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.
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.
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.
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