household
Human Hair Ties
NOT RECOMMENDED
Hair ties can cause gut blockage if swallowed. They can also wrap around the tongue or intestines.
What to do
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog swallowed a hair tie.
When to contact a vet: Emergency vet attention if your dog swallowed a hair tie or elastic band.
Symptoms to look for
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- straining
Why
Small elastic hair ties are attractive to dogs and easy to swallow. Once in the gut they can cause a linear foreign body, where the elastic stretches and saws through the intestinal wall. This is a surgical emergency. Hair ties can also become lodged in the stomach or wrapped around the base of the tongue.
- Substances of concern
- elastic, linear foreign body risk
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"elastic hair ties",scrunchies,"rubber bands"}
- Preparation
- Keep hair ties and small elastics out of reach.
- How much matters
- Even one swallowed hair tie can cause a serious blockage.
- Severity
- Severe
Sources
- PDSAVeterinary organisation — Obstruction risk
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.