Why You Should Be Using Retrieverworx Training Bumpers (Part 1)
There are many reasons why you should switch to Retrieverworx brand training bumpers. The foremost reason to use Retrieverworx brand is that they do not contain carcinogens. This article focuses on just one of those carcinogens called phthalates and their effect on dogs.
Phthalates are a colorless chemical additive used in plastic products such as cheap retrieving bumpers to keep them soft and pliable. Phthalates give plastics and vinyl a distinct odor that is noticeable when you first unwrap a cheap plastic training bumper. The problem is that the phthalates are not chemically bound to the products that contain them. Therefore, they leach out of these products and are absorbed through the dogs mucous membranes (skin, lips, gums) whenever they hold the bumper.
Research has shown that phthalates at low concentrations from popular toys and training aids are toxic and have negative effects on your dogs kidneys, liver, and reproductive system as well as the normal development of puppies 2. Phthalates have been shown to interfere with spermatogenesis and oogenesis in dogs (sperm and egg production) 3. Increased incidence of liver tumors, leukemias, and renal failure have been shown in dogs exposed to phthalates1 Disruption of the endocrine system has also been shown in dogs from exposure to training bumpers that contain phthalates 4.
How often have we heard of retrievers with reproductive issues and unexpected illnesses and cancers?
Retrieverworx bumpers are made from a proprietary medical grade material that does not contain phthalates, BPA, melamine, PVC, or lead found in popular mass-produced training bumpers from foreign countries.
You will notice our bumpers do not have a plastic odor because they do not contain phthalates.
Several of our customers have reported that when they added Retrieverworx bumpers to their existing collection of bumpers for pile work that their dogs brough the Retrieverworx bumpers back first before retrieving their other bumpers. We can’t explain why this would happen but can only assume that with the dogs acute sense of smell that our bumpers do not smell like harsh chemicals.
A lot of science went into creating our bumpers and we hope you will try them. Get your pups off to a great start and keep your adult dog healthy!
About the author:
James Giacalone PhD MS has worked in various aspects of veterinary medicine for over 35 years including private practice, veterinary teaching hospital, research, physiology labs, professor of anatomy and physiology. He has also taught other college level courses in animal nutrition, parasitology, diagnostic imaging, veterinary surgical nursing and veterinary laboratory techniques.
- Karthikraj R, Lee S, Kannan K. Urinary concentrations and distribution profiles of 21 phthalate metabolites in pet cats and dogs. Sci Total Environ. 2019 Nov 10;690:70-75. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.522. Epub 2019 Jul 2. PMID: 31284197.
- Kluwe WM, McConnell EE, Huff JE, Haseman JK, Douglas JF, Hartwell WV. Carcinogenicity testing of phthalate esters and related compounds by the National Toxicology Program and the National Cancer Institute. Environ Health Perspect. 1982 Nov;45:129-33. doi: 10.1289/ehp.8245129. PMID: 7140685; PMCID: PMC1569006.
- Tekin K, Arslan P, Cil B, Filazi A, Akçay E, Yurdakok-Dikmen B. Companion animals get close to the toxic aspects of antropogenic world: cytotoxicity of phthalates and bisphenol A on dog testicular primary cells. Cytotechnology. 2020 Oct;72(5):629-638. doi: 10.1007/s10616-020-00401-y. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32435861; PMCID: PMC7547924.
- Wooten KJ, Smith PN. Canine toys and training devices as sources of exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A: quantitation of chemicals in leachate and in vitro screening for endocrine activity. Chemosphere. 2013 Nov;93(10):2245-53. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.07.075. Epub 2013 Sep 3. PMID: 24007620.