Why I don’t let my dogs play with tennis balls

Tennis balls have become one of the most popular enrichment toys for dogs. They are cheap, easy to throw, and dogs love chasing after them. However, what many people don’t realise is that tennis balls can pose serious risks to their furry friends. While they might seem like the perfect toy, tennis balls can be harmful to dogs in several ways.

Standard tennis balls are not made with pet safety in mind. Some are produced with toxic materials, including lead and other harmful chemicals. While major tennis ball brands generally meet safety regulations for human use, that doesn’t mean they are safe for dogs to chew and ingest.

Following on from my many comments about disease being an accumulation of a variety of problems over a period of time, and from promoting a constant state of cleansing, please to consider the main image displayed with this blog entry. It was a ball that I once found behind my TV Cabinet in 2016 after it had hidden there for over a year. All those tiny green synthetic particles you can see are usually made from nylon, polyester or wool, and to achieve its fluorescent green colour, the dye is usually a mix of synthetic pigments. Some manufacturers use AZO dyes, and many of these dyes can pose health risks to humans and other animals, including dogs, due to the potential to form carcinogenic aromatic amines. Not all AZO dyes are inherently dangerous, and the risk depends on the specific dye and how it's used.

Mindful manufacturers of dog-specific balls, produce products that are made from safer materials that don’t pose the same risks.

One of the biggest concerns with tennis balls is their fuzzy, abrasive covering. Unlike dog-specific balls, tennis balls are designed for the rough surfaces of a tennis court, not for chewing. The material is similar to sandpaper, and when combined with dirt and debris, it can create a grinding effect on a dog’s teeth. Over time, this can lead to severe dental wear, exposing the sensitive inner layers of the teeth and causing pain or even infections.

Dogs love to chew, and some dogs (especially aggressive chewers) may try to break a tennis ball apart. When this happens, there’s a serious risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they swallow large pieces. Even if they don’t swallow the whole ball, small bits of rubber and felt can accumulate in their digestive system, leading to dangerous obstructions that may require emergency surgery.

Large dogs with strong jaws, such as Labradors and German Shepherds, can easily compress a tennis ball in their mouths. If a tennis ball collapses while they’re chewing, it can suction around the back of their throat, blocking their airway and causing suffocation. While this is rare, it can happen suddenly and requires immediate intervention to save the dog’s life.

Tennis balls are designed for play on the court, not for being constantly chewed on. They can degrade quickly in a dog’s mouth, leading to small bits breaking off that can be accidentally swallowed. Over time, these pieces can cause digestive issues, and the deteriorating ball can become an unexpected hazard.

It is very unnatural for dogs to sprint and stop or turn quickly when chasing a ball. This can cause a lot of premature wear on their joints and increase their risk of injury.  Wild dogs only stop or turn quickly when hunting. Even playtime with other dogs would not put the same strain on their joints as chasing a ball. If possible, choose long walks or runs and / or throwing your dog’s ball into a body of water as is healthier for joint health and longevity.

If you are like me and still throw a ball for your dogs, then it is important to support their joints with a supplement that helps to reduce inflammation and aid in recovery.

Fortunately, there are many dog-safe alternatives available that provide the same fun without the risks. Consider these options instead:

• Rubber fetch balls: Brands like Kong make durable, pet-safe balls designed specifically for dogs. Kong has balls with handles that dogs can bite down on to carry them. Interestingly, my dogs have always attacked the joins in these balls and they appear to always be interested in the glues. This may be their prey drive wanting to destroy the ball or it may be that they are drawn to the glues.

• Non-abrasive dog tennis balls: Some companies, like Kong, produce tennis balls made with softer, non-abrasive materials to protect teeth. If you are unsure, a sniff test for that chemical-smell isn’t a bad idea.

• Rope toys: If your dog loves chewing, providing a tough rubber or rope toy can satisfy that urge in a safer way. I would look for only certified organic or untreated material because synthetic dye-laden rope toys can pose a similar risk to tennis balls.

On a side note, I always purchase balls larger than what my dogs can fit in their mouths whole to avoid choking hazards and I always aim to replace the balls once my dogs have started tearing them to pieces.

While tennis balls are a popular toy for dogs, they come with hidden dangers that pet parents should be aware of. From dental damage to choking hazards and toxic chemicals, they are far from the safest option. If your dog loves to fetch, investing in a high-quality, pet-safe ball is a much better choice for their long-term health and safety.

Chasing balls can cause a lot of premature wear on their joints and increase their risk of injury.  If possible, choose long walks or runs and / or throwing your dog’s ball into a body of water as is healthier for joint health and longevity. It is important to support their joints with a supplement that helps to reduce inflammation and aid in recovery.