Eating Tennis Balls

[GretaJack]

Well, apparently at some point last night, Jack managed to eat a tennis ball. I was completely unaware of it until he vomitted some of it up this morning. So, of course, I am worried. I separated the pieces out of the vomit this morning and went searching for the rest of the ball in the house and had no luck. There are tennis balls all over the house.

He seemed fine after he vomitted. He went outside to do his duties after that and all came out well. He is not bloated in the least bit. And his appetite is great. So now what do I do? Do I assume that he got it all out of his system? Do I take a precautionary trip to the vet? I was planning on going home to check on him at lunch time, but I forgot that I have 1:00 meeting. Very important. Can't miss.

Any suggestions?


Ugh, what can I say. Owning labs ia always an adventure!

[Dax]

I would watch him for the next 24 -48 hours. If it gets into the bowels - you know which end will show pieces. The larger chunks he'll likely vomit out. With 3 labs, you probably know the drill - watch for continued vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation, any blood in either vomit or poop, the runs. If nothing in 48 hours - you're likely safe.

[Squeaky]

I dont know maybe its my dog but he love tennis balls and if there cheap he eats them. He never gets sick which is good. But anyway I find that the wilson tennis balls are his fave. The hold up and he keeps them around for a couple months or so until he puts a hole in it.

[eXile]

Yes, agreeing with Dax. Just watch it for now. A call to the vet would be sufficient if you feel its neccessary for a second opinion. If the stomach cant handle it i would think he would vommit it up. He obviously didnt swallow it whole bceause hes not an idiot and would probably be dead. So he probably chewed it into peices so he could atleast swallow with ease. What i would maybe do is give him a natural laxitive incase he has some trouble getting out but i would watch out with that. Ask your vet. He will be just fine.