Playing catch with your dog is a fun game, but not every ball is suited for this. Are tennis balls bad for dogs?

There are mixed opinions on the subject, but there is some truth in the fact that tennis balls are not the best to hand to your dog.

Because of their sharp, strong teeth, dogs can chew through the ball, which makes the small pieces a choking hazard. On top of that, it could also cause abrasion on the tooth enamel, giving your dog dental problems, and could also result in illnesses due to the number of unknown materials that go into its manufacture.

Tennis balls are given as toys to dogs all the time, but is that really a good idea?

We asked experts for their opinions on the matter and carried out our own research on how tennis balls can affect dogs.

Why Tennis Balls May Not Be Safe For Dogs

There are multiple reasons why tennis balls are a cause for concern for so many.

Enamel Abrasion

The neon fuzz on the outside of the ball gives it a nice texture when you hold it in your hands, but it can have quite a horrible effect on your dog! The material can be rough and act like sandpaper for your dog’s teeth when they chew on the ball.

This can result in abrasion and scratch away the enamel covering on your dog’s tooth, and leave their teeth susceptible to damage. This can result in a plethora of other problems, like abscesses, cavities, and tooth decay.

Of course, it won’t have an effect instantly. One game of catch with a tennis ball won’t land your dog in the hospital (not for dental problems, at least) but it can if you let them play with a tennis ball for a longer stretch of time.

Choking Hazards

Another concern around tennis balls is the choking hazard. Tennis balls aren’t actually that strong. If you press on it hard enough, it can get compressed or even split apart. Unfortunately, dogs’ strong jaws have enough strength to do this.

If they happen to take it into their mouth, the ball can choke your dog’s airway and make it impossible to breathe. This can easily become fatal if they are not given immediate attention.

The tennis ball can also become hazardous in other ways. For example, if your dog chews on the ball, pieces of it can get left over in your dog’s mouth and there is a high chance that they’ll get swallowed. When this happens, these pieces have the risk of getting stuck in your dog’s intestinal tract, which can be extremely dangerous as well.

If your dog likes chewing on things, you should definitely avoid giving them a tennis ball.

What’s In a Ball?

Another cause for concern is that you don’t really know what tennis balls are made of. They are mass-produced in factories all over the world, and you never know which factory your ball specifically came from.

In fact, there are no standards for what materials go into them either, especially since tennis balls are obviously not made for consumption. You can’t expect certified food-grade materials in them, because they are made for the purpose of playing tennis.

This means that besides all the parts you can see (like the fuzz around them), there are definitely various chemicals used, as well as the glue that keeps it held together. There is also a fair amount of discussion around whether tennis balls contain lead, which is extremely toxic.

If your dog chews on something like that, they’ll be ingesting all sorts of chemicals and harmful substances that can cause illnesses even with the slightest amount.

What Alternatives Do You Have?

So, you don’t want to give your dog a tennis ball, but what else can you play with? Tennis balls are definitely an easy and accessible option, and you can’t exactly use a football to play fetch. But you don’t want to put your dog at risk, either

Most games of catch and fetch can be played with a cloth frisbee, which keeps your dog just as engaged, gives them enough exercise, and also keeps them safe.

There are also plenty of toys made specifically for dogs that are not only safer for your dog, but also come with extra options. Some toys can be filled with peanut butter or other treats, which can keep your dog busy for long stretches of time.

Stuffed toys are also a good option to play with, and they are also comforting. However, with these toys, you have to keep an eye on your dog at all times. While they don’t have any outright danger on the surface, you have to take them away if you notice any rips that could result in the stuffing coming out.

Some squeaker toys are also useful but can be a choking hazard if the squeaker comes out.

It’s not that hard to keep your dog engaged. Your dog doesn’t care about the tennis ball itself as much as they care about playing with you. Using other toys and rotating them to keep your dog from being bored can help your dog stay happy and healthy and excited about their playtime.