The other 5% of foreign objects that enter your dogs system are a different story. Cyber Monday Deal. Remember the incident I shared from when he was months old? Benefits of Dog Rope Toys: Is it Okay for Dogs to Chew on Rope Toys? Remember what happened the Sam the Jack Russell ingesting pieces of carpet? Now we'll turn to you, the dog-owning readers. The key words are direct and focused. It shouldn't be discouraged, but rather, trained. Also, rope toys can be safe depending on how you use them. They say sharing is caring. We want your pet to stay happy and healthy, so we recommend avoiding rope toys! Sure, he pulls at the rope and shakes it around, but he doesnt have the opportunity to just chew it. Well, consult a vet to know the severity of the conditionyour dog may have to undergo a stomach surgery, attracting huge costs if, The size big dogs are likely to ingest small rope toys, Know the type of chewer you have if your fur chews aggressively, choose a rope toy made of a sturdy material. The chew strength and characteristics of that rope toy will help you determine your dogs personal best material. One evening as I turned my back, he snuck his rope toy into his crate and must have hidden it under his bedding. Rope toys can be used for the right types of chewers. Are rope toys good for dogs? Always ensure youre purchasing the right size toy for your size pup. If your dog doesnt love toys, use these methods to entertain it. Ex: the toy is safe when used for fetch or tug of war games than leaving your dog to chew it unsupervised. Maybe their dogs chewed their shoes, Hide and seek hide the toy for your dog to seek it, Overall, rope toys let you exercise your dog indoors and outdoors while, Your dog can eat the strings if left unsupervised, Aggressive chewers can tear the rope toy and ingest the fibers, causing complicated stomach and intestinal issues, First, your fur can also ingest the strings, stressing the intestines and causing blockages. Watch for: Usually, these come on quickly and are a result of acute poisoning such as your pooch eating a whole plant that is poisonous to them so the onset of symptoms from a toxic toy can take longer to show up. You also have to worry about them snapping suddenly rather than degrading over time. Indeed, you may be better off withheavy rubber or silicone chews for your heavy chewers because they're much harder. Often, part of the rope will pass into the intestines while a portion of it gets stuck in the stomach. It's for reasons such as these that we only use natural fibers in our dog rope toys. Again, a lot of it depends on your dog's personality, but there are other actions you can take to ensure that your canine companion has the safest possible play time. Go on, show us your best pull! As a responsible pet owner, its your job to learn which toys are safe and which ones to avoid. DIY Upcycled T-Shirt Dog Pull Rope Toy by Third Stop on the Right; 3. In the past, most rope toys were made with nylon or cotton blend ropes, both of which are durable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Some questions may be more easily answered than others. But the truth is some pet parents never clean their dogs teeth; maybe theyre are too lazy to do it. Again, like any rope you allow your dog to chew on, it needs to be done with close supervision and a periodic inspection of the rope is necessary to ensure safe play is happening. Very friendly and takes great care with all their animals Great VET clinic for any animal. Rope toys can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Simply click on any social media button on this post to spread the love. The recovery period can also be arduous, especially when it comes to feeding your dog while his digestive system heals. The toy is too small and can be swallowed, obstructing the throat. You may purchase a variety of toys and let your dog show you the ones he prefers. All rope toys are made with a braided string of some sort, but some string is stronger than others. Despite my dog's good oral health (so far), there are many places his toothbrush can't reach. Unfortunately, long strands like rope can get caught in the digestive system and tangle up in the intestines. The love and care from reception on is palpable. In the wild west of the pet industry where unscrupulous manufacturers apply the art of deception in labeling their products, it behooves pet parents to be extra careful when buying dog rope toys. It could have been deadly, but thankfully I walked in before that happened. Contact us for complete details. Rope dog toys - These are made of braided rope and may have plastic or rubber parts. Can dogs eat rope toys? Check out the Kong Tire Chew Toy if you prefer a chew toy. Rope dog toys can be dangerous in three different ways. Second, you wont have an astronomical vet bill because you forgot to take the rope away and it was destroyed and ingested. They most certainly need to be supervised with all toys and will find a way to destroy most toys you give to them. For more help selecting safe toys for your pet, please contact Village Vet of Urbana, and our knowledgeable staff will offer personalized advice. Some people argue that climbing rope provides a safe