Most dogs love tennis balls—they enjoy chasing, chewing, and fetching them. Just seeing a bouncing yellow ball can make your dog excited and ready for endless games of fetch.
Dogs love tennis balls because of the bright color, the fuzzy texture, and how they bounce, says Dion Studinsky, the founder and head trainer at Ancillary K9. Blue or yellow tennis balls also stand out to dogs because they can see these colors better.
If your dog loves tennis balls, you’ll be glad to know they have some benefits, too. Keep reading to learn about why your dog is so obsessed with tennis balls and how to keep them safe.
Tennis Balls Trigger Our Dogs Instincts
Dogs love to chase and catch things that move, which comes from their natural hunting instincts.
Studinsky says tennis balls trigger a dog’s natural prey drive. They bounce and roll like how small animals move, which makes dogs want to chase, jump, and catch them. Other balls dogs love include:
- Rubber balls
- Squeaky balls
- Soccer balls
- Puzzle balls
More obsessive dogs may need to have controlled play to avoid injuring themselves from repetitive fetch.
Tennis Balls are Fun for Dogs to Chew On
Dogs love chewing tennis balls because they feel good in their mouths. The fuzzy texture even gives their gums a nice massage. Tennis balls are also the right mix of hard and soft, making them fun to chew. Your pup can sink their teeth into the rough yet yielding texture!
Plus, the fuzzy outside can pick up different smells and tastes (even yours!), making it even more interesting for dogs to chew on.
Dogs Are Familiar With Tennis Balls
Tennis balls are cost-friendly and easy to find. As you teach your dog fetch, they start to have positive associations with all tennis balls. Studinsky suggests using tennis balls as a high-value reward during training to help dogs focus and stay motivated.
They’re great for teaching commands like “fetch” and “drop it.”
What Are the Benefits of Tennis Balls?
There are a few good reasons to have plenty of tennis balls for your dog, including:
They get your dog moving
Studinsky says chasing tennis balls gives your dog a cardio, physical workout that satisfies their play drive.
Chasing and fetching tennis balls can also bolster your dog’s problem-solving skills.
They help prevent weight-related problems
Throwing a tennis ball around helps your dog get a great workout, which builds strong muscles and keeps them fit.
This helps your dog stay at a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health issues.
They keep your dog’s mind active
Tennis balls also provide an enjoyable challenge and keep a dog’s mind active.
This helps prevent boredom and the destructive behaviors that come with it.
They help dogs bond with you
Playing fetch is a great way for dogs to bond with their pet parents through shared activities and positive reinforcement.
Playtime and exercise are always good for your dog’s body and mind, says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinary advisor at OnePack Plan. She adds that all dogs need time to interact with their pet parents and burn off energy.
Keeping Ball Play Safe for Your Dog
Tennis balls are mostly safe for dogs, but there are a few things to be careful about.
First, dogs might try to swallow pieces of the tennis ball or even the whole ball, which can cause choking or stomach problems. Also, Studinsky says the fuzzy covering can wear down your dog’s teeth over time.
To keep your dog safe:
- Watch your dog during play. Dr. Ostermeier says to supervise your dog when they play and take the ball away when they’re done.
- Pick the right size. The tennis ball should be the right size for your dog so they can’t swallow it. Your dog should be able to pick up and carry it easily.
- Throw away damaged balls. Studinsky says to check the ball for damage and toss it out if it’s worn out or torn.
- Teach your dog to “drop it.” This is helpful if your dog is chewing on a broken ball and you need to take it away.
What If My Dog Eats a Tennis Ball?
If your dog swallows part or all of a tennis ball, it’s important to act fast. First, call your vet. They will tell you what to do next.
If your dog only swallowed a small piece and seems fine, the vet might tell you to watch them closely. But if they ate a bigger piece or are choking, having trouble breathing, or throwing up, take them to the vet right away.
Other Great Fetch Toys For Dogs
Does your dog destroy tennis balls quickly? Other fetch toys might last longer. Try these if your dog’s toys need an upgrade.
- Frisbees
- Strong rubber ball toys
- Rope toys
- Tough chew toys
- Automatic ball launchers
- Self-moving dog toys
