Safe Balls for Dogs

Dogs that love balls can run into big trouble with their teeth and gums if they chase tennis balls. Many people don't realize that the material used to cover tennis balls is really bad for their teeth and gums. Unfortunately, I didn't find this out personally until my lab's teeth were already ground down. When I asked the vet at her annual visit why her teeth were so flat, they responded by saying, "She's a ball dog?" Until that moment, I had no idea that the balls she loves so much were tearing her teeth and gums apart.

So, what to do? When you've got a ball-crazed dog, they need something! I've found some really good toys that are safe for dog's teeth and made from textures that they like a lot. Here are few of my finds.

I love these balls because it's like having two of your dog's favorite balls in one toy. It looks and feels like a regular tennis ball, but has a squeaker inside. My dogs love these balls. The texture appeals to them and they're perfectly happy to carry them around and chomp on them to make them squeak. These durable, high quality Squeaker tennis balls are covered in a nonabrasive tennis ball material that will not wear down your dog's teeth.

They're sold the The Camping Dog Supplies website in packs of 3 if you'd like to try them.

West Paw Designs has developed some seriously innovative and safe toys for dogs. The Huck is great because it fits into any standard ball launcher and is nice and heavy. The design of it ensures that it bounces in all sorts of fun and interesting directions, which dogs love because they can have the fun of guessing which way it's going to go. And for those of use who have water-loving dogs, it's great because it also floats!

Another added benefit of this toy is that it comes in 3 different fun and vibrant colors. If your dog suddenly drops the balls and starts chasing that fast-moving squirrel, it's easy for you to spot the toy because of their bright colors.

These, too, are carried on the The Camping Dog Supplies website.