widely using plastic in the 1950s. Since then, we’ve generated 5.8 billion metric tons of plastic waste. Only about 9% of it has been recycled. Most ends up in landfills or waterways. Here are some ways we can help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment:

• Reduce plastics use in the home. Avoid single use plastics wherever possible. Wrap unused portions of food in foil or wax paper rather than clingfilm. Better yet, use glass storage containers. 

• Clean recyclable containers before putting them into the bin. This prevents insects or animals from getting into them. Remove labels and adhesives while washing the containers so recyclers can process everything faster. One bin of dirty plastics can ruin a full batch of recyclables. 

• Check with your municipal offices to see what recyclables they handle. Not all areas accept the same items for recycling. For example, some facilities take Styrofoam while others don’t. 

• Speak up against plastic waste. Demand better packaging choices. Manufacturers listen when enough voices speak up. 

• Make it worthwhile for companies to recycle. A study by the Container Recycling Institute found something interesting. People recycle deposit-bearing bottles three times more often than non-deposit ones. Recycling plastics often costs more than producing new items, however, so many companies avoid it. Make your voice heard. 

While we can’t eliminate microplastics entirely, these proactive steps can make a meaningful difference. By understanding how to protect dogs and cats from microplastics, we not only support their long-term health but also contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for all living beings.

What should you do if your dog or cat chews or swallows plastic? 

• Check his mouth and remove the plastic pieces, if possible. 

• Call the vet for advice. Explain the size of the item and the dog/cat’s condition. Do not induce vomiting – this can sometimes make the problem worse. 
• Go straight to the vet or emergency clinic if your dog or cat is struggling to breathe, shows signs of lethargy, abdominal pain or other discomfort, or is vomiting and has no appetite.

For hard to recycle items 

TerraCycle is a recycling company that takes plastic items normally regarded as unrecyclable, such as food packaging, used toothbrushes, plastic pens, makeup containers, etc. They also work with some pet food and toy companies and take the plastic waste from these products for recycling (terracycle.com/en-US/brigades).

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