rope toys issue?

[marciafinn]

Originally posted by mobrian
It is very valid.

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45638&highlight=blockage

I just copied and pasted this post from the above thread.

Hard lesson learned
Hi Everyone, I just had to comment on the dog rope toy issue, I lost my precious boxer girl this past April due to complications from surgery to remove a piece of a rope toy that she had swallowed. The rope piece caused a total upstruction in her intestines and they kalidoscoped inside each other.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and any other loss due to a rope toy! I never knew these were so hazardous until I saw this thread. Rope toys were never Mason's favorite but I have seen Mason rip these toys apart. Several times and as he gets them really good and ripped apart, we take them from him - I guess it is a good thing.

You know as much as I think that dog toy manufacturers are looking out for the well-being of dogs, I have to stop and realize that they don't even know Mason and it doesn't matter how much money I spend since they prbably never will. It is all about making money for many people.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention as I will make sure that I keep these toys from Mason from now on.
Marcia & Mason

 

[Penni K]

toy questions

OK no more ropes for Max. But I have a question, other than Kongs (which we have to get the black ones because Max can chew up the red ones) what other toys are safe?? I feel bad we don't have more toys for Max but everything has to be really, really tough, he's a GREAT chewer. I found a ball that had a rope through the middle, the rope didn't last long but Max seems to enjoy the ball. Suggestions please!

 

[robynkendall]

Thank goodness for this thread! I had no idea...

 

[lillibirdy]

Yes, I just threw out the rope too, (also against my hubbys objections). I need some new toy advice as well. We now know he is not just chewing, but swallowing stuff and most of their toys went into the trash. I learned on here not to give them rawhide, (which was their) fav, and now with the most of the rest in the trash, what IS good? Now, they only have the holy roller ball left, kongs, and some new supposedly tough, (we shall see) balls and rings with bells in them. So whats out there, and where has the best prices? We need to stock up, so we have enough to rotate.

 

[Crayolita]

omg, I also didn't have any idea. As soon as I get home, these toys are going to the trash!
Thanks for this post

 

[Jan]

Rope bones are fine for most dogs, but do have to know your dog! If your dog chews them apart, I would take them away. I have always had rope bones for my dogs and have never had a problem.

 

[beanieh]

I have to agree with Jan - base your decision on the rope toys on your own dog's behavior with them. My labrador (at the bridge) just loved his ropes, and we just watched to make sure they didn't get too shredded. I would trim them, and then we'd toss them out if they were beyond safe trimming. If your dog can untie those knots, then definitely do not give it a rope! Bongo likes to gnaw on his rope, and I just got one from JB Pet Products that is HUGE -- the knots are the size of a 16-inch softball! Bongo can have his rope when we are there to supervise his chewing. It's the same as when I give him a greenie, pizzle, or nylabone. Anything that has the potential of having a chunk bitten off must be supervised. I let him have his kongs and his heavy rubber bones whenever, because even with his excessive chewing he hasn't put a dent in any of those.

So, with any toy you have to use your own judgment!

 

[kmzz]

I was told by my vet, he prefers Nylabones over rawhide. Rawhide is very hard for dogs's stomach to digest. I thought I would add that in. Nylabone is far better than rawhide, so I am told by my vet. I hope this helps.

 

[Rocky'sMom78]

I was told that it is a very bad toy for boxers.

 

[Spike595]

We gave Spanky a rope toy when he was a pup but as soon as he was able to get some threads off, in the trash it went! We can't give him stuffed toys either. The only thing we found that he was able to be left with is his "Kong" and his Nylabone(which he loves). We supervise him with the kids "kickball" which he pushes around the yard with his nose at top speed, but but he'll chomp on it sometimes and pop 'em. That why we supervise him with it.