When it comes to providing fun and exercise for your dog without any physical or financial costs, there is little that can compete with a tennis ball. However, it is not a risk-free toy.
As Lifehacker explains, tennis balls are not made to withstand the pressure from dog jaws determined to tear them apart, which can easily pose a choking hazard. Even if your dog manages to swallow a small piece or just the hair, this can cause a blockage in his digestive tract. Tennis balls may also contain lead or other toxins that can be harmful to your pet.
Feather poses additional problems. Veterinary dentist Dr. Thomas Chamberlain told the American Kennel Club that the feather is much harder than you might think, especially after the grit and grit have been collected, an inevitable side effect of the fetch game. If your dog spends a lot of time gnawing on tennis balls, the hairs can grit his teeth and cause dental problems, which can lead to worse problems. For example, exposed dental pulp makes it easier for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an infection.
All potential issues aside, there are still safe ways for your dog to enjoy the classic fetch boat. In general, you shouldn't let them play with tennis balls unattended, and the Humane Society advises pet owners to dispose of any tennis balls that begin to show signs of deterioration immediately. Do not use tennis balls for distance games to ensure you can move them away from your dog when needed.
And if your dog can't resist tearing apart every tennis ball, you may want to surround it with safer toys instead.