🎾🐶 Why Tennis Balls Are Bad for Dog Teeth in 2025 🦷🚫

👨‍⚕️ By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – Professional Veterinarian & Founder, Ask A Vet 🐾

Playing fetch with tennis balls 🎾 seems like a classic game, but in 2025, vets like me are warning pet parents 🐕‍🦺🧑‍⚕️ that they may be harming your dog’s teeth 🦷! In this article, we’ll fetch the facts 🧐, explore smarter toy swaps 🧸, and help you keep your pup's smile sparkling ✨🐶.

1️⃣ The Hidden Dangers of Tennis Balls 🎾😬

Tennis balls might look harmless, but they pack some serious risks:

• 🪥 Abrasive fuzz – The felt covering is rough like sandpaper 🏖️ and wears down tooth enamel 🦷.
• 💥 Hard rubber core – Biting too hard can crack teeth 💔.
• ⚠️ Seams & rough patches – Dogs chew unevenly, leading to chips 🧩.
• 🧵 Fuzz fragments – Get stuck in teeth and trap bacteria 🦠.
• 🔁 Repetitive biting – Adds up to long-term dental wear 🕒.

2️⃣ Common Dental Injuries from Tennis Balls 🩺🦴

Vets are seeing more dogs with:

• ❗ Worn enamel – Especially on incisors & premolars 🦷
• ⚡ Fractured canines – Painful and often require surgery 🏥
• 😖 Exposed pulp/dentin – Leads to infections 🤒
• 🌀 Tooth sensitivity – Dogs avoid chewing or playing 🛑
• 🦠 Tartar buildup – Trapped fibers worsen gum disease 💔

3️⃣ Breeds Most at Risk 🐕🚨

Some dogs face higher danger from tennis balls:

• 🐾 French Bulldogs, Corgis, Dachshunds – Short jaws, big bite force 💪
• 🐻 Mastiffs, Chows – Powerful chewers 🐘
• ⚡ Terriers & Retrievers – Love to chew and destroy 🧨

4️⃣ Better Fetch Options 🧸✅

Here are safer fetch toys to try instead of tennis balls 🎾:

• 🧽 Soft foam fetch toys – Gentle on gums 💕
• 🦴 Rubber KONGs – Durable & safe 🧡
• 🪁 Dog-friendly frisbees – Soft plastics or fabrics 🧵
• 🌊 Floating toys – Great for swimmers 🏊‍♂️
• 🔗 Rope toys – For tug & toss (with supervision) 👀

5️⃣ Dental Health Tips for Fetch-Lovers 🦷🪥

Protect those pearly whites ✨ with these tips:

• 👨‍⚕️ Vet dental checks – Every 6–12 months 📆
• 🪥 Brush regularly – With dog-safe toothpaste 🐾
• 🍖 Use dental chews – Vet-approved only 🏆
• 🧸 Inspect toys – Replace worn or hard-core toys 🔍
• 👁️ Watch behavior – Drooling, pawing, or fussiness? Time to call the vet! 📞

6️⃣ When to Contact Ask A Vet 📲🐾

Reach out to Ask A Vet if your dog shows:

• 😕 Reluctance to chew or fetch
• 🔍 Cracked, chipped, or bleeding teeth
• 💧 Excess drooling or mouth odor

We offer online consultations 🖥️, toy advice 🎁, and dental care planning 📝 from trusted vets like me 🐶🧑‍⚕️.

7️⃣ Ask A Vet Services 💬🐶

Here’s how our service helps fetch-loving pups:

• 🔬 Digital dental assessments – Spot problems early 🧪
• 🎾 Fetch toy reviews – Tailored to breed & jaw type 🧬
• 📅 Ongoing care plans – From puppy to senior 🐕‍🦳

8️⃣ Summary: Smart Fetch = Healthy Teeth 🎉🦷

• ❌ Tennis balls = dental danger!
• ✅ Use foam, rope, or soft rubber toys
• 🪥 Prioritize brushing & vet care
• 📱 Ask A Vet is always here to help 💬

🎉 Keep playtime fun and safe by choosing the right toys and caring for your dog’s teeth. Let’s keep those tails wagging and those teeth shining in 2025! ✨🐶🦴