Why We Don’t Recommend Tennis Balls for Dogs

Tennis balls seem like a simple, fun toy — but they may be doing more harm than good.

Tennis balls are a staple in many households with dogs. They’re easy to throw, inexpensive, and most dogs love chasing them down. But despite their popularity, tennis balls aren’t necessarily a safe choice — and in fact, they may pose several risks to your dog’s health and wellbeing.

At Jordan Dog Training, we believe in choosing toys and enrichment options that are safe, durable, and designed with dogs in mind. Here’s why tennis balls don’t make the cut — and what we recommend instead.

1. Tennis Balls Aren’t Designed for Dogs

Regular tennis balls are made for sport, not for chewing. They’re typically constructed from rubber, covered in a synthetic felt made from nylon, polyester, or wool blends, and coloured with industrial-strength dyes — including some that may contain chemicals like AZO compounds.

AZO dyes have been flagged in some studies for their potential to break down into aromatic amines, substances that could pose health risks when ingested over time. While most tennis balls from major brands comply with human safety regulations, that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for gnawing, shredding, or ingesting by dogs.

Dog-specific toy manufacturers are required to meet safety standards and often use food-grade dyes, non-toxic rubber, and safer glues. This is particularly important for power chewers or puppies that explore the world with their mouths.

2. The Fuzzy Coating Can Grind Down Teeth

That iconic fuzzy surface may feel soft to us, but it’s surprisingly abrasive — especially when it traps sand, grit, or dirt. For dogs who like to chew or carry tennis balls around, this can create a sandpaper-like effect on their teeth.

Over time, this constant abrasion can wear away the enamel, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath and increasing the risk of painful dental issues, including infections or fractured teeth.

Veterinary dentists often warn that tennis ball wear is one of the more common causes of dental damage in active breeds. In severe cases, dogs may need root canal therapy or tooth extractions.

3. Risk of Choking or Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Tennis balls are easily torn apart by determined dogs. Once the ball begins to break down, small pieces of felt or rubber can be swallowed — and this is where the danger escalates.

These fragments may cause intestinal blockages that can’t pass naturally, potentially requiring emergency surgery. Even more dangerously, if a large dog compresses a tennis ball in its jaws, it can collapse and lodge in the throat, blocking the airway.

There are documented cases of dogs suffocating when a partially collapsed tennis ball became lodged behind their molars and suctioned against the throat. This is rare, but it’s a very real risk, particularly for dogs with strong jaws like Staffies, Labradors, Boxers, and Shepherds.

4. They Break Down Quickly

Tennis balls aren’t made to stand up to a dog’s powerful jaws. Once they start to fray or tear, they pose a serious risk. Ingested felt fibres, rubber, and glue can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause long-term problems if swallowed regularly.

Dogs that enjoy ripping things apart may also develop a behavioural habit of shredding and swallowing toys — and this can lead to more serious pica-like behaviours down the track. Choosing durable, dog-specific toys helps prevent this from becoming a habit.

5. High-Impact Fetch Can Strain Joints

Many dogs love a fast-paced game of fetch — but repetitive sprinting, sharp turns, and sudden stops can put enormous strain on a dog’s joints and soft tissues.

This is particularly concerning for:

• Puppies whose joints and growth plates haven’t fully developed
• Large or giant breeds prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
• Senior dogs with early signs of arthritis
• Dogs with previous injuries or cruciate issues

Veterinarians and canine physiotherapists often caution that repetitive fetch — especially on hard surfaces — can accelerate joint wear and reduce long-term mobility.

Instead, consider low-impact alternatives like swimming, off-leash sniff walks, or games that involve mental enrichment over explosive speed.

6. Fetch Can Create Over-Arousal

Another often-overlooked downside of fetch is its potential to create high levels of arousal and obsession in some dogs. For dogs with high prey drive or impulse control issues, repetitive fetch can actually increase anxiety or frustration rather than relieve it.

Signs of over-arousal in fetch-driven dogs might include:

• Fixation on the ball
• Barking or frantic behaviour when the toy is withheld
• Struggling to switch off or settle after play
• Guarding or possessive behaviours around the toy

If you notice these behaviours, it’s a good idea to scale back and introduce more balanced forms of play and training.

Safer Alternatives to Tennis Balls

Fortunately, there are plenty of toys that offer all the fun of fetch — without the risks. Some of our top recommendations include:

• Durable rubber balls: Look for toys made by brands like KONG, Aussie Dog, or Rogz, which produce non-toxic, chew-resistant toys specifically designed for dogs.
• Dog-safe tennis balls: Some pet-specific brands make felted balls with non-abrasive coatings and food-grade dyes — a safer choice for gentle play.
• Rope toys and tug items: Ideal for chewers, but stick with untreated natural fibres (like cotton or hemp) to avoid chemical dyes and glues.
• Floating toys for water fetch: Fetching in water is a great low-impact option for dogs who love chasing but need joint-friendly exercise.

Top tip: Always buy toys that are too large for your dog to fit fully in their mouth. This helps prevent choking and makes the toy harder to destroy. As a general rule, if a toy starts to fray or break down — it’s time to toss it.

Final Thoughts

Tennis balls are fun and familiar, but they’re far from the safest option when it comes to long-term play. From dental damage and choking hazards to over-arousal and joint strain, they simply weren’t designed with dogs in mind.

At Jordan Dog Training, we recommend choosing purpose-built dog toys made with safety, durability, and enrichment in mind. With the right options, you can keep your dog happy, stimulated, and safe — without compromising on fun.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended as a general guide only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, behaviour, or toy safety, please consult your veterinarian or a qualified animal health professional.