The Silent Invasion

Yes, there is a silent invasion and it’s affecting both humans and our pets. It’s micro-plastics. We’ve likely all heard about it by now but just how invasive is it and what can we do about it? After a fair amount of research and learning that these tiny to micro and nanoscopic particles are everywhere and in almost everything containing plastic (yes, even BPA free). I decided to look around and see where I could make some changes in my home to reduce further expose for myself and my pets. I started with the kitchen. I was so overwhelmed, everywhere I looked was plastic in some form or another. I thought I would just make a few adjustments here and there like investing in some glass containers for food storage and tossing out the plastic wrap and opt for beeswax wraps for food instead. Boy, was I in for a surprise? As I looked around it was like a horror film. The invasion was EVERYWHERE. I then started looking at the items my pets come in contact with and are exposed to daily that contain plastic. Again, I found it everywhere. I decided to research more about the health challenges and risks exposure to all of this plastic poses to me and my pets. The information is no longer speculated but documented that our AND our pets’ risks to organ damage and failure is a real thing. Microplastics act as vectors for heavy metals like lead, mercury, and pesticides and are disrupting the very ecosystems we rely on. A VERY short list linking microplastics to some of the health factors for our pets include DIGESTIVE DISORDERS, irritating the gastrointestinal tract and reducing nutrient absorption and causing inflammation. (Inflammation hosting a long list of effects on its own). LIVER AND KIDNEY DAMAGE, nanoparticles gather in organs, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage. HORMONAL DISRUPTION, microplastics can mimic estrogen linking to reproductive issues and thyroid dysfunction in both dogs and cats. So, what can a pet owner do to reduce this constant exposure? Use filtered water if possible. Do NOT use bottled water. Even tap water contains less microplastics than bottled water! Replace plastic food and water bowls with stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid single use pouches when possible as they leach more microplastics into kibble and wet food. A side note. A study done in 2024 linked microplastics in arterial plaques to a 34% higher risk of cardiovascular events in humans-a warning sign for pets, whose smaller body mass magnifies the toxicity risks. Check for synthetic pet peds, fleece blankets and polyester toys as they shed microfibers during washing and known to release up to 700,000 microplastic particles in one washing! Check your pet’s toys. Choose hemp or organic cotton toys over synthetic material whenever possible. Replace plastic grooming brushes with bamboo alternatives and try to use shampoo bars instead of bottled products to help reduce plastic waste. What about their collar? The exposure is endless and these proactive steps don’t even begin to take into account the flooring our pets are on each day, the dust particles they breathe every day and more. But all is not lost, as for me and my household I have ditched the bottled water and replaced it with glass water bottles that I fill daily with 8 stage filtered water. My pets drink from a carbon filtered fountain. I have replaced my plastic K-cups with reusable stainless-steel filters (it actually makes a better cup of coffee). My pet beds (where the lazy pugs spend most of their time) are being replaced, one bed at a time with cedar and buckwheat hulls with a cotton covering. I threw out the plastic wrap and made my own beeswax food covers (fun and simple). It’s a win-win for me and my pets. Small changes indeed but they all add up to a healthier home.