toy
Tennis Balls
NOT RECOMMENDED
Tennis balls can wear down teeth and pieces can be swallowed, causing blockage.
What to do
Contact your vet if your dog swallowed ball pieces or is showing symptoms.
When to contact a vet: Seek urgent care if your dog is choking or has signs of gut blockage.
Symptoms to look for
- tooth wear
- choking
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
- abdominal pain
Why
The abrasive felt on tennis balls can wear down tooth enamel over time, especially if dogs carry them constantly. Pieces of felt or rubber can be chewed off and swallowed, causing gut obstruction. Tennis balls are also a choking hazard if a large dog tries to swallow one.
- Substances of concern
- tooth wear, choking, obstruction, fibre ingestion
- Safer parts
- {}
- Parts to avoid
- {"chewed tennis ball","fuzzy covering","small pieces"}
- Preparation
- Supervise play and replace worn balls.
- How much matters
- Risk depends on chewing style and the size of the dog.
- Severity
- Moderate
Sources
- American Kennel ClubVeterinary information — Physical hazard
This answer rests on a single approved source and is queued for further review.
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.