Are Lacrosse Balls Safe For Dogs?
At Sit Now Stay Dog Training, one of the most popular questions asked is which toys are the safest for our client’s pups. We’ve repeatedly seen how much dog owners care for their beloved animals and want them to stick around for the long haul. With so many things to juggle daily, it can be hard to constantly keep an eye out for what’s in your dog’s mouth, which is why you want to guarantee that your pup’s toys are non-toxic, safe, and won’t cause a choking hazard.
While tennis balls are commonly used as dog toys, lacrosse balls are less popular because most people don’t have these lying around their houses. So, let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about lacrosse balls and discover if they’re a safe toy for your dog.
What is a Lacrosse Ball?
To give you a better understanding of a lacrosse ball, let’s compare it to a more commonly known item, a tennis ball. The most obvious difference is that a tennis ball is green with a carpet-like finish, while a lacrosse ball is white with a rubber finish.
You may assume that the lacrosse ball weighs less, but they are actually almost three times as heavy as a standard tennis ball. An average lacrosse ball weighs 140 to 147 grams, while an average tennis ball weighs only 56 to 59.4 grams.
What is a Lacrosse Ball made of?
Lacrosse balls are most commonly made with a solid, vulcanized rubber mixed with other additives, though different manufacturers use various types of elastic materials, such as silicone or polyurethane. However, if you purchase a standard lacrosse ball at a reputable shop, you can expect it to be made with vulcanized rubber.
Are Lacrosse Balls Toxic?
This, of course, is what our readers want to know. Is the vulcanized rubber used to produce lacrosse balls toxic for dogs? The short answer is no, it is not toxic for dogs. Vulcanized rubber is a material regularly used for producing a shoe’s outsole and as we all know, chewing on shoes is a dog’s favorite pastime. While it’s not recommended for your dog to swallow small chunks of a lacrosse ball, they can have them in their mouths without cause for concern.
Is the Size of a Lacrosse Ball Safe for my Dog?
A standard lacrosse ball measures at least 7.75 inches but not more than 8 inches in circumference. For comparison purposes, a standard tennis ball measures between 8.09 inches to 8.48 inches, so as long your dog can safely fit a tennis ball in his or her mouth, then the same would apply to a lacrosse ball. The general rule is that the safest-sized balls for dogs to play with are the ones that are small enough to fit in their mouth but big enough to not be swallowed.
Should my Dog Chew on a Lacrosse Ball?
Dog chewing is normal behavior for your dog and is even healthy in many ways. During your puppy’s teething stage, chewing helps to relieve any teething pain. Furthermore, it can also help to strengthen and clean your dog’s teeth and gums. While it’s not unsafe for your dog to chew on a lacrosse ball, we don’t recommend you use it as the primary toy to clean your dog’s teeth and gums because the rubbery material may be too harsh and could cause damage.
If your dog gets ahold of one, don’t worry. Lacrosse balls are durable and can handle dog chewing. Still, we suggest you keep an eye out for any wear and tear on the ball. You’ll want to replace an old ball to prevent a potential choking accident.
Final Thoughts
Our conclusion is yes, lacrosse balls are indeed safe for your dogs. So, get out there and play a few rounds of fetch with your pup so you both will have a ball of a time! If your dog isn’t much of a fetcher and you’d like to look into dog training opportunities, contact Sit Now Stay for a free training consultation. Give us a call at (913) 285-8363, or book your appointment online today!
Are Lacrosse Balls Safe For Dogs? Here’s The Truth!
We’re all used to seeing dogs playing with a tennis ball – but what about a lacrosse balls? Is it okay for your dog to play with this, too or should you keep these balls away from your pet?
Lacrosse Balls vs. Tennis Balls – A Comparison
Tennis balls are fairly common so it’s actually easier to describe lacrosse balls by comparison.
Now, at first glance, you can immediately tell the main difference between them. Color-wise, the tennis ball is made primarily in neon green while the lacrosse ball is done in white. This has something to do with the material used to make the item.
The exterior of a tennis ball has a carpet-like feel to it. Lacrosse balls however are done in solid rubber. Does this mean they’re lighter? Not really. In fact, lacrosse balls are heavier than your average tennis ball, weighing in at around 140 to 147 grams. For the sake of comparison, you should know that a standard tennis ball can be anywhere from 56 to 59.4 grams.
