3 Popular Dog Products – and Why They Can Be Dangerous

Dried bones, horn and antler chews, and the classic tennis ball are part of everyday life for many dogs. But “available in pet shops” does not automatically mean “safe for every dog”. Dogs Aid explains the risks, how to recognise potential problems, and which alternatives may be more suitable.

A long-lasting chew, a natural-looking chew treat, or an energetic game of fetch: all of these are meant to keep our dogs happy and entertained. However, some popular products can damage their teeth, mouth, or digestive tract – especially if they are extremely hard, too small, damaged, or unsuitable for the dog’s size and chewing behaviour.

This does not mean that every bone or ball will automatically cause an injury. The material, size, condition, duration of use, and, above all, the way your individual dog interacts with the product are what matter.

1. Dried Bones: Natural Does Not Automatically Mean Safe

At first glance, bones may seem like the most natural chew of all. The problem is that many dried, smoked, or otherwise processed bones are extremely hard. When a dog bites down forcefully, the bone barely gives way – meaning the full force is transferred to the tooth.

This can cause fine cracks, chips, or more serious tooth fractures. The large back teeth, which dogs use to grip and break down hard objects, are particularly at risk. If a fracture reaches the dental pulp – the area containing nerves and blood vessels – it can be extremely painful and provide bacteria with a direct route into the tooth. This may lead to inflammation or an abscess.

The difficult part is that dogs do not always show obvious signs of dental pain. Some continue eating even when a tooth is already damaged. Warning signs can include chewing on one side, suddenly dropping food, excessive drooling, bad breath, facial swelling, or refusing hard treats.

Swallowed pieces of bone can also cause problems. Possible consequences include injuries to the mouth or throat, gagging, constipation, or a foreign-body obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Raw bones are not automatically safe either: they can still damage teeth, be swallowed, or carry harmful bacteria.

Important: Cooked bones should never be given to dogs. Heating can make them more brittle and more likely to splinter.

2. Horn and Antler Chews: Often Harder Than a Dog’s Teeth

Horn, antler, and similar natural chews are often promoted as being especially long-lasting. However, this hardness is precisely the problem: if the chew barely wears down, a dog biting it forcefully may damage a tooth instead.

A simple guideline is the fingernail test: if you cannot make a small indentation in the material with your fingernail, it may be too hard for your dog’s teeth. A chew that sounds extremely solid when tapped against a hard surface should also be viewed with caution.

Crown fractures and slab fractures of the large back teeth are common injuries associated with very hard chews. Part of the tooth may break off, and if the injury goes unnoticed, pain and inflammation can continue for a long time. A broken or discoloured tooth should therefore always be examined by a vet – even if the dog appears to be eating normally.

3. Tennis Balls: Fun With Two Often-Overlooked Risks

Many dogs love tennis balls. Using one occasionally for supervised games of fetch does not automatically make it dangerous. However, chewing on or carrying a tennis ball for long periods can pose risks.

The Felt Can Act Like Sandpaper

The rough surface of a tennis ball can collect dirt, sand, and small particles. If a dog chews on it regularly and for long periods, the surface repeatedly rubs against the teeth. Over time, this can wear away the tooth enamel and underlying tooth structure. In advanced cases, the teeth may appear noticeably shorter and can become sensitive.

The risk is greater for dogs that carry their tennis ball for hours, chew on it intensely, or play with heavily soiled balls. Dog-specific balls made from more tooth-friendly materials are therefore often a better choice for games of fetch.

The Size Can Become a Choking Hazard

A ball must be appropriate for the size of the dog. If it is too small, soft, or damaged, it can slip far back into the mouth or become lodged in the throat. For larger dogs in particular, the ball should be large enough that it cannot be swallowed whole or pushed behind the teeth.

Damaged balls should be discarded immediately. Loose pieces may be swallowed and cause a foreign-body obstruction in the digestive tract.

The same principle applies to ball games in general: short, controlled sessions with regular breaks are better than endless throwing. Adding variety through scent games, calm nose work, and simple impulse-control exercises can help prevent your dog’s entire activity routine from revolving around the ball.

How Can You Recognise a Damaged Tooth?

Look out for the following changes:

• visible cracks, broken areas, or discolouration of a tooth
• blood on a toy or chew
• a sudden increase in bad breath
• excessive drooling or lip-smacking
• chewing on one side
• dropping food
• avoiding hard treats or toys
• sensitivity when the mouth or face is touched
• swelling beneath the eye or around the jaw

If you notice any of these signs, your dog should be examined by a vet promptly. A tooth fracture cannot always be fully assessed from the outside. Depending on the findings, dental X-rays and treatment may be necessary.

When Is It an Emergency?

Go to a veterinary practice or emergency clinic immediately if your dog:

• cannot breathe or is struggling to breathe
• continues to gag or cough, or repeatedly tries to vomit without bringing anything up
• has blue or very pale gums or mucous membranes
• suddenly collapses
• has swallowed a large piece of bone, horn, antler, or ball
• repeatedly vomits, shows signs of severe abdominal pain, or refuses food and water
• has blood in its vomit or stool

If possible, call the veterinary practice before arriving and explain what has happened. Do not blindly reach into your dog’s throat to remove an object that is lodged deep inside, as this could push it even further back.

How to Find Safer Alternatives

No toy or chew is completely risk-free. However, a few simple checks can significantly reduce the risk:

1. Use the fingernail test: The material should give slightly and should not be rock-hard.
2. Choose the correct size: Your dog should not be able to fit the entire product into its mouth or swallow it.
3. Supervise your dog: New products should initially be offered only for short periods and under close supervision.
4. Check the condition regularly: Cracks, sharp edges, or loose pieces mean the product should be replaced immediately.
5. Limit the duration of use: Constant chewing and carrying a ball for hours increase the strain on the teeth.
6. Ask your vet if you are unsure: This is particularly important for puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with existing dental damage.

More suitable options may include flexible, appropriately sized chew toys made from durable rubber, approved dental chews, fillable enrichment toys, licking mats, or food puzzles. These should still be suitable for your dog’s size and chewing behaviour and should be checked regularly for damage.

Conclusion: Popular Does Not Automatically Mean Harmless

Dried bones, horn and antler chews, and tennis balls are widely used, but depending on the dog and how they are used, they can cause serious problems. Very hard chews pose a particular risk of tooth fractures. Tennis balls can wear down the teeth when chewed intensely and may become a choking hazard if they are the wrong size.

The good news is that many problems can be prevented by choosing the correct size, using materials with some flexibility, checking products regularly, and supervising your dog. You should also examine your dog’s mouth regularly. The earlier a damaged tooth is recognised, the sooner it can be treated.