Exercise and play
Are tennis balls bad for a dog's teeth?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Occasional fetch with a tennis ball is fine for most dogs, but the fuzzy surface can act like sandpaper over time with heavy, repeated chewing or carrying, gradually wearing down tooth enamel. Using tennis balls mainly for throwing rather than prolonged chewing, and swapping to a dedicated chew toy for gnawing, avoids this.
Where the concern actually comes from
The felt like fuzz on a tennis ball can pick up grit and dirt from outdoor use, and repeated abrasive contact against teeth over months of heavy chewing, not the occasional catch and carry, is what gradually wears enamel down.
Using tennis balls the way they are best suited for
Tennis balls work well for their intended purpose, throwing and catching, and the actual chewing risk mostly applies to dogs that carry or gnaw on one for long stretches rather than dogs that simply chase and retrieve.
A simple way to reduce the risk
Keeping tennis balls specifically for fetch sessions and offering a purpose built rubber chew toy for any prolonged gnawing avoids most of the enamel wear concern while still letting a dog enjoy the classic game.
Key takeaways
- Occasional fetch with a tennis ball is not a significant dental concern for most dogs.
- Repeated heavy chewing, not throwing and catching, is what wears down enamel over time.
- Reserving tennis balls for fetch and offering a separate chew toy for gnawing avoids the risk.