Dog Owners, Beware: The Hidden Danger in This Popular Toy Could Be Deadly
For us dog lovers, there’s no greater joy than spoiling our furry best friends. We shower them with treats, cozy beds, and toys galore—anything to see those tails wagging and eyes lighting up with excitement.
But not all toys are created equal—and one woman’s heartbreaking story is a powerful reminder that some can do more harm than good.
Indria Tuckler thought she was doing something nice for her pups when she bought a set of rope toy balls—ones marketed as “indestructible” and perfect for hours of safe play. Like many pet parents, she trusted the packaging and the promise of durability.
But what happened next is every dog owner’s worst nightmare.
Shortly after giving the toys to her dogs, Indria noticed they had been quickly torn apart. Her one-year-old puppy, Sam, had chewed off and swallowed some of the rope fragments. While Indria tried to remove the remaining pieces and even threw the toy away, it was already too late.
Sam began to suffer from severe internal injuries, and despite efforts to save him, he passed away just two days later.
“This was a senseless and avoidable death,” Indria shared in an emotional Facebook post that quickly went viral in the Vizsla Dog Lovers group. “These items should not be sold for dogs. I believe there is power in numbers—and if we can share Sam’s story, maybe we can save another dog’s life.”
It’s a chilling but vital reminder: even toys that seem safe can be deadly. Rope toys, in particular, may pose a serious risk—not just for dogs, but also for cats, who can easily swallow strands of rope or string and suffer similar consequences.
Many of these toys are widely available at popular pet stores like Petco and HomeGoods, making them a common staple in homes across the country. But their popularity doesn’t mean they’re safe.
Indria hopes that by sharing Sam’s story, more pet owners will think twice and take extra precautions when choosing toys for their animals.
Because no one should have to go through what she did—and no pet should have to suffer from something that was meant to bring joy.