option for dogs because it is made to withstand friction on rocks and other environmental elements. At the end of the day, the rope will still wear and tear the same after continuous chewing. When I choose toys, food, bedding, or anything for that matter for my dog, I scrutinize it to the nth degree. I thought rope toys were quite durable. You'll see the damages your dog does to the toy, telling you whether to replace it or not. In addition to supervising when your dog has a rope toy, make sure you're limiting the kinds of activities they can do with it. Nunchuck Rope Like many of the millions of dog owners, we want our pets to be happy and know they are loved. You could opt for a purely synthetic toy instead, but you have other problems if you do. 1- Dog toys are outstandingly crucial for little chewers. The Top 10 DIY Dog Rope Toy Plans. I cant find an exact number of deaths that have been caused by rope toys, but a quick Google search will bring up countless stories from owners that lost dogs due to rope toys. by K Marie Alto December 08, 2022 We have options like squeaky toys and chew toys. 2. Its even better if you play games like tug or war. Antony has over eight years experience writing dog-related topics. Climbing rope has an inner core with heavy-duty string woven around it, which provides extreme durability. Can dogs eat rope toys? Free shipping. However, in rare instances, swallowing foreign objects can cause serious, even life-threatening problems to your dogs digestive system. Old man and best friend come in pretty scared. Rope toys are a natural way to clean a dogs teeth? It is hard to imagine that so many dangers can come from objects that were created to be fun for your pet. Ultimately, it's not worth risking your dog's . They still aren't great they can tangle up and cause a blockage in your dog's intestines but they're a lot safer than longer strands. Reminder: Monitor your dog when its using the rope; you want it to bite, not chew the toy. Thats where self-cleaning methods like chew toys come in. Filters. Again, this would take quite a bit of dedicated chewing on the rope and very limited supervision on the owners part, but it could easily happen. Your mutt will use clean toys throughout, protecting it from infections. The toy is made of synthetic or toxic materials. Natural fibers are generally much safer than synthetics because, well, they're natural. I've written many, many guides! Maybe their dogs chewed their shoes, spoiled wires, or tore their carpets. Why are rope toys bad for dogs? If your dog refuses to retrieve the rope and instead just chews it in place, then it's just not the right kind of toy for them. There is no one best rope toy for dogs. Join me and my merry band of dog-owner writers as we explore outdoor adventures that are fun and safe with you and your dog. Some dogs seem to like playing with rope toys, so it is up to you to decide if this type of toy is a good . Well discuss what you should know about dog rope toys. The stomach and intestines continues to . If better, combine it with a. Vets describe these strands as linear foreign bodies, which are the most harmful objects an animal can swallow. If better, inspect the toys after a play session to confirm that your fur is using the toy the right way. Dogs going through teething pain have a lot to tell their parents, but the problem is they cant speak up. Check out our durable rope toy dog selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. As your dogs digestive system attempts to move the object through the body, the strand tightens and the intestines cinch like a drawstring on sweatpants. Be sure to leave all your thoughts and comments down below in the comments section! The number of knots in a rope chew toy may or may not be significant. The material of the rope doesnt necessarily make the rope safer for the dog, however, the durability of the rope may be increased slightly. According to VCA Hospitals, here are some signs your dog has been eating its rope toy: So, what should you do if your dog eats strings from a rope toy? No toy is 100% safe if you give your fur to use it unsupervised. This is the biggest risk of a rope toy across the board. You can also add such toys to reward your mutt after a good training session; youll use it to marinate your training sessions. If the dog has access to the rope toy frequently and is eating small shreds daily, there is a chance it is forming a clog within your dogs digestive system. As your dog's digestive system attempts to move the object through the body, the strand tightens, and the intestines cinch like a drawstring on sweatpants." As the digestive tract is trying to push the string through, it acts as a drawstring and begins to tighten around the intestines and cut into it. associated with high mortality rates in pets. - Phyllis DeGioia, Veterinary Partner Editor, Looking for more dog care guides? Before we give you the list, heres what to consider when buying a rope toy for your dog: Note: Most rope toys arent chew proof, so always supervise your dog then replace the toy if its starts shredding. All of these features, make you feel like rope toys are the ultimate entertaining and fun toy option for your furry