Buying guides
Are Rope Toys Safe for Dogs?
Rope toys are safe for supervised tug games with most dogs, but they are risky as toys left alone with a dog who shreds and swallows. Long strands of string can bunch up in the intestines and cause a dangerous blockage that usually needs surgery. Use rope toys for interactive play, put them away afterward, and throw them out once they start to fray. Never let a dog eat the threads.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20263 min read4 sources
Why string is dangerous when swallowed
Vets call string, thread, ribbon and similar materials linear foreign bodies. VCA explains that these can tangle in the intestinal tract, and the rough material rubs the intestinal wall, causing inflammation and damage. An intestinal obstruction is a life-threatening emergency that needs surgery. Rope toys are made of exactly this kind of material once a dog unravels them.
The ASPCA's guidance on chews warns that products which fragment easily or can be eaten in pieces are the ones to avoid, and VCA advises against toys that can be easily torn apart, because swallowed pieces can lodge in the stomach and may need surgical removal.
When rope toys are a good choice
Rope makes an excellent tug toy. Tug is a great game for many dogs: it burns energy, builds a bond and gives you a chance to practice drop it and take it. For a dog who plays gently and does not try to shred the rope, a thick, tightly braided rope used with you (browse rope and tug toys) is a perfectly sensible toy.
Rope toys can also be useful for dogs who like to carry and shake things. The key is that a person is part of the game. Once play ends, put the rope out of reach, so your dog is not left alone to pick it apart.
Dogs that should not have rope toys
Skip rope toys for dogs who unravel and eat string, puppies who chew and swallow everything, and any dog who has swallowed fabric or toys before. VCA notes some dogs destroy even rubber toys within minutes, and those dogs will make short work of a rope. Dogs who play roughly with other dogs can also pull a rope apart in a shared tug game.
If you have several dogs, supervise rope play closely and pick the rope up afterward, because two dogs pulling hard can shred it fast.
How to use rope toys safely
Choose a thick rope that is too big to swallow and tightly braided, sized for your dog. Use it for supervised play only. Check it after every game, and VCA advises retiring a toy once the rope frays. Throw it away as soon as strands start to pull loose, not when it is already falling apart.
Teach a reliable drop it cue so you can end the game and take the toy back calmly. Wash rope toys regularly, as they hold drool and dirt, and dry them thoroughly. Replace them often: a cheap rope that gets thrown away early is far cheaper than an emergency surgery.
Signs your dog may have swallowed string
Watch for vomiting, especially repeated vomiting, not eating, lethargy, a painful or tucked-up belly, straining to poop, or diarrhea after your dog has been chewing a rope toy. Sometimes you can see string under the tongue or hanging from the back end.
Never pull on string you can see coming from your dog's mouth or rear end, because that can injure the intestines. Call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away if you suspect your dog has swallowed rope, even if they seem fine at first.
Safer alternatives for solo play
For time alone, give your dog toys that do not come apart into strands: firm rubber chew toys from our durable dog toys, frozen stuffed food toys and puzzle feeders. Choose sizes too large to swallow and a firmness that bends under your thumbnail. Keep rope for the games you play together, and ask your vet which chews suit your dog's teeth.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can rope toys hurt dogs?
They can if swallowed. Strands of rope can bunch up in the intestines and cause a serious blockage. Used for supervised tug and replaced when frayed, rope toys are a reasonable choice for most dogs.
What happens if my dog eats a rope toy?
Call your vet right away. Swallowed string can cause an intestinal blockage, sometimes without signs at first. Never pull on string you can see, as that can damage the gut.
Are rope toys good for puppies?
Only with close supervision. Puppies chew and swallow readily, so use rope for short tug games with you, then put it away. Give puppies flexible rubber teething toys for solo chewing.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