What about the size of the ball? Well, the International Tennis Federation requires that the professional tennis ball have a circumference of around 8 inches. The lacrosse ball however can be anywhere of 7 ¾ to 8 inches of circumference so really, there’s not much difference between the two.
| Aspect | Lacrosse Balls | Tennis Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Solid rubber, non-toxic, and generally durable. |
Felt-covered rubber, non-toxic but less durable. |
| Size | Smaller than tennis balls, usually around 2.5 inches in diameter. | Larger than lacrosse balls, around 2.7 inches in diameter. |
| Choking Hazard | Less likely to be a choking hazard for large dogs, but still a potential risk for small dogs. | Greater choking hazard for large dogs due to size and compressibility. Safer for small dogs. |
| Durability | Highly durable, more resistant to puncture and tearing. | Less durable, prone to puncture and tearing, especially when used by aggressive chewers. |
| Dental Health | Hard surface may cause tooth wear or damage if chewed excessively. | Soft felt surface may be gentler on teeth but can accumulate dirt and grit, which may lead to dental wear. |
| Bounce | High bounce, making them suitable for playing fetch. | High bounce, making them suitable for playing fetch. |
| Water Resistance | Non-absorbent, dries quickly after getting wet. | Absorbent felt cover, takes longer to dry after getting wet. |
| Visibility | Typically bright colors for easy visibility. | Typically bright colors for easy visibility. |
Material Used for a Lacrosse Ball
Lacrosse balls are made of 65 percent rubber, having a rebound of around 1800 in height. You get roughly 70 percent worth of rebound from the fall of the ball – which is why it’s important for players to carefully calculate the angle of their shots to make sure it hits the target.
Lacrosse Ball – Toxicity
But really – we come to the most important part here which is – can you give your dog a lacrosse ball as a toy? The quick and short answer is: yes. In terms of toxicity, a lacrosse ball is perfectly safe. Your dog can put it in his mouth and not have any negative reactions.
Of course, you still have to watch out for allergies or anything that might be on the ball.
Keep the lacrosse ball clean during playtime so your pooch won’t accidentally swallow anything that could make them sick.
The good thing here is that since the ball is made primarily from rubber, you can wipe it dry each time so that little dirt will stick on the surface. Tennis balls with their carpet-like exterior would often have grime sticking on them after getting wet.
Safe Against Accidental Swallowing
Despite the fact that a lacrosse ball is smaller than an average tennis ball, this shouldn’t pose any problem when placed in the dog’s mouth. There are zero chances of the ball being swallowed and causing the dog to choke. Of course, this is true for medium and large breeds – but watch out for the really big breeds.
The rule is that the ball must be small enough to fit the mouth but big enough not to course through the throat. Hence, if you have a REALLY large breed that’s out of the ordinary, you might want to think things through first.
Good for Gums and Teeth?
If you think the lacrosse ball will help with plaque buildup – you’re wrong.
While there are chew toys designed to remove dirt and plaque from your dog’s teeth – lacrosse balls are not part of it. They’re more likely to damage the gums and teeth because they’re too hard for the pooch. This is because the ball is perfectly dense. It takes a LOT of pressure to dent a lacrosse ball and most dog teeth are not capable of doing that. Simply put – if your dog bites into a lacrosse ball, the teeth will give in before the ball does.
Don’t use a lacrosse ball for this purpose. Just bring your dog for teeth cleaning once in a while or perhaps use a toothbrush specially designed to do the job. Some toys can also help with this so your pet maintains perfect teeth all through his life.
Availability of Lacrosse Balls
Lacrosse balls can also be bought in various stores. They’re not as common as a tennis ball or a baseball – but they’re definitely something you can find online and buy in bulk. They’re also fairly cheap so if you’re trying to save on doggy toys, you might find cheaper brands of lacrosse balls as opposed to tennis or baseball items.
So What’s the Verdict?
To wrap it up – yes, lacrosse balls are safe for dogs, but you have to look into the context of how it is being used. If the lacrosse ball is used primarily to play fetch – then do so for as long as your dog wants to exercise outside. There is no harm in your pooch retrieving the ball for a game of fetch. In fact, the rebound capacity of the ball makes it a more interesting toy for the pooch.
You can throw that ball against something solid and watch it bounce back, allowing your dog to do some mental and physical calisthenics in order to catch the item. This not only lets the pooch exercise his body but also his mind, giving both of you several hours of fun time. Note though – lacrosse balls do NOT float so don’t throw them in water.
However, if you’re going to use the ball as a chew toy – you would rather get a purpose-built product. The lacrosse ball can take your dog’s chewing – but there’s no telling if your dog’s teeth can handle the ball’s hardiness.
Hence – once you’re done with fetch playtime, make sure the lacrosse ball is tucked neatly away and swap it for a legitimate tooth-safe chew toy.
Other Things You Can do with a Lacrosse Ball that’s Not Lacrosse
So if your dog can’t use a lacrosse ball as a chew toy, what else can you do with it? One of the most common uses for this ball is as a massaging aid. Since it is very dense, it’s perfect for being rolled up and down a person’s body, putting pressure into painful spots and relieving muscle tension and pain. In fact, they might be better than tennis balls because of their hardiness.
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Lisa Hayden-Matthews
A bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.
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Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls reviews and…
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About Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
Official Size: Each ball has an official size and weight, complies with NOCSAE standards, is approved by the NCAA and NFHS, and is certified by the SEI to improve shooting accuracy and control during training and games .
