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Pawcurious: With Veterinarian and Author Dr. V

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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Reviews / Good stuff

Good stuff

March 18, 2009 by Dr. V

I’m not a fan of tennis balls as dog toys. Few vets are.

One, they’re a choking hazard. You would be amazed at what a determined retriever can lodge in their gullet.

Two, they are TERRIBLE on dog teeth. When a dog chews on something wiry and abrasive, be it their own itchy fur or the felt on a tennis ball, it has a sandpaper effect. The teeth on a chronic ball chewer can be worn down to the gums. It’s called attrition, and it’s not pretty.

That being said, I may not be a fan of tennis balls- but a lot of dogs are. And I can lecture and wave and gesticulate all I want, but I still see legions of pet owners hitting the park every weekend with their Chuckits and a bag full of old tennis balls, vet admonishments be damned.

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Can we agree on a compromise? Ballistic Dog makes a softer dental tennis ball meant to be easier on the dog’s teeth. Your dog will never know.

The alternative is a gummy, toothless old dog. They don’t make dog dentures. I checked.

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Filed Under: Reviews

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly says

    March 18, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    So what’s your thought on tennis-ball sized plastic bouncy balls? Ok? We got Lola one from Planet Dog and it’s the only ball she’s ever chased.

  2. Redcanuck says

    March 22, 2009 at 11:04 am

    you know, my mom’s dog hates tennis balls, will only play with smooth textured balls. I always thought she had a texture issue, I never knew she was so smart! lol

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