It’s no secret that dogs love playing fetch. In fact some pups will pester their owners for hours on end to throw them a ball.
Are tennis balls safe for dogs?
And while watching a dog chase after a bouncing ball can make anyone smile, there’s one very crucial consideration to keep in mind – choosing the right type of ball.
Hunter Finn is a Texas-based animal expert who regularly shares pet advice on TikTok. In a recent video, he shared this warning: “Stop giving your dog tennis balls.”
You’re probably wondering how a tennis ball can harm your dog.
Hunter explains, “Well, when you’re playing fetch with your dog and throwing this thing, it’s getting caught in saliva and dirt and sand, and [the nylon shell] just turns into sandpaper.”
“As that ball turns in your dog’s mouth as it’s playing with it, and you’re grabbing it, and it’s being thrown and picked up multiple times … your dog’s [mouth] will start to look like this,” he said pointing to an image of a dog’s tooth.
Before you end your pup’s favourite game of fetch with a tennis ball, Hunter has a practical solution: a smooth rubber ball. It’s not going to pick up dirt and sand, turning the ball into sandpaper.
Everyone’s a winner.
You might also like:
How to stop your dog from digging holes in the backyard
5 easy tricks to teach your dog
How to stop your dog jumping on people
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Enter the Tradie of the Year 2025 Awards
Native ad body.