Multi-Account Packs: Choose a 1, 2, 3, 6, or 12-account pack to equip players for youth gym classes and summer camps, collegiate teams, or training modes to improve skills. MULTIPLE COLORS: men, women, boys, girls and children will enjoy a unique variety of color outfits,…
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Great for dogs! – Lacrosse
Jason W. Wesley
Israel, Jerusalem
Level 1
645 Review
46 Karma
Listen guys. Skip tennis balls for your dog. First, they are designed to break and wear teeth on concrete. I’ve also heard over the years that the glue mixes with the dog’s saliva and chemically damages the inside of the dog’s mouth. Let’s be honest. Tennis balls get clogged with water, collect dirt and grime, and are too light to throw far. If you need more reasons to hate tennis balls when you have a serious dog, it probably won’t be long before he breaks tennis balls.
Enter the lacrosse ball. Heavy, durable. Does not absorb water and saliva, rebounds well. Want to see your High Drive dog go crazy? It’s clear.
See full review
Pros and cons of Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
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Functionally superior product but high outgassing
Vic A. Alexander
Austria, Vienna
Level 1
658 Review
41 Karma
I keep ordering these lacrosse balls for good reason, the product always arrives in perfect condition as expected. There are no functional problems, but gas emission is high! I use these balls as a treatment in my practice and also as a home myofascial relaxation technique. They work great! However, I have to open the box as soon as it arrives and let them “ventilate” outside for a few days before I can bring them in. If they are going to be used as intended for playing lacrosse, then this is most likely not a problem (which is why I didn’t give a star rating), but if you have them at home, then I suggest you think about it.
VERY strong smell! View full review
Pros and cons Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
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Free for educational purposes
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There are other interesting options.
Best option for my aggressive chewer (canine version)
Josh T. Tadder
1 Level
780 Review
38 Karma
My 75 lb mix Shepherd Dogs probably only actively chew their ball for an hour each day, but they have a very strong jaw. We also use it to play fetch. It can crack open a hollow racket ball in about 10 minutes of chewing, and tennis balls even faster, so lacrosse balls were a great alternative. Hard vulcanized rubber is safer from a chemical leach point of view (from my understanding) and the ball fits into a throwing grip originally designed for a tennis ball. However, these balls do not float. Because rubber breaks down when exposed to UV light, I keep the ball inside.
Once the ball starts to break down (wear and tear on that strong jaw), after about 4 weeks, small pieces start to flake off, and that’s when I usually change balls. I buy them sometimes. View full review
Pros and cons Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
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Dope 🔥
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Functionality
Sports lifeguard
Pradeep D. Dhimal
Ireland, Dublin
Level 1
594 Review
30 Karma
I bought these for my one year old puppy, he loves to play balls. He chewed tennis balls, so my friend gave me a pack of 6 Champion orange lacrosse balls and he liked them so much I had to buy more. They are made of hard rubber and so far the puppy is invulnerable and is a large German Shepherd weighing 100 pounds. He looks forward to every night before bed when we play ball until he leaves and lies in his paddling pool very exhausted.
I don’t understand people who say they smell bad because to me they just smell like new rubber (which smells like new tires). I just poured all 12 down the sink, washed them in hot soapy water, and unless they’re right under my nose, they don’t smell. 10000% recommend, worth every penny to get the dogs out! Ps take light colors to make them easier to find in the garden. View Full Review
Pros and Cons Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
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Easy Installation
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Some Little Things
9 0167 Posted on September 10, 2022
Absolutely INCREDIBLE SMELL!
Joshua D. Donnis
Japan, Tokyo
Level 1
655 Review
43 Karma
I bought it a few days ago, received it today, sent it back IMMEDIATELY! I’m a HUGE fan of myofascial lacrosse balls so I decided to buy a few to give away to my clients as nice gifts (I’m a personal trainer). These looked perfect! Went ahead and ordered them.
When I received and opened it, the smell coming out of this package was literally the worst I have ever smelled. ALL balls, regardless of color, have the same disgusting chemical smell. I ventilated them a little, but the smell literally entered the room they were in. I repackaged them and prepared for the return (which I will do tomorrow). No kidding, I still have a headache from this poisonous smell (it’s 8pm and I opened the package at noon). This is absolutely HORRIBLE and I will NEVER buy another item from a champion. Worst experience ever. See full review
Pros and cons Champion Sports Colored Lacrosse Balls
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Beautiful packaging
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I don’t remember
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VERY strong smell! 
Once the ball starts to break down (wear and tear on that strong jaw), after about 4 weeks, small pieces start to flake off, and that’s when I usually change balls. I buy them sometimes. 
I don’t understand people who say they smell bad because to me they just smell like new rubber (which smells like new tires). I just poured all 12 down the sink, washed them in hot soapy water, and unless they’re right under my nose, they don’t smell. 10000% recommend, worth every penny to get the dogs out! Ps take light colors to make them easier to find in the garden. 
When I received and opened it, the smell coming out of this package was literally the worst I have ever smelled. ALL balls, regardless of color, have the same disgusting chemical smell. I ventilated them a little, but the smell literally entered the room they were in. I repackaged them and prepared for the return (which I will do tomorrow). No kidding, I still have a headache from this poisonous smell (it’s 8pm and I opened the package at noon). This is absolutely HORRIBLE and I will NEVER buy another item from a champion. Worst experience ever. 