Dogs have a habit of sinking their teeth into whatever their human owns or uses, and racquetballs aren’t an exception. But are racquetballs safe for dogs?

Most balls are made of rubber or another synthetic material. They have a smooth, shiny surface that is easy to grip. The material also affects the bounciness of the ball. Racquetballs are generally softer than tennis balls, which makes them easier to bite into.

Racquetballs aren’t safe for dogs by any means. If swallowed, a racquetball can cause them to choke. Choking can lead to troubled breathing, eventually killing your dog, if not addressed at the right time. Therefore, letting your dog play with racquetballs is never a good idea.

The texture of the ball is also important. Smoother balls bounce more uniformly and are easier to hit in a straight line, which is great when you’re actually playing the sport, but they’re easier to swallow and can cause a host of issues.

As seasoned racquetball players, we will explain to your why racquetballs aren’t safe for dogs.

Why Aren’t Racqeutballs Safe for Dogs?

Racquetballs Can Choke Your Dog

If your dog swallows a racquetball, it can cause serious problems. The rubber can block the respiratory tract, which results in choking. In addition, it can also cause shortness of breath and even death if the ball is not removed promptly.

If you suspect your dog has swallowed a racquetball, it is important to take them to the vet immediately. They will be able to remove the ball and prevent any further damage.

So, while racquetballs may be great for playing fetch, they are not safe for dogs and should be kept out of reach.

It Can Clog the Intestines

Racquetballs can be dangerous for dogs for several reasons. One is that they can block the intestinal tract if swallowed; if one becomes stuck in the intestine, it can cause intestinal rupture.

This occurs when the intestine tears along its length, causing contents to spill out into the abdomen. Intestinal rupture is a serious condition that often requires surgery to repair. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of intestinal rupture include vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and lethargy. If you think your dog has swallowed a racquetball or any other object, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.

X-rays can help to identify foreign objects in the gastrointestinal tract, and surgery may be necessary to remove them.

Signs Your Dog Has Eaten a Racquetball

Vomiting, choking or gagging, drooling, and a painful abdomen are all signs that your dog has eaten a racquetball. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your dog to the vet immediately.

Raccoonballs can obstruct your dog's digestive system, which can be fatal if left untreated. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, you may also notice that your dog is restless or lethargic.

This is another sign that something is wrong, and you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of racquetball ingestion, you can ensure that your dog gets the treatment he needs promptly.

What To Do If Your Dog Ingests a Racquetball

If your dog ingests a racquetball, the most important thing is to immediately call your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital. While it is possible for your dog to pass the racquetball on its own, it can also cause serious gastrointestinal blockages that require surgery to resolve.

In addition, the stress of passing a foreign object can lead to other health problems, such as pancreatitis. As a result, it is always best to avoid caution and seek professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Once you have called your vet, they will give you specific instructions on what to do next. In the meantime, you can help to keep your dog calm and relaxed by offering small amounts of water or ice chips to lick.

Do not try to force your dog to vomit, as this can cause additional damage to the GI tract. With prompt medical treatment, most dogs recover quickly and without complication from ingesting a racquetball.

How to Inspect If Your Dog Has Eaten a Racquetball?

If your dog has gotten into your sporting equipment and you suspect they may have eaten a racquetball, there are a few places you can check. First, look under the tongue and between the gums.

Then, feel along the roof of the mouth and back of the throat. If the ball is large enough, you may be able to feel it through the skin. If you cannot find the ball in your dog's mouth, it may have swallowed it.

In this case, x-rays will likely be needed to locate the ball and determine if it is causing any intestinal blockages. If your dog has eaten a racquetball, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Left untreated, this can be a potentially life-threatening situation.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Your Dog?

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid procedure used to treat choking. It can be performed on humans and also on dogs. If your dog has swallowed a racquetball, it may start to choke. To perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Position yourself behind your dog. Make sure that your dog is standing up and that you are standing behind it. Place your hands around its waist.
2. Apply quick, upward thrusts. Apply sudden and sharp upward thrusts to your dog's abdomen using your hands. Do this until the racquetball is dislodged and your dog can breathe again.
3. Repeat if necessary. If the racquetball does not come out after the first round of thrusts, repeat the process until it does.

