Tennis Balls and Dogs

Tennis Balls – did you know?

So, we have advised against stick throwing and now we are being real killjoys by warning you about an issue with tennis balls, many a dog’s favourite toy! If you have a tennis ball chewer, have you checked their teeth?

For those dogs who like to chew a tennis balls for long periods, it can result in the gradual wear to their teeth. The yellow covering of a tennis ball is, by design, tough and abrasive. The addition of dirt that becomes embedded when the ball is thrown repeatedly makes it become more abrasive over time. The sandpaper like qualities of a tennis ball can wear the teeth when it is chewed. Damage occurs particularly to the canines and premolars. They may become flattened and worn over time with excessive wear resulting in exposed pulp and dental disease.

We don’t want to ban all of your dog’s favourite playthings, there are a few things that you can do to keep your dog happy and also maintain good dental health.

• Replace tennis balls that become worn and dirty
• Discourage chewing and for those who just can’t control their chomping, wean off the tennis ball and replace with a smooth ball of a suitable size
• Check teeth regularly