Are Rubber Balls Good for Dogs?

Rubber balls are loved by dogs around the world because they are great for bouncing, chasing, and chewing. Unfortunately, if dogs insist, they can also tear off pieces of rubber balls and accidentally swallow them, causing choking or forming internal blockages. Some puppies will even swallow rubber balls whole. So be sure to accompany your owner when playing with rubber balls, pay attention to whether it damages the integrity of the ball, and replace or throw away if it is damaged to prevent your pet from accidentally ingesting it.

Choking issues have always been the biggest concern for puppy parents. Puppies who like to chew with strong jaws can easily break rubber balls (especially tennis balls) and swallow the pieces. Dogs with strong bites can easily bite rubber balls like apples, so if they want to tear the rubber ball into pieces, rubber balls may not be a good choice for them.

Swallowing toy fragments can cause internal blockages and serious health problems that may require a trip to the emergency room. Large puppies, such as Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes, can easily put tennis balls in their mouths and swallow them whole. The ball may get stuck in the back of the throat, cutting off their air supply, or enter the stomach and cause a blockage.

Dogs are excitable creatures who can quickly get into bad situations. Rubber balls, or any toys for that matter, can be dangerous if left unsupervised. Keep a close eye on your friend when they sit down to play with a rubber ball. The rule of thumb is, if you notice parts of the toy falling off, take the toy away. The integrity of the toy has been compromised and it’s best to get your friend a new toy to play with.

Tips for playing with a ball with your dog:

Supervise carefully when your dog is playing with a ball and don’t assume your child will notice your dog chewing on the ball

Make sure the ball is removed from your dog when he is unsupervised

Choose a ball that is the right size for your dog, especially one that is not small enough for him to swallow

Discard any worn balls

Choose balls made specifically for dogs that like to chew