No wonder dogs love tennis balls. Almost every dog with access to tennis balls loves to play with them, whether that means chewing on one, playing fetch, burying the ball in the yard, or jumping around. Tennis balls are a simple and fun game that most dogs enjoy.
Since dogs love tennis balls so much, you may wonder why. Compared to other great dog toys, tennis balls are still a family favorite. There are several reasons why this happens, so let’s go ahead and dive into them.
5 Reasons Why Dogs Love Tennis Balls
There are many reasons why dogs love tennis balls, all of which are standard across different dog breeds.
1. Instinct
Dogs are natural hunters and are often motivated to chase objects that mimic small prey, regardless of breed type, breed mix, size or age. The way a tennis ball bounces and rolls can mimic prey and trigger the prey instinct. A rotating or bouncing tennis ball can move like a bird, rabbit, squirrel, or other similar animal. So the unexpected movement of the ball will make the dog want more. Some dogs love to chase, herd, fetch, or retrieve, all of which can be done with a tennis ball.
2. Play and Exercise
Tennis balls are easy to play because they are light and easy to throw. They are also easy for dogs to mouth. We also know that dogs love to play fetch as a way to bond with their owners. The simple act of chasing and retrieving a ball is also great for physical and mental stimulation. This connection to your dog’s mind and body is a great way to deflect energy from boredom, anxiety, and other situations of confinement in the home.
3. The Color
Dogs are attracted to neon yellow thanks to the variety of colors they see in the color spectrum. Tennis balls also provide a lot of contrast when compared to the natural green or natural colors of the outdoor environment. This makes it easier to track and see the ball. Over time, dogs can also recognize the color of the tennis ball as a sign of “play time,” making them more excited.
4. Habituation/Learning
If your dog knows that you will throw him a ball every time he brings him to you, he will obviously love the ball. Dogs also like to be active, so they can easily run, chase, or retrieve a ball when they see one. It’s a game for them. Other dogs are obsessed with jumping the ball. Dogs can also become accustomed to the smell of the ball. Fresh tennis balls have a sharp, recognizable smell. The scents can then trigger all kinds of positive feelings. They may also enjoy the feel of the ball and want to chew on it, as the ball is easy to hold and makes them feel full quickly.
5. Bonding
Tennis balls give your dog an opportunity to socialize with you. Joint play is like spending time with you, and this type of interactive activity creates positive experiences through positive reinforcement.
Can tennis balls be dangerous for dogs?
Although tennis balls are generally safe, some dogs must be supervised with them. Dogs who like to chew balls suffer from what is called “table wear” (or wear), which occurs when the teeth begin to flatten over time due to constant and repetitive chewing. This can lead to further dental problems.
Other dogs may destroy the ball and try to swallow it. This can be especially dangerous for larger breeds or if your dog gets caught in a small tennis ball. This is also because dogs can accidentally swallow the ball upon impact, potentially blocking their airway or throat.
Dogs playing with tennis balls in the water may drink more water while trying to catch them. Watch your dog carefully and make sure he does not swallow or inhale water, and throw it up after throwing it. This can lead to problems such as pneumonia or “dry drowning.”
Why Do Dogs Chew Tennis Balls?
Dogs love to chew tennis balls for a number of reasons, as described below.
Natural Behavior: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It can be a good stress reliever, calmer and gives them something to do when they are bored. Some dogs benefit from chewing on tennis balls as long as it is not overdone. Light chewing can help remove plaque and tartar, but excessive chewing can also affect tooth enamel.
Texture: The texture of the ball can satisfy the dog. They are soft and squishy (even the bowls), and can remind them of chewing prey.
They Like the Smell: Tennis balls have a distinct smell and taste. Over time, dogs are attracted to familiarity.
Boredom: Dogs who don’t have enough to do may chew tennis balls out of pure interest.
How do I know if tennis balls are damaging my dog’s teeth?
There are different ways to tell if chewing tennis balls is harming your dog’s teeth. Here are some common indicators and side effects of obsessive chewing.
Table wear: Table wear occurs when a dog repeatedly chews on something hard. This can also happen when a dog repeatedly chews a tennis ball. This is because the texture of a tennis ball is abrasive to the teeth over time. It can damage enamel and tooth structure. Tooth wear is mainly due to constant friction so that the teeth become flat. You will notice that your dog’s teeth have become flat, especially the back teeth (or molars) or the front canines (the ones that stick out).
Tooth decay: Frequent chewing can also lead to tooth decay as the enamel weakens. Tooth sensitivity also occurs when the dentin beneath the tooth enamel is exposed.
Gum irritation: Gum irritation may also occur due to constant chewing. This can lead to further gingivitis, gingivitis and bleeding.
Do dogs like the bright colors of tennis balls?
Dogs enjoy the bright colors of tennis balls. Dogs have different vision than humans (dichromatic vision). They have two types of cone cells in the eye (associated with color perception) and their visual color range is more limited than humans, meaning they mainly see blue and yellow rather than red and green. Some studies even suggest that dogs have a degree of color blindness. However, dogs do well in low-light conditions, and with their sense of smell, they are very perceptive in ways that humans are not.
Tennis ball and safety toy with dogs
Whether or not tennis balls are dangerous for your dog depends on their unique behavior. Your dog may be allowed to play with or chew toys (especially tennis balls) for limited periods of time to prevent wear on the table teeth, as mentioned above. Rubber or nylon toys are recommended for dogs because they are slightly softer than hard bones or abrasive materials.
