Dogs love tennis balls as they are the perfect size to be held comfortably in their mouth and they have a wonderful springy texture that enduces them to bite down and enjoy the ball as it springs back up again.
One of the more common reasons that dogs love tennis balls is because they are associated with attention from the owner. Many dogs enjoy playing with their owner, and they may learn that tennis balls are a great way to initiate play and interaction.
The Root of the Behavior Boredom causes dogs to do odd things, simple because they have nothing better to do. If chewing on a tennis ball can help them to pass the time, then often they will do just that.
The felt on a tennis balls means that they get a very personal scent from the dogs mouth too, and they can smell that it's their very own ball. And as we have explained earlier the erratic nature of the tennis ball bounce mimics their ancestors prey while the felt give the appearance of animal 'skin'.
As your dog chomps on a tennis ball, the fuzz acts like sandpaper, gradually wearing down her teeth in a process called “blunting.” This can eventually lead to dental problems such as exposed tooth pulp and difficulty chewing.
The materials used to make tennis balls for humans are subject to regulation, and toys made for dogs are not. Dog toys are often made outside of the country, and are sometimes full of toxic materials that could be more harmful than potentially abrasive tennis ball fuzz. Especially when consumed.
Besides reducing wrinkles and fluffing towels, a few tennis balls can help speed up drying time, so your laundry will be done faster than you think.
Whether it is due to anxiety, compulsive chewing, or just a way to alleviate boredom, dogs everywhere find their way into tearing tennis balls up all over the yard. These fixations can often come from everyday games.
According to WebMD, “a dog who displays compulsive behavior repeatedly performs one or more behaviors over and over, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life.” If your dog's day is built around when she can next play with the ball, chances are her fetch obsession is taking a toll.
Make a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar, and soak toys for about 30 minutes. This method applies to hard and soft toys as well as tennis balls. Scrub any dirt and grime off with a sponge or rag, then sit in the sun to dry, rub with a dry towel, or dry on low heat in the dryer.
Pieces of the rubber can become lodged in the intestinal tract—which is an emergency situation. Along with this, many dogs like to rip the yellow fuzz off of the tennis ball. Swallowing this fuzzy material can also lead to intestinal blockages that may require surgery.
Squeaker tennis balls are great as dog toys because they positively reinforce and stimulate your pet during play. Air KONG dog tennis balls use a special non-abrasive felt as a cover instead of the abrasive material found on most other tennis balls. Playtime is a fun way to help keep your dog happy and healthy.
Are Chuckit Balls Actually Safe? Ultra balls for dogs by Chuckit are completely safe to chew and to play with in different environments. However, make sure to buy the right size for your pet. Thus, a small-size ball may be a choking hazard for large dogs.
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