Tennis Anyone?
No thank you. I think I will pass.
Tennis Balls Can be Harmful
Just in the last week, here is what I have observed or heard about happening at our local dog parks:
- A cute little dog became very sick and lethargic ultimately having her spleen removed. Valley Fever was the diagnosis.
- Two dogs who have been long time friends got into fight over a tennis ball.
- An owner gets bitten and has to go to the hospital trying to break up a dog fight involving a tennis ball.
- Two labs got into a serious fight over a tennis ball.
- A tennis ball being destroyed by a playful large Labrador.
- A split open tennis ball remaining on the ground in an otherwise empty dog park.
- A sick dog being diagnosed with Valley Fever which could cause death.
- An owner finding pieces of a tennis ball in their dog’s poop.
- Two owners get into an argument over whose ball belonged to whom.
- A friendship destroyed because one person threw a tennis ball over the fence.
There are likely more things of this nature taking place involving a tennis ball at the dog park every day.
If you and your dog love to fetch tennis balls, here are some thoughts to consider:
- Any of the above scenarios could happen to you. Most of them involve possible life threatening situations or at best a large vet bill.
- Tennis balls are made of toxic materials including lead, dangerous paint chemicals and abrasive material we think is fuzz.
- Tennis balls are meant to be hit and to be used to play the game of tennis.
- Tennis balls that are swallowed in part or whole can result in serious choking or digestive issues.
- When a tennis ball gets wet and slimy due to doggie slobber and saliva, it may carry dangerous bacteria.
- When a single tennis ball is used by more than one doggie, the potential for issues increases.
- Dogs can become addicted or obsessive to certain behaviors just like humans can become.
- Doggie teeth can be harmed by long term use of a tennis ball with abrasive fuzz.
Such a simple alternative:
- Use colorful (for identification) dog friendly rubber balls that cannot be destroyed.
- Wash off or dry off your ball after every toss and fetch; bring along a small towel.
- Do not use a ball of any kind that you have no idea about its history or user(s).
- Have fun and exercise your dog in regular, safe and active ways.
- Always be thoughtful and friendly to your human fellow dog lovers.
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