What Is The Major Culprit For Pet Medical Emergencies?
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Did you know that foreign object ingestion is one of the most common reasons dogs are rushed into emergency surgery? A major culprit? Their toys. Plush toys with squeakers, rubber bones, rope tug toys—when these break down or are poorly made, they can become more than a fun distraction. They can become a medical emergency. Veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals report that foreign body ingestion, including toy parts, is a leading cause of costly and sometimes life-threatening procedures in dogs.
As loving pet owners, it’s easy to assume store-bought toys are safe. But the truth is, many are not built to withstand aggressive chewing or prolonged use, and they pose serious hazards we often don’t see—until it’s too late.
Why It Happens More Than You Think
Dogs interact with the world using their mouths. Chewing, tugging, and gnawing are all normal behaviors—but they put serious stress on whatever toy is in front of them. Mass-market pet toys are often made with weak materials: thin stitching, brittle rubber, or glued-in plastic parts like squeakers. These components can easily break off during play, turning into a choking hazard or something your dog might swallow without you realizing it.
Once ingested, these pieces can lead to intestinal blockages, internal damage, or chemical exposure—all of which may require emergency vet care.
Common Toy Parts That Lead to Emergencies
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Squeakers (from plush toys)
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Stuffing and rope fibers
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Chewed-off bits of rubber or plastic
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Metal parts (like bells, clips, or zippers)
Even if your dog seems fine immediately after swallowing a toy piece, symptoms like vomiting, abdominal discomfort, lethargy, or loss of appetite may show up later. Without timely treatment, ingestion incidents can become life-threatening.
How to Protect Your Dog: Prevention Takes More Than a Purchase
Buying better toys is important—but it’s only part of the solution. Here are six proactive things you can do to drastically reduce the risk of a toy turning into a trip to the emergency vet:
1. Rotate Toys Weekly
Dogs often over-chew favorites. Keep a rotation of toys and limit play with the same toy every day. This gives each toy a longer life and lets you spot damage before it becomes dangerous.
2. Inspect & Replace Often
Make it a habit to check your dog’s toys every few days. Look for small cracks, tears, missing pieces, or exposed squeakers. Don’t wait—replace anything that shows signs of wear.
3. Supervise Aggressive Chewers
Some dogs love to destroy toys—and that’s okay, as long as you're there. Supervise them closely during play, especially with plush or squeaky toys. If a toy gets torn open, take it away immediately.
4. Skip the Squeakers (or Disable Them)
If your dog is a squeaker hunter, remove squeakers before giving them plush toys—or opt for toys that don’t include them at all. There are safer, quieter alternatives that still offer satisfying textures and resistance.
5. Choose Simpler Designs
Complex toys with glued-on parts, sewn-on eyes, or multiple materials are more likely to break apart. Choose one-piece rubber toys or rope toys with reinforced stitching.
6. Educate Other Pet Parents in Your Household
Kids, friends, or roommates may not realize the risks of cheap toys. Make sure anyone who buys or plays with your dog knows what to avoid and how to safely supervise toy time.
Final Thoughts: Safety Comes First
Dog toys should bring joy, not danger. By choosing higher-quality toys and taking small, proactive steps—like rotating, inspecting, and supervising play—you can help your pet stay happy, stimulated, and safe.
At Atlantic Animals, we design dog toys with those safety-first values in mind. We use durable natural rubber, avoid breakable parts, and prioritize clean construction so your dog can chew and play without risk. If you're ready to upgrade your pet's playtime to something safer and longer-lasting, our collection is made for you.
Explore Atlantic Animals' toys and discover play without the worry.