As a pet parent, I always thought buying rope toys for my dog was just part of being a good owner. You see them everywhere—every pet store has them, and they seem perfect for tug-of-war, chewing, and interactive play. But a few days ago, I came across a story on Facebook that completely changed my perspective. A woman named Indria Tuckler lost her beloved Golden Retriever, Sam, all because of a rope toy.
One News Story That Made Me Rethink Everything
Indria’s story really hit me hard. Like most of us, she picked up a few rope balls for her dog, thinking they’d be fun and help keep her pup’s teeth healthy. But within a day, her dog had already chewed the rope to pieces. Even though she carefully cleaned up the bits, tragedy still struck—her dog had swallowed some of the rope.
What happened next was honestly terrifying. The rope acted like a saw inside her dog’s intestines, causing severe damage. Even after an emergency surgery where the vet removed three feet of rope and a section of Sam’s intestine, her dog didn’t make it. Sam passed away from sepsis and internal bleeding just two days after swallowing the rope. It’s heartbreaking, and it happened so fast.
Why Are Rope Toys So Dangerous?
This made me really stop and think: Are rope toys actually safe? After doing some research and talking to my vet, I realized the risks are way bigger than I ever imagined:
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They’re easy to shred and swallow:
Dogs love to chew, and rope toys are especially easy to tear apart. Once those long fibers are swallowed, they become a hidden danger.
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They’re a silent killer in the gut:
Swallowed rope fibers can act like a saw inside the intestines. As the gut moves, the rope tightens and can cut through the intestinal wall, causing blockages, bleeding, or even fatal damage.
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They’re hard to detect:
Rope fibers don’t show up on X-rays, so if your dog starts vomiting, has diarrhea, or seems lethargic, it’s easy to mistake it for a simple stomach bug. By the time you realize what’s really wrong, it might be too late.
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Surgery is risky and not always enough:
If your dog does swallow rope, surgery is usually the only option. But even then, there’s no guarantee your dog will make it.
It’s Not Just Big Dogs at Risk
A lot of people think only big dogs or super strong chewers are at risk, but that’s not true. Any dog that likes to chew or play with toys could end up swallowing rope fibers—no matter their size or breed. In fact, the more playful or destructive your pup is, the more careful you need to be.
What I Do Differently Now
After reading Indria’s story, I’m way more careful about the toys I give my dog.
- Rope toys are now strictly for supervised play—like tug-of-war when I’m right there.
- The moment I’m not watching, the rope toy goes away.
- If I notice any fraying or loose threads, I toss the toy immediately.
I’ve also started buying safer alternatives, like tough rubber toys (think KONGs and similar brands). They might not be quite as exciting, but at least I know my dog is safe.
What If Your Dog Swallows Rope?
If you ever suspect your dog has swallowed part of a rope toy, don’t wait—get to the vet ASAP. Don’t try to pull any rope out of their mouth or rear end yourself; you could do more harm than good. Watch for these warning signs:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or low energy
- Signs of abdominal pain or discomfort
If you notice any of these, even if you’re just suspicious, don’t take chances—get your pup checked out right away.
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always
Indria and Sam’s story was a wake-up call for me. We all want our dogs to be happy and have fun, but their safety always has to come first. Supervise playtime, replace damaged toys, and when in doubt, choose safer options.
Our dogs trust us to keep them safe. I hope sharing this helps other pet parents avoid the same heartbreak. Let’s keep our pups happy—and healthy—for as long as possible.
Would you still give your dog a rope toy? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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