Playing ball with your dog – when the toy becomes a danger

The Pursuit of Happiness

It's the quintessential cliché at the dog park: one throw, one sprint, and the dog returns triumphantly with the ball in its mouth. But why does a simple, round object trigger such euphoria? And why do veterinarians issue such urgent warnings about the seemingly harmless tennis ball? A look at primal instincts and the crucial question of material.

For many dogs, there's hardly anything better than chasing after a thrown ball. Their eyes widen, their bodies tense, and as soon as the toy flies, there's no stopping them. This enthusiasm is deeply rooted in canine biology. Playing ball simulates sequences of their original prey-hunting behavior.

The wolf, the ancestor of the dog, follows a complex pattern when hunting: fixating, stalking, chasing, seizing, killing, and dismembering. In domesticated dogs, parts of this chain are often weakened through breeding, but the chasing and pack instincts remain strongly pronounced in many breeds.

The fast-flying and unpredictably bouncing ball mimics the movements of prey. Chasing it satisfies this deep-seated instinct. Dogs have to assess movements, plan changes of direction, and make decisions. This makes the game varied and satisfying. When the dog "catches" the ball, its brain releases dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and reward. This biochemical high ensures the dog wants to play again and again.

Ball games are pure interaction. The dog experiences its human as an active play partner. This fosters trust, attention, and social closeness. But while playing together strengthens the bond and provides both physical and mental stimulation, it's worth taking a close look at choosing the right ball. Not every ball is harmless – some can even pose health risks.

The tennis ball:

A wolf in yellow felt fur

dog with a tennis ball. As natural as the urge to play is, the toys are often unnatural. Whether indoors or outdoors, the classic yellow tennis ball is the toy of choice. It's inexpensive, flies well, and is the perfect size for an average dog's mouth. But veterinarians are sounding the alarm: tennis balls were designed for tennis, not as chew toys for animals. They pose two significant health risks.

The Sandpaper Effect:

The biggest problem is the surface. The yellow felt covering of a tennis ball is designed to provide grip on hard courts or clay courts. It often consists of robust synthetic fibers (such as nylon) and wool. The situation becomes even more problematic when used outdoors: The felt structure absorbs sand, dirt, and fine grit like a sponge.

When the dog chews on this dirty felt, the combination of fiber and sand acts like coarse sandpaper. With regular play, this process severely wears down the dog's tooth enamel. The result is dull teeth ("tennis ball teeth"), exposed dentin, and, in the worst case, painful inflammation of the tooth root. Tooth enamel, once lost, does not regenerate.

Chemicals and Swallowing:

Tennis balls are not intended for consumption. The rubber compounds used inside, and especially the adhesive that holds the felt together, can contain chemical substances that have no place in a dog's stomach. Furthermore, tennis balls are hollow and can be easily compressed. In large dogs, there is a risk that the ball could become lodged in the throat and block the airway. If the dog chews the ball, swallowed rubber fragments can lead to a life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Materials science:

What holders should pay attention to

Anyone wanting to protect their dog's dental health should avoid tennis balls. Hard plastic balls without certification are made of very hard plastics and can damage or splinter teeth. Without tested quality, there's also the risk of harmful substances. The ball size must also be considered, as anything smaller than the cross-section of a dog's mouth can be swallowed or inhaled. This applies even to materials that are generally considered safe.

But what are the alternatives? The market for dog toys is huge, but not everything is safe. When buying a ball, two criteria should be paramount: The material must be gentle on teeth, and it must not contain any toxins.

Recommended materials:

Natural rubber: This is often the best choice. Natural rubber is extremely robust yet elastic enough to give way when chewed, which helps protect the teeth. High-quality rubber balls are also free of harmful plasticizers. Another advantage: Many models are not hollow, but made of solid rubber, which minimizes the risk of swallowing them if they break.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs): These modern materials combine the properties of rubber and plastic. It is very durable, bite-resistant, buoyant, and generally free of BPA and phthalates (plasticizers). The surface is smooth and offers little opportunity for dirt to adhere.

Special dog felt balls: There are now balls that look like tennis balls but are specifically designed for dogs. Their felt is significantly softer, less abrasive, and the adhesives used are non-toxic. However, you must pay close attention to the manufacturer's instructions.

Food-grade silicone: very soft, tooth-friendly dog balls, especially suitable for puppies and senior dogs. They are also easy to clean.

Cotton or jute ropes (for tug-of-war and fetch games): These balls or dummies are made of natural materials and have no hard surfaces. But be careful: Many dogs like to chew on them. This must be prevented, as fibers can be swallowed.

How to recognize a safe dog ball

Certification: Look for labels such as "BPA-free", "food-safe", "without plasticizers".
Stability: The ball should not be easy to bite.
Size: At least large enough that the dog cannot completely fit it in its mouth.
Odor: A strong chemical odor is a warning sign.
Surface: smooth or slightly textured, but never abrasive like a tennis ball.

Playing ball is a wonderful shared activity that challenges both your dog's body and mind. To ensure the game remains safe, it's worth choosing the right ball. Tennis balls and low-quality hard plastic balls should absolutely not be put in a dog's mouth. Instead, natural rubber, TPE, or high-quality silicone offer safe alternatives that combine fun and health.