Tennis balls and fabric-covered dog balls can grind down teeth faster than you think. I learned this the hard way with my Australian Shepherd, Seven.
What Happened to Seven
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seven carried a smallish, fabric-covered soccer ball everywhere. I called it his “emotional support ball” and encouraged the habit because it was just so cute, and seeing him with it made my heart swell (maybe it was my emotional support ball, too). But by year’s end, I was shocked to see all four of his canine teeth worn nearly flat, almost square.
During the pandemic, Seven and I visited nearly every high school in the Oxnard School District as a therapy-dog team. I might not have noticed the problem if not for those outings. When his favorite students leaned in to say hello, Seven flinched and turned his head away—so unlike him that I knew something was seriously wrong.
I immediately took him to our vet, who referred us to a veterinary dentist. The diagnosis was severe abrasion from carrying around that fabric-covered ball. We had two options: extraction or root canals. We chose root canals because extractions would have been more invasive. You see, canine teeth help support the jaw and lips, so removing them, besides being a major surgery, could have created new problems. Still, the bill for his root canals was over $4,000.
Why Felt and Fabric Balls Wear Teeth Down
The dentist told me she sees this kind of wear from tennis balls and similar toys all the time. I had no idea. Here’s the problem:
- Abrasive fibers
Tennis-ball “felt,” and many fabric covers are mildly abrasive on their own. Repeated chewing or carrying acts like very fine sandpaper on enamel. - Grit makes it worse
Fibers trap dirt, sand, and tiny rocks. That turns the ball into a scouring pad that polishes enamel away with every chomp. - Long chew (or carry) sessions
Dogs that hold or obsessively chew these balls for hours put their teeth through constant friction. Enamel does not grow back. - Size and jaw mechanics
When a ball sits between the canines, those teeth take the brunt of the wear. Over time, they can flatten, expose pulp, and become painful.
Signs Your Dog’s Teeth Are Being Abraded
- Canine tips look flattened or squared off
- Yellow or brown grooves near the tips
- Sensitivity to cold water or food
- Dropping toys or chewing on one side only
- Wincing when you check the mouth or gums
- If you notice any of these, call your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent bigger procedures later.
Safer Play Alternatives
What finally worked for us was switching to non-abrasive, smooth-surface toys and using them for fetch rather than all-day carrying. We found the Chuckit! Kick Fetch Ball Dog Toy that Seven loves (he has both the large and small versions). I also recommend the Chuckit! Ultra Squeaker Ball Dog Toys but you can also opt for floating rubber toys for water play or tough, smooth chew toys designed for dental safety.
Whichever you pick, match the size to your dog to avoid choking risks, and supervise early sessions to make sure they aren’t power-chewing for long stretches.
Toy Care Matters
- Rinse toys after outdoor play to remove sand and grit
- Retire worn or fraying toys; rough edges increase abrasion
- Rotate toys so your dog isn’t working the same contact points all day
- Use fetch for bursts of play, then put the ball away between games
When You Need a Specialist
Your regular vet may refer you to a veterinary dentist if there is significant wear, fractures, exposed pulp, or ongoing pain. Root canals can save important teeth and preserve jaw support, but they are expensive. Extractions can be more invasive for canines and may change how the mouth functions. Prevention is far cheaper and kinder.
Seven Approved
Tennis balls and fabric-covered balls seem harmless, but for many dogs, they act like tiny files. I wish I’d known that before Seven needed his root canals. Today, we stick with the balls that won’t hurt my boy —any Chuckit! products. Protecting your dog’s teeth now can spare you and your loyal family member pain, surgery, and big bills later.
If you love swapping stories and tips about life with dogs, I’d love to have you join me over on my Substack, BlissDog, where I share heart-centered essays, dog-inspired rituals, and behind-the-scenes stories from life with Seven and Paige Turner. Come sit, stay, and read with us — your dog-loving heart will be in good company.
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