friend. This should not come as a shock to any pet parent but unfortunately, the world of pet supplies is fraught with danger, as suppliers around the world put cheap manufacturing costs over the safety of our pet pals. You must remember that even under supervised chewing, the dog is still going to be able to swallow fibers and potentially strings from the rope. From the moment we walked through the door, I knew we had come to the right place. And thats my disclaimer. A dog rope is among the picks your dog can use to clean its teethIts like a dental flossthe rope passes between your dogs teeth as its biting. However, some experts believe that rope toys may be beneficial for dogs who are prone to pulling or chewing on their toys, as they can help to prevent these behaviors. Cold Dog Walks: How to Know When It's Too Cold for a Walk. Call yourveterinarianright away to schedule an appointment. Like most dog owners, they probably thought they were doing the best thing for their dog by providing a heavyweight toy that could be chewed for long periods of time. Heres what makes rope toys popular in the market: Your dogs oral health matters. Rope is made of multiple strands of fabric all woven together. As you walk through the aisles of pet toys in stores, you are going to notice several options. My dogs now have a good prognosis We've had to bring one of our pups to VVU twice for unplanned visits (like the time she turned into a sausage after she got into an open bag of food and Adamstown | Ballenger Creek | Brunswick | Frederick | Green Valley | Hyattstown | Mt. DIY Fleece Tug Rope by Raising Your Pets Naturally; 2. They are aggressive chewers. That's where his rope toys come in. This brings us to a discussion about rope toys. He owns a cute-looking German Shepherd, and thats why he understands a lot about the breed. Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers- Suction Cup Interactive Dogs Toy for Pet T. $9.99. The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Rope toys clean dog's teeth. Avoid the Dangers of Rope Toys. Our top 10 list of squeaky toys will give you a better understanding of how these toys can be used. And for good reason! If you know that you will forget to take it away when playtime is over, choose a different toy. The first danger is that the toy is too small for your dog. Contact usfor more information about safe dog toys. Along with these factors come a lot of questions. If your fur baby frequently swallows a bit of everything they meet, pay special attention to how they treat rope toys, and consider foregoing them in favor of something safer for their habits. Airy | New Market. If your dog is a heavy chewer or likes to eat what they chew apart, don't give them a rope toy. Chewing is natural in dogs, unfortunately,the tragic history of some rope toys points to a more serious reality than many people realize. New! Although appearance would say the rope toy is a good choice for your dog, science says otherwise. Swallowing strands of rope is much more dangerous than eating chunks of rubber, plastic, or cotton stuffing. Are rope toys bad for dogs? Great professional service. In the best-case scenario, this can cause digestive issues and obstruct the bowels, which can even necessitate surgery. Rope toys are very versatile and offer dogs the option to tug or chew. It can also work as a good fetch, or tug of war toy. This is certainly better than leaving your dog alone with a rope toy, but it's still impossible to tell how much he might be stripping off and eating from it. at any time without notice. Climbing rope is engineered much differently than rope toys. Personally, I would use great caution when giving my dog a rope toy, but if it is necessary, I would make sure it is put out of the dogs reach when it cant be supervised. Just as ropes for Nibblers will likely have a smaller knot because the rope will be smaller in size. Recovery can also be unpleasant until your dog returns to his old self. The first danger is that the toy is too small for your . A 1/2-3/4 rope would be suitable for a little dog, while 1.5 rope works for very large dogs. This causes the intestines to be drawn into a tight ball. Puppies have very sharp teeth and love to chew everything. An inhaler is just as it sounds. Are rope toys bad for dogs? As much as you might not want your books, electronics, or homework chewed on, chewing is a natural behavior. I enjoy playing tug of war and watching him work to carry the rope back to me after hes chased it through the yard. It's worth noting that no dog toy is indestructible, although some will withstand rough chewing longer than others. Rope toys might seem safe but dogs can easily pull pieces off and swallow them. One item that usually helps with dog's chewing needs and that you commonly see on every pet store shelf is a dog rope toy. When a dog ingests even a small amount of rope toy, it can set them up for future health problems. But if theres more than a little piece of rope missing, you need to contact your vet for further directions. Has your dog eaten part of a rope toy? 9. Interested in reading more dog care guides? If your dog has eaten part of a rope toy,schedule an appointmentwith yourlocal veterinarianas