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Australian pet owners are being warned over a common but little known household danger.
Tennis balls are easily chewed and can pose a risk to dogs both big and small, a leading Australian veterinarian has warned.
While tennis balls are a popular toy among dogs, NSW chief veterinarian Dr Liz Arnott urges pet owners to make sure they are purchasing balls that are more sturdy.
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“Tennis balls are not very robust and can be chewed up into pieces and swallowed quite easily if a dog decides to chew on it,” she told 7NEWS.com.au.
“If dogs are going to chew on toys, it is good practice to use toys that are indestructible, and to monitor your dog, to avoid this risk.”
Earlier in the week a viral TikTok posed questions over whether the frequent chewing of tennis balls also posed a risk for dog’s teeth.
A leading veterinarian has warned the popular toy could pose a risk to dogs both big and small. File image. Credit: Lysandra Cook/Getty Images
However, Arnott says she believes these types of dental abrasions discussed are more typically caused by “chronic chewing of hard objects like rocks, cage bars, or wire — not tennis balls”.
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“Regular play with tennis balls is not likely to cause significant dental abrasions,” she said.
“Chewing is an important behaviour for dogs, and so they should be given daily opportunity to chew on suitable long-lasting chews which are commercially available.”
Arnott says dogs should be monitored while playing with tennis balls to minimise any risks.
Warning signs
If you know that your dog has ingested something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately.
“If your dog displays symptoms of toxicity like vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, shaking, restlessness, trouble breathing or seizures, then they may have ingested something they shouldn’t have” the RSPCA knowledge base says.
“If this is the case, again, it’s important to contact your vet immediately so that your dog can be provided with the care they need.”
If you’re unsure of what toys are safe for your pup, the RSPCA Knowledge Base has more information on what to look out for.
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