Everyone needs to play, to expend excess energy and to release the stresses of the day.
This is also the case for our dogs.
Most dogs love toys, but just like children, they can have their favorites. Balls are high on that list, and there is a wide variety to choose from.
Your first consideration is the size of the ball. Many dogs enjoy playing soccer, and pushing a large ball around with their front feet. This is an energetic game that you can also participate in. It’s not a good idea to leave a soft ball lying around when it’s not being played with. If your dog is a chewer, he may swallow pieces of the ball which can make him ill. If you want to play soccer, choose a hard plastic ball such as a Boomer Ball.
One size of ball to avoid is the small hard super bouncy ball, or the golf ball. These little balls are just the right size to become stuck if they’re accidentally swallowed. Keep these balls for when your dog is having a break, and make sure they’re stored well out of his reach.
Don’t play with a small hard ball, especially if your dog likes to play catch. There is potential for damage to your dog’s teeth when he catches it, and a knock on the head when he doesn’t! Choose a ball made of a softer material for this game so there is no risk of bumps and bruises when he plays.
Tennis balls are a good option for dogs – they’re not expensive, and you can use a tennis racquet to send them soaring into the distance. Tennis balls are very abrasive, so if your dog does enjoy nibbling on them, he may develop excessive wear on his teeth. Again, watch if he’s a chewer; dogs have died from swallowing pieces of tennis ball and getting an intestinal obstruction.
One of the most popular balls for dogs is a treat ball. These are hard balls with tunnels in it which lead to a hollow cavity inside. You can fill the cavity with kibble, and as the dog plays with the ball, the kibble falls out piece by piece. This is a ball your dog can play with by himself, and can be useful in alleviating boredom in dogs who are left by themselves during the day.
If your dog enjoys the water, make sure you choose a ball that floats. The combination of swimming and retrieving will be great fun, and will leave him worn out for the rest of the day.
Some balls contain squeakers, and these are often popular with terrier breeds who like to hunt and kill their toys.
When you choose a ball for your dog, take into account your budget. Some balls can be very expensive and, if your dog is destructive, may not last very long. Treat balls are usually a bit pricier, but they have the added benefit of not being just a play toy, but can also stop bad behavior from boredom such as barking and digging.
If you choose carefully, and take into account safety issues, you and your dog can have a lot of fun playing ball. It will keep him fit and happy, and as you share the good times, it will also improve your relationship with him.
This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY’s staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY is here for all your pet containment needs in one place.