soon as possible. UPSKY Dog Rope Toys Dog Grinding Teeth 2 Nearly Indestructible Dog Toys, Rope Toy for Large Dogs, Dental Cleaning Chew Toys, Dog Tug Toy for Boredom, Dog Rope Toy for Aggressive Chewers (2 Packs) 4.2 out of 5 stars 2,918. If he would have been supervised with the rope, he would not have had the opportunity to completely chew it apart. Yes, you can give your dog rope toys alternatives if you dont have confidence in the toys. Imagine if your dog wanted to play with you or vice versa but you got it a puzzle toy? However, within one day, her dogs tore the toys to pieces. However, do not leave ropes with your dog unattended, and stop using a rope toy if your dog begins to pull of threads during your tug-of-war games. How to Tell When Your Dog Has an Ear Infection (And What to Do), 6 Reasons Why Your Dog's Breath Smells Like Fish. I believe that although climbing rope is super durable, there is still an opportunity for it to fray over time. When I started writing this article, I had flashbacks to Max as a puppy with his own personal rope toy. If you have a question about the safety of a toy you recently bought for your dog, please contact us onlineor by phone at (240) 252-7467. What kind of toys are you using for your furry friend? Keep an eye on your rope toys after every play session and, if they're starting to fray or break especially in the middle of the rope get rid of it and replace it with a new one. Rope toys are not all fairy tales. If a long strand gets stuck in the stomach with the other half in the intestines, it can cinch the digestive system like a drawstring and cause life-threatening problems. Visit went very smoothly. Your goal as a pet owner is to find and purchase only safe toys. Rope dog toys can be dangerous in three different ways. There is no definitive answer to this question, as the effects of rope toys on dogs will vary depending on their individual personality and behavior. At 72-inches long, the Mammoth 5 Knot is comically long. How Often Should a Healthy Dog Poop Each Day? "Chewsonality," or chewing personality, is a termcoined by Preventive Vet to describe the way your pooch chews on their toys. I will say, my dogs leash is made of climbing rope and he has yet to chew through it, but he is also not given the opportunity to just sit and chew his leash. Lets face it, manufacturers dont set out to create dangerous toys. The good news is puppies or teenage dogs can chew a rope toy to reduce teething pain. Chewing is natural in dogs, unfortunately, the tragic history of some rope toys points to a more serious reality than many people realize. Here are some game ideas: Your dog will be spoilt of choices; you can play game A today then B tomorrow to stimulate your fur mentally. If you think your dog has swallowed a harmful foreign object, call us right away at (301) 228-0681 for tips on how to . Categorized by vets as a "linear foreign body," rope is just about the most dangerous object your dog can . One big question many pet parents have is are dog rope toys safe? If thats your intent, then steer clear of rope toys! Double (Infinity) Loop Dog Tug Toy. Because of this, dog owners need to be diligent and focused on their pets needs and play behavior. They'll eat whatever they can pull apart, and that leads to swallowing fibers that can cause obstruction and damage, as described above. Marketplaces especially have major issues with counterfeits mixed in with real toys. Obviously, you don't want to let that happen! If the rope toy you buy is made of dangerous materials, it might not even matter what style of chewer your dog is. If you need a toy for your furry friend to chew, there are plenty of options out there that are durable enough to not present an immediate risk. These are the dogs that can have a basket full of toys that seem to last forever. helpful for redirecting the dog to appropriate items to chew. I know this because if you were truly a bad pet parent, you wouldnt be taking time to stop and read about the dangers associated with rope toys. Therefore, his escapade with the hidden rope toy was so dangerous. I feel you need to use your own judgment with this, and you need to know yourself and your dog well. Even if your dog only pulls off small pieces of rope at a time, this type of toy can still be dangerous to his digestive system, slowly creating an obstruction like hairs collecting in a shower drain. Fetching games with his rope toys give my dog lots of vigorous exercise, and it helps us bond. Nowadays, Michelle has down-sized her dogs to poodles, proving small dogs can enjoy the outdoors too! K. Marie is an animal lover, wife, kitty mom, dog auntie, writer, and co-founder of Toe Beans, a proud American family-owned online boutique pet supplies store focused on the improvement of the life of furry family members via pet parent education, better products, and advocacy. Taking the toy away may seem mean, but there are a couple of ways to look at it. Puppies chew when they're teething to relieve gum pain and aches in the jaw. Are rope toys dangerous for dogs? Continued use of a rope toy for chewing can cause the particles to roll into a tight ball in your pet's intestines, where it can cause immense pain