Are Rope Toys Safe for Dogs?

Rope toys are the classic birthday gift or stocking stuffer for dogs: they’re a great way to teach your puppy tug-of-war or bond with a dog that was born to fetch and hold onto prey, like a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever.

They’re also surprisingly controversial in the dog toy world. In fact, some veterinarians advise dog owners not to buy them at all, while others take a more measured position. You may know why already or have your suspicions: What if your dog ingests fiber, chokes on a chunk of rope, or is exposed to toxic materials?

While rope toys offer mental stimulation and promote exercise even in small spaces, there are legitimate risks pet parents need to know about. Read on to learn whether rope toys are safe for your pet and how to make informed choices.

Benefits of Rope Toys for Dogs

Dog rope toys offer several advantages for both puppies and adult dogs:

• Interactive play. Rope toys are ideal for games like tug-of-war and fetch to exercise high-energy dogs and strengthen your bond.
• Satisfy chewing needs. Rope toys for puppies can redirect teething discomfort away from furniture and shoes, while giving mouthy adult dogs an appropriate outlet.
• Mental stimulation. Engaging with rope toys helps prevent boredom-related problem behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
• Dental benefits. Some dental rope toys can help remove plaque and massage gums during play, though they shouldn’t replace regular dental care.

Potential Risks of Rope Toys

Despite their popularity, ropes for dogs carry serious risks that every pet parent should understand. These include:

• Intestinal injuries. When dogs ingest fraying rope fibers, these can become dangerous “linear foreign bodies” that can cause significant internal damage as the dog’s body attempts to pass them.
• Choking hazards. Small pieces of rope that break off could pose immediate choking hazards.
• Sickness from bacterial growth. Rope toys that aren’t cleaned regularly can harbor harmful bacteria that make dogs sick.

The greatest concern with dog rope toy safety is the ingestion of strings from the toy. According to Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of General Surgery Services at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, these strings can cause the equivalent of “internal rope burn.”

Dr. Clarissa B. Lyon, a veterinarian at Larklain Mobile Veterinary Services in Pennsylvania, told The Dodo that “the strands from a rope toy can cause your dog’s intestines to bunch up, or even saw through them like ribbon.” This is a medical emergency that can be lethal and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Here’s a real-world example: According to a CTV News story, Dakota, a 9-month-old German Shepherd, couldn’t keep his food down. Two ultrasounds and an x-ray later, he had to have emergency surgery to remove string from a rope toy. A $9 rope toy led to a vet bill of over $8,000 (thankfully, his owner had pet insurance).

Because of these risks, some veterinarians warn against giving dogs any type of toy made with rope. Others advise a cautious approach: never leave your dog alone with a rope toy. These toys are definitely not safe dog toys for aggressive chewers or dogs who tend to eat their toys.

How to Use Rope Toys Safely

When it comes to dog rope toy safety, common sense and vigilance are your best tools. While veterinarians do not universally condemn rope toys, they emphasize the importance of supervised dog play. Follow these essential guidelines:

• Supervise constantly. Keep your eyes on your dog during playtime. Only have the rope toy out when you can actively monitor play.
• Store rope toys securely. When playtime’s over, put the toy away in a place that your dog cannot access. Never leave rope toys unattended.
• Inspect them regularly. Check toys before each play session for fraying, loose threads, or damage. Discard the toy immediately when strings start to come loose.
• Prevent ingestion. Intervene immediately if your dog starts swallowing rope fibers or pulling at threads.
• Choose non-toxic options. Choose non-toxic dog toys made without harmful chemicals, dyes, or materials.

Dogs communicate pretty quickly how they’re going to use a toy. If yours is a notorious toy eater or quick to start pulling on threads the moment they’re left to their own devices, it’s best to skip rope toys or only use them for interactive play under direct supervision.

Choosing a Safe Rope Toy

There’s no clear consensus on what makes a dog rope toy completely safe in terms of materials. The durability debate is complex: highly durable strings that resist breaking may be more hazardous if ingested because they’re harder to pass through the digestive system. On the flip side, other manufacturers claim easily-breakable strings are safer—but there’s no independent third-party research confirming these marketing claims.

When selecting safe dog toys in the rope category, look for these green flags:

• Nontoxic materials such as natural cotton fibers or rubber
• Appropriate size to match your dog’s breed and chewing strength (many toy manufacturers provide charts to determine the best choice before you buy)

If you’ve decided rope toys are not the best fit for your dog, you have other options.

Alternative Safe Chew Options

For dogs who don’t make a great match with classic rope toys, consider these safe dog toys instead:

• Rubber toys. Dr. Debra Primovic recommends KONG natural rubber toys, which are “nearly indestructible,” available in different levels of firmness from “beginning to light chewers” (puppies) to “power chewers,” and can easily be cleaned in the top rack of your dishwasher.
• Other rope toy alternatives. Nylabone Tuug toys and WEST PAW Zogoflex toys are also good choices made with durable, non-toxic, and dishwasher-safe materials.
• Dental chews. For heavy chewers, veterinarian-approved edible dental chews can support oral health while satisfying the urge to chomp.
• Frozen treats. Frozen KONG toys stuffed with dog-safe treats provide long-lasting entertainment and soothe teething discomfort—just watch the extra calories.
• Stuffed toys. With proper supervision to prevent ingestion of materials, stuffed toys can be safe for gentle chewers.

An important note: Avoid toys that are made of materials that are too hard, such as antlers or bones, which could break teeth or hurt gums.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

If your dog swallows rope fibers or shows signs of intestinal blockage, contact your veterinarian immediately or visit an emergency veterinary clinic. Time is critical with these injuries.

Signs of intestinal blockage from rope fibers include:

• Vomiting
• Changes in behavior such as restlessness or lethargy
• Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
• Abdominal tenderness, pain, or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Visible rope or string in stool or hanging from rectum (never pull on visible string—seek immediate veterinary care)

Your veterinarian can also be a helpful source for guidance on safe dog toys and chew alternatives tailored to your dog’s specific needs, chewing style, and health considerations.

Stay Vigilant

The dog rope toy has earned its mixed reputation for good reason: while it’s generally safe for many dogs under proper supervision, rare cases can result in serious, life-threatening complications. As a pet parent, staying informed and vigilant is important.

Rope toys can be safe and beneficial when you commit to proper supervision, regularly inspect them for wear-and-tear, and replace damaged toys regularly. The key is balancing fun with safety by honestly assessing your dog’s chewing behavior and choosing toys that match their play style.

Make it a habit to examine every dog rope toy before play sessions. If your dog is an aggressive chewer or has a history of eating non-food items, consider the safer alternatives discussed above. Remember: Supervised dog play is non-negotiable with rope toys. By staying mindful of dog chewing hazards, you can help ensure your dog enjoys their toys safely for years to come.