Your dog has been playing all afternoon and is now happily asleep in his favourite corner, while you put his toys away.
You pick up the rope toy, an all-time favourite, and fondly remember the game of tug-of-war you played together.
But what’s this? The rope has a frayed end with some strands falling out. You see some scattered on the floor too, and wonder: Did your pup eat any of the strings?
The Rope is one of the most popular options in dog toys. It is made up of long strings twisted and woven together, with knots at both ends and in the middle. This is an excellent toy to play fetch or a friendly game of tug-of-war.
But is it completely safe?
Like all other dog toys, the rope is prone to damage, and will eventually start to fray and come apart from your pup’s vigorous chewing. When this happens, should you let your pet continue playing with it?
Read along to find out about why rope toys are not safe for dogs, and what you can do instead.
Rope toys pose a serious danger
Playing with rope toys can be bad for your pooch because of the following reasons:
- They may contain toxic chemicals
- Can damage teeth
- Can be swallowed
1. They may contain toxic chemicals
Rope toys labelled as ‘indestructive’ and cotton-blend are made up of nylon, or mixed with polyesters and resins. The market is also full of inexpensive options that are treated with harsh chemicals and dyes.
These materials and chemicals are not fit for consumption. Since they are directly ingested every time your pup chews the rope, they can become toxic over time.
2. Can damage teeth
Rope toys are great for your dog’s oral health – this is one of their major selling points.
However, the rope strands can get trapped between the teeth while playing. If one side is pulled too hard, the tooth might get pulled out or even break.
The strands of the rope can also cause cuts into the soft underside of your dog’s tongue, causing a fair amount of pain.
3. Can be swallowed
If your dog is in the habit of eating a little bit of everything – Shredded toys, leaves, stones, household items; the list goes on – they may not hesitate to swallow parts of the rope toy.
Even if your pooch is not in the habit of eating things, they may accidentally swallow some strands that happen to come apart while chewing the rope.
What happens if my dog swallows a rope toy?
If strands from the rope are swallowed, the situation may quickly turn into a medical emergency. Here’s how your dog’s health could be at risk:
1. Choking
If your dog tries to swallow the rope, it can get lodged into the throat and lead to choking. Several long strands can also turn into a large solid clump from the saliva, and obstruct your dog’s windpipe.
2. Intestine blockage
Strands of rope that are swallowed can get tangled around chunks of food, creating solid balls. These balls get stuck in the intestine and prevent food and water from passing through.
3. Linear foreign bodies
Linear foreign bodies are the term used for long, string-like objects that get stuck in the gastrointestinal tract.
When long strings from the rope toy are swallowed by your dog, they can get caught in the digestive system, and cause the intestines to twist and fold. This may also lead to tears and holes being created in the intestines.
This quickly becomes a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. In some cases, the damage to the intestine is irreparable and can lead to death.
If your dog swallows strands from the rope toy, they may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting
- Refusal to eat
In this situation, your pooch needs immediate medical attention and surgery and should be taken to the vet.
How can I avoid this?
The risks associated with playing with rope toys can be controlled through careful choices and supervision. Here’s how you can make play sessions extra-safe for your pet:
1. Natural fibres are safer
An easy way to reduce the risk posed by rope toys is to invest in better options. Instead of the commonly available and inexpensive synthetic ropes, go for durable ropes made from natural materials – Cotton, bamboo and hemp fibres are good alternatives.
They are safe and environment-friendly, and also do not release toxic substances into your pooch’s body.
Natural fibres break down into very small pieces. Unlike long strands of synthetic ropes, these are much smaller and are easier to pass.
2. Supervise playtime
Supervising your pet every time they play with the rope toy is a good way to ensure that nothing gets swallowed. This also allows you to take the rope away if anything goes wrong.
Make sure you’re present when the rope toy is out and put it out of your pup’s reach when you cannot attend to them.
3. Limit activities with the rope
Separate your dog’s toys – Assign different ones for chewing and playing fetch. The rope toy should only be used while playing tug-of-war in your presence.
If your pup doesn’t get a chance to chew on the rope toy, they won’t be at risk of swallowing.
4. Look for alternatives
If your dog is in the habit of chewing obsessively and eating the shreds, it might be time to look for safer alternatives. Get toys that are more suited to your dog’s habits.
For aggressive chewers, toys made of hard and durable rubber are a good option. You can also get edible chews that are good for oral health.
For gentle nibblers, stuffed toys and soft rubber balls are good toys.
The market also has several non-rope toys for tug-of-war. These are long and good for pulling and are made of durable rubber that doesn’t shred.
Conclusion
Rope toys are one of the most popular dog toys, and are great for games like tug-of-war and fetch. Despite their popularity, ropes pose a serious threat to your dog’s safety.
Cheap ropes made from synthetic fibres are bad for your dog’s overall health and can also get caught in their teeth. The biggest health hazard is the risk of swallowing the strands of ropes, which can lead to choking, intestinal blockage or getting tangled in the digestive system. These medical emergencies can be fatal for your pet.
Such risks can be avoided by opting for natural materials and supervising your dog as they play with the rope toy. It is also a good idea to look for other toys in the market and avoid rope toys entirely.