and even permanent damage. Sam had to undergo surgery to have these pieces of string removed from both his stomach and intestine. As you might guess, this is very painful for your dog. We accomplish this by showering them with affection, treating them like one of our children and spoiling them with the best toys and treats we can find. Even if your dog doesnt completely destroy his toys, he may sit and chew happily on a tug-of-war rope, shredding off and eating tiny strands at a time. Ultimately, its not worth risking your dogs health and well-being to let him play with rope toys, even if these are his favorite. When a dog begins swallowing rope fibers or strands, there is reason to be very concerned. The danger of a rope toy comes from the strands of rope coming loose and being swallowed. Vets refer to the rope strands as linear foreign bodies, which are the single most dangerous objects that can be swallowed by a dog. Rope toys can be very dangerous for dogs. Inhalers are also known as very aggressive chewers. Our point is, if youre a sucker for bonding with your dog, a rope toy will let you spend some quality time with your fur. Suction Cup Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers Interactive Dog Toys tug of war Toy. This defines my Max to a T. A destroyer is just that. Chewing a toy will always get bits and flakes or small strands of string coming off the toy, and those can be enough to poison any animal. "If your dog slurps down a long piece of spaghetti-like rope, one end may travel as far as the upper intestines, while the other end remains caught in the stomach. Absolutely not! DIY Simple Dog Rope Toy by Instructables; 5. I've interviewed several veterinarians who tell me rope toy shards had to be surgically removed from a dog's intestines due to blockage. You understand what I am saying. As a pet parent, you have a lot of choices to make to keep your pet safe. Carpet unravels like a long piece of string. Conversely, inhalers or gulpers (also known as heavy chewers) are the most in danger from plush and rope toys. Research shows that the presence of foreign bodies is associated with high mortality rates in pets. To non-dog owners, this sounds absurd, but a dog is truly a part of your family, just as my Max is. When one part of the rope stays in the stomach while the other begins to stretch to the intestines, the dog is unable to pass the string through. You see, my dog, Max is my best friend, (aside from my husband). Max doesnt sit and chew the rope. If your dog loves to tug then we recommend picking up one of our rope toys. I am passionate about enjoying the great outdoors with my dogs. We use the rope for tug of war and fetch. If you MUST give your dog a rope toy, make sure it is for the proper chew strength, and you monitor it very closely. Flossing Teeth: Are Rope Toys Good for Dogs Teeth? Yes, most are if you supervise your love as it uses it. Also, the strings can choke your doggo. If you do a quick online search with this question, you will find multiple lists appear that rank dog toys. If youve enrolled in good dog training programs, youll notice trainers insisting on using treats to reinforce dogs positive responses. As you can imagine, this is very painful for your dog. Small, short strands are safer than longer strings. Rope toys can be extremely dangerous for dogs when not used properly. FAQ: How Many Shots and Vaccinations Do Puppies Need? This is why dogs that tend to be more destructive especially the ones that swallow part of what they break down should avoid rope toys altogether. A majority of the time, foreign objects pass through your dogs digestive system without a problem. This can be extremely painful and eventually fatal to the dog. Indria Tuckler, a golden retriever breeder, has taken to Facebook to warn dog owners of the danger of rope toys following the death of one of her dogs. Use the rope toy playtime (tug and fetch) and dont let him use it for chew time. So, are rope toys safe for dogs? Now go play with your pup! Over time, rope fibers can cause blockages in your dogs digestive system. If you see the rope beginning to fray or weaken, its time to find a new toy for your pup. They are even touted by many vets as great "natural flossing" tools for your dogs. Quick View Add to cart. This means that as your playful pup is gnawing on his or her rope toy, small fibers of rope are being swallowed. Mammoth won another category with the longest rope we tested. DIY Old Jeans Dog Rope . Once these strands are broken and ingested by your dog, they can damage your dogs digestive tract and intestine, causing great harm to your dog. It is for a super aggressive chewer, and he doesnt have access to it without me. The knot size does not determine the safety rating. It doesn't help keep them cooler in the summer, and it may even result in a sunburn from exposing their skin. They're biodegradable and all-natural, after all. While it may not seem like a big deal for your pup to swallow small particles of rope, over time the particles add up and will cause a problem that may only be able to be solved by invasive surgery. Allison our Vet Technician was wonderful & explained everything our Vet would be doing & gave me great training tips. So, are dog rope toys safe for dogs? Personally, my destroyer doesnt swallow what has been shredded, but this isnt the case for all destroyers. Its your duty to know if your mutt is experiencing teething pain and help it relieve the pain. Therefore, you want to make sure your rope toys don't fray or come loose. All dogs - both big and small - can connect with their humans in the outdoors and create great memories together. 