Don’t Let Your Dog Play With Tennis Balls
There is nothing more delightful than seeing the joy on the face of a dog racing furiously after a bouncing tennis ball. Unfortunately, your puppy’s favorite toy can be hazardous to his health. This is why you should replace these tennis balls with something safer and how to choose your dog toys more wisely.
Tennis balls are meant for people
According to Colorado Springs Animal Dental Care & Oral Surgery , the biggest risk of giving a tennis ball to your dog is that they are not strong enough to chew, and if your dog swallows them, the structure of the tennis ball and surrounding fluff create a risk of intestinal blockage. Of course, this goes for any inedible chewable toy you pass on to your dog, but the chemistry of a tennis ball can be especially toxic. My own Chihuahua loved to pull the fluff of a tennis ball with his teeth. She often struggled to pull it out of her gums, which was pretty funny (although I made sure to help her before she swallowed it, of course), but I never knew the risks. Chewing tennis balls can abrade the enamel and cause choking, even if tiny pieces of rubber are not allowed to enter the animal’s intestines. “It is likely that a tennis ball contains lead and a variety of other toxic materials,” notes Animal Dental Care. While the tennis ball seems like a traditional dog toy, there are healthier alternatives.
How to Choose a Safe Chew Toy
Choosing a chew toy for your dog to play with can be difficult. Knowing your dog – as well as a lot of trial and error – is key to getting the right toy, but there are a few things to consider before you start shopping. The Prophylactic Veterinarian has a short checklist to help you choose safe toys to test.
- Hardness: Toys should give a little, as toys that are too hard can damage your dog’s teeth.
- Softness and strength: on the other hand, toys should not be too soft. These toys can be torn apart, and any fluff or small pieces inside can be eaten, creating a choking hazard. (This is why you should never give your dog a stuffed animal intended to be played by humans .)
- Coating: Watch out for toys that have fragrances that can upset your dog’s stomach. A prophylactic veterinarian notes that pigs often have a coating on their ears that may not match your dog’s digestive system.
- Size and Shape: If the toy is too small, the dog may choke. Too big and it can get stuck in your mouth, so keep your dog’s mouth and head size in mind when browsing the web.
- Washable: Items must be safe to wash so that regular disinfection will not damage the toy (and increase the likelihood that your dog will swallow part of it).
- Amusement Value: Remember how much fun your dog will have if he bothers to play with him.
Monitor your dog’s behavior after play
When you have a few safe options, it’s time to do the fun part – play with your puppy. The dog walking site Doggy Strides advises you to monitor your dog’s reactions to new toys. Make sure they are safely enjoying the toy and not ripping out the filling or eating the trash. Check your dog’s teeth and “look for gum color, any developing lumps, signs of broken / chipped teeth, and areas that feel / look painful,” advises Vets Now . Finally, make sure they have fun. If your dog seems uncaring, then this is probably not a toy for him.
Consider whether your dog likes to tear up toys, eat toys, or chew for hours. If your dog loves to eat bites, edible toys are best. If they like to destroy things, instead of throwing them a toxic tennis ball, buy them rubber or edible toys that can withstand their destructive form of play. For Violet Beauregard chewing gum, braided ropes are the best choice. Dogs need chewable toys for their mental and physical well-being, so it is very important to choose the right one that will ultimately bring more pleasure to both of you.