Dog Swallows Tennis Ball in Freak Accident, But What Happened Next Shocked Everyone
What started as a simple playtime nearly turned tragic for Charles, a lively 1-year-old pup at the Maricopa County animal shelter. Full of energy and love for toys, the brindle-and-white mixed breed got a little too enthusiastic and swallowed a tennis ball. (Watch Video Above)
The incident sent him into emergency surgery, where vets performed a gastrotomy to remove the ball from his stomach. Thanks to quick action and skilled care, Charles is now fully healed and back to being his happy, tail-wagging self, though several toys, including tennis balls, are officially off his play list.
High Energy, Big Love, and a New Beginning
He’s all heart when it comes to people, greeting humans with so much love and enthusiasm that he can get a little jumpy at times.
Charles first arrived at the shelter in May 2025 and spent nearly four long months waiting for someone to notice him. Unfortunately, his high energy, along with behaviors like jumping and barking, made it harder for him to get adopted. With time running out, he was heartbreakingly placed on a euthanasia list, with his deadline set for August 12.
But just hours before that deadline, Charles’s story took a turn for the better. A rescue stepped in and pulled him to safety. Thanks to their quick action, he now has a second chance. In their care, Charles will keep working on his manners and confidence until he’s ready to be the perfect forever friend.
What To Do If Your Dog Swallows a Tennis Ball?
Like Charles, any dog can think of a tennis ball as a treat and eat it. Most of us have tossed a tennis ball for our pups without a second thought, but what happens if that game of fetch takes a dangerous turn? Unfortunately, tennis balls can be a real hazard if swallowed whole or even in pieces, according to veterinarian Dr. Iulia Mihai.
If this happens, it’s always considered a medical emergency, and your quick action could save your dog’s life.
Check Their Breathing First
The scariest risk with a swallowed tennis ball is choking. Gently check your dog’s mouth and throat to see if their airway is blocked. If you can safely remove the obstruction, do so immediately. If not, rush them to the emergency vet without delay.
Even if your dog seems to be breathing normally, it’s possible they swallowed the ball or pieces of it completely, which can still cause dangerous complications.
Look for the Ball (or What’s Left of It)
If you didn’t see it happen but suspect your dog swallowed a tennis ball, check around for the missing toy or fragments. Knowing whether your pup ate part of the ball or the entire thing can help your vet figure out the best course of action.
Keep in mind, small dogs are at higher risk of intestinal blockages even from small pieces, while larger dogs may sometimes pass tiny bits in their stool.
Call Your Vet Right Away
When it comes to swallowed tennis balls, calling your vet is always the safest move. They may recommend bringing your dog in immediately for X-rays or monitoring them at home if only a small piece is missing.
Watch closely for warning signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, or lethargy. These can all signal a life-threatening obstruction and require urgent treatment.
Why Tennis Balls Are Risky Toys
Besides choking and blockages, tennis balls can also wear down your dog’s teeth over time. The fuzzy, abrasive surface acts almost like sandpaper, especially if it picks up dirt or grit. For dogs who love to chew, safer alternatives, like rubber fetch balls or sturdy chew toys, are a much better choice.