5 Clever Ideas to Hide Your Cat's Litter Box in an Enclosure, 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Shave a Dog's Fur For Summer, Naming Cats in Pairs: What to Name Cat Brothers and Sisters. There are several warning signs to watch for if you suspect your dog may have ingested something toxic. And start looking forward to future training sessions because it knows theres always a happy ending. Your furry friend isn't any better able to digest cotton than they are plastic, but those fibers break down more easily and can pass through with the potential of fewer issues. Everyone was so kind & helpful. Make sure it is the correct durability for their little or big jaws. Continued use of a rope toy for chewing can cause the particles to roll into a tight ball in your pet's intestines, where it can cause immense pain and even permanent damage. So, Should You Really Get a Rope Toy for Your Dog? If a portion of the rope remains in the stomach while the other part is traveling through the intestines it could cause a drawstring effect to occur in the dogs body. After we are done playing with the rope, I also take time to inspect it. Keep the toy locked away or stored out of reach really out of reach, not just on a high shelf where they can still see and try to reach. They describe three kinds of chewers: Of these three, the nibblers are the safest when it comes to rope, plush, and fabric toys. Rope toys encourage pet owners to play tug-of-war with their pet which is not good behavior. Again, when looking at rope toys and the knots used to secure the ends, the size will only really matter when you determine the chew strength of your dog. Stop It! They have their dark parts; here are some: Yes, rope toys have potential dangers but that doesnt make them bad. Several toy have hard-to-reach sections that breed bacteria. Several chew toys limit how you can play with your fur. You can avoid such misfortunes by redirecting your dogs behavior with the right toys. My Dog Won't Stop Licking: Is It a Problem and What Should I Do? I am going to highlight the reasons these toys can be so dangerous as well as what you need to do if your pet happens to ingest rope from their toy. Understand your furry friend's "chewsonality.". We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. There are even ropes with a comfortable handle so you can play tug with your pup. On our blog sharing is just one click away. The food particles in your dogs mouth will be dislodged, reducing the chances of your dog getting plaque and dental cavities. Labs are very friendly, loving, and loyal dogs that care deeply about their Labrador Retriever Costs (Buying, Feeding and Maintaining). Left untreated, the strand may draw the intestines into a tight ball, and lacerations may develop where the rope digs into the intestinal wall. 67 ($5.84/Count ) $12.99 $12.99. The Preventive Pet website does a fantastic job of classifying the various types of chewers. If a rope is too small, your pooch could swallow it whole. Is There Any Good Alternative to Rope Toys for Dogs? I hope this article helped strengthen your understanding of rope toys, the good, the bad and the ugly. You can use a rope toy to exercise its teeth; your fur will bite the knot or ropes to strengthen its teeth and gums. The third, most common, and most dangerous (and deadly) way a rope toy can be unsafe is through what vets call "linear foreign bodies." The other 5% of foreign objects that enter your dog's system are a different story. If you think your dog may have swallowed a harmful foreign object, visit Germantown Vet Clinic right away for professional advice. Replace it with a new one. Toy to Avoid: Rope Toys. Eating string can have fatal consequences, and while it doesn't always turn out that way, waiting for it to pass or trying to remove it yourself can cause damage and isn't worth the risk. So the fibers and strands of ropes are being swallowed by your dog. If you have dogs and cats in your household, your cat may be at risk too. Sharp puppy teeth can shred a rope in seconds. Once these strands are broken and ingested by your dog, they can damage your dog's digestive tract and intestine, causing great harm to your dog. Well, if your dog tends to destroy his toys, hes more likely to swallow a piece of it. If you know that your dog will sneak away with the rope and just have a chew fest, then perhaps a rope toy isnt a great idea. If your dog has eaten string from a rope toy, you need to immediately contact/get them to the vet. 9 min read. A puppy should never be left unsupervised to play with a rope toy. In the worst cases, it can obstruct your canine companion's airways and choke themto death. Hiding your cat's litter box in an enclosure can keep it out of eyesight and contain its odors.