If you’ve ever watched your dog chomp off a piece of a toy and swallow it, you know the instant panic that follows. Your mind races: Is this an emergency? Do I need to call the vet?
Here’s what you need to know about what happens when dogs eat parts of toys — and how to prevent it from happening again.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats a Toy
Some dogs can destroy a toy in minutes, and when they rip things apart, swallowing pieces can happen accidentally. The good news? Not every swallowed piece leads to a medical crisis.
Small, soft pieces may pass normally through your dog’s digestive system and come out in their stool.
But larger or tougher pieces can get stuck — and that’s when it becomes dangerous.
Foreign objects can irritate the GI tract, and in severe cases, cause an obstruction that may require surgery.
Signs of a possible intestinal blockage:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.
Your vet will typically use X-rays or an ultrasound to check for a blockage.
How Different Toys Affect Dogs When Swallowed
Not all toy materials behave the same inside your dog’s body.
Hard toys & bones
These can splinter and cause tears or punctures in the gastrointestinal tract.
Fabric or rope toys
These are especially risky. Swallowed strands can create what’s called a linear foreign body — a dangerous situation where part of the rope gets stuck while the rest tries to move, causing the intestines to bunch or fold in on themselves (a condition called intussusception).
Because it’s nearly impossible to know whether a swallowed toy piece will pass or cause trouble, it’s safest to contact your vet anytime your dog swallows something they shouldn’t.
How To Keep Your Dog From Eating Toys
1. Supervise playtime
The #1 rule: Always keep an eye on your dog while they’re playing with toys.
If you catch your dog chewing off a piece, you can remove it before it gets swallowed — and if they do swallow something, you’ll know right away and can contact your vet quickly.
2. Choose toys made for heavy chewers
Some dogs simply need tougher toys. Look for products designed specifically to withstand powerful jaws and minimize the chance of breakage.
A popular option for strong chewers is the KONG Extreme, which is made from extra-durable rubber and is far harder to tear apart.
Keeping your dog safe starts with supervision, smart toy choices, and quick action if something goes wrong. And if your dog ever swallows part of a toy, it’s always better to call your vet and get reassurance than to wait for a problem to develop.
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