If you are unsure how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog, or if your dog is still choking after trying it, seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian or animal hospital. Time is of the essence when a dog is choking, so do not delay in getting help.

What Will the Vet Do?

If your dog ingests a racquetball, the vet will likely start with a physical exam. They will feel your dog's abdomen for any unusual lumps or bumps and listen to their intestines for any abnormal sounds.

They may also take X-rays to get a better look at the racquetball and see if it has moved through the digestive tract. They may recommend endoscopy if the vet sees that the racquetball is still in the stomach.

This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the stomach to locate the foreign object. In some cases, the vet may be able to extract the racquetball through endoscopy.

However, if the racquetball is stuck in the intestines, extraction will not be possible and gastrointestinal surgery will be necessary. The vet will make an incision in the abdomen and remove the intestine section containing the foreign object. Surgery is always a last resort, but saving your dog's life may be necessary.

How to Keep Your Dog From Eating Random Items?

Dogs are curious creatures that often like to put random things in their mouth, including racquetballs. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can actually be dangerous for your dog if they eat something they're not supposed to.

In addition to preventing them from choking or swallowing a foreign object, you also need to be concerned about the possibility of toxicity. Fortunately, you can do a few things to prevent your dog from eating random items like racquetballs.

First, make sure they have plenty of toys and chewables of their own to keep them occupied. If they're bored, they're more likely to start chewing on things they shouldn't.

Second, keep an eye on them when they're outside and supervise them closely when they're in the house. If you see them picking up something they shouldn't, distract them with a loud noise or offer them a treat. You can help keep your dog safe from harm with a little effort.

Best Chewable Dog Toys in 2022

Benebone Wishbone Durable Dog Chew Toy

The Benebone Wishbone chewable dog toy is made from durable nylon material, making it ideal for aggressive chewers. The bone-shaped toy promotes healthy chewing habits, and the raised nubs help clean teeth and massage gums.

The Benebone Wishbone is available in three sizes so that you can choose the perfect size for your dog. The toy also comes in two different colors, and it's easy to use - simply chew and enjoy.

Best of all, the Benebone Wishbone is made in the USA, and a satisfaction guarantee backs it. So if you're looking for a durable chewable dog toy that's fun and safe for your pooch, the Benebone Wishbone is perfect.

KONG - Classic Dog Toy, Durable Natural Rubber

KONG - Classic Dog Toy, Durable Natural Rubber is a chewable toy for dogs made with natural rubber. The toy is designed to be durable and chew-resistant, making it ideal for interactive playtime between owners and their pets.

The KONG can also help reduce boredom and anxiety in dogs and prevent destructive chewing habits. The KONG is available in various sizes to accommodate different breeds of dogs and can be filled with treats or peanut butter to extend the playful experience further.

For owners looking for a durable, chew-resistant toy to keep their dogs entertained, the KONG - Classic Dog Toy, Durable Natural Rubber, is an excellent option.

Nylabone Power Chew Flavored Durable Chew Toy

The Nylabone Power Chew Flavored Durable Chew Toy is a chewable dog toy that is made of durable nylon.

The chew toy is designed for dogs that like to chew and is available in three different flavors: chicken, bacon, and peanut butter. The chew toy is also available in two different sizes: small and large.

The chew toy is dishwasher safe and can be used for both indoor and outdoor play. A satisfaction guarantee also backs the chew toy. If your dog does not like the chew toy, you can return it for a full refund.

Nylabone Puppy Chew Variety Toy

The Nylabone Puppy Chew Variety Toy is a chewable dog toy that is designed for puppies. The chew toy is made of durable nylon and is chew resistant.

The chew toy is also flavored with chicken, which makes it appealing to puppies. The chew toy helps to keep puppies entertained and helps to prevent destructive chewing behavior. The chew toy is also safe for puppies to chew on, as it does not contain any toxic materials.

The Nylabone Puppy Chew Variety Toy is an ideal chew toy for puppies and is sure to keep them entertained for hours.