Safe Jumping Ball for Dogs

If you have a dog who loves to jump for balls, you might think a tennis ball is safe for play. But tennis balls, and some other types of balls, can harm or even kill your dog. Choosing a safe ball for your dog isn't the simple matter it seems. Take your dog's size, chewing habits and the way he plays into consideration when choosing one.

  1. Size Counts

    • Small dogs who aren't tough chewers will enjoy both hard and soft rubber balls. If the dog is a jumper, pick a hard rubber ball made to bounce. These balls are durable and difficult to chew up, but choose the right size for your dog. A ball that's too small for a large dog can get lodged in its jaw or cause a choking hazard, especially a wet rubber ball. A small dog will lose interest in a large ball that he can't grasp with his mouth.

    Safe Tennis Balls

    • Hard rubber balls are good for dogs who chew.

      Tennis balls made for dogs are good for jumpers. They are made of durable, nonabrasive material that dogs can chew without wearing their teeth down. These balls contain squeakers as well, adding to the dog's enjoyment. They bounce well and stand up to even tough chewers.

      Consider buying a ball launcher for a dog who loves to jump. A launcher adds more distance and height for a jumping dog. Dog tennis balls and some hard rubber balls work well with most launchers.

    Interactive Play

    • Kong-type balls are appealing because they can be loaded with filling such as peanut butter, yogurt or treats. They're made of durable, hard rubber that is tough for a dog to chew up, although some dogs manage. Guard against a dog's ingesting small pieces of rubber from these or any ball, and don't leave a dog who chews unsupervised.

    Balls to Avoid

    • Large dogs who love to play ball can wear their teeth down on tennis balls, ingest the covering on the balls, become sick from the gum used to glue the balls together or the dye used in the covering. When a large dog chews the ball down, it can become lodged in the back of its mouth.

      If your dog chews on his toys or eats them, avoid balls with large holes in them. Dogs can get their tongues stuck in the holes in these type of balls.

      If your dog eats toys, avoid soft balls with squeakers. The squeaker can cause a blockage in the dog's intestine if he swallows it.