Why Use Lacrosse Balls for Dogs? (Benefits & Things to Know)

Okay, so I've got a super hyper dog, a golden retriever named Buddy. He's a sweetheart, but he's got the energy of, like, ten puppies. I was always looking for ways to keep him entertained and, you know, tire him out a little. I'd heard about using lacrosse balls for dogs, so I figured I'd give it a shot.

The Hunt for the Balls

First, I went to a sporting goods store. I figured that'd be the obvious place, right? I found the lacrosse balls – they were bright orange, which I thought was good for visibility. I grabbed a couple, thinking that would be enough.

Buddy's First Impression

Back home, I tossed one to Buddy. His eyes lit up. He went nuts! He chased it, pounced on it, and immediately started chewing. This was a good sign, I thought. He seemed to love it way more than his regular tennis balls.

The Durability Test

• Chewing: Buddy is a POWER chewer. Tennis balls last him maybe a day, if that. These lacrosse balls? They held up surprisingly well. He chewed and chewed, and they barely showed any wear.
• Fetching: They bounce really well, even on grass. Buddy loved chasing them all over the yard. And because they're solid, they didn't get soggy and gross like tennis balls do after a while.
• Size: The size was perfect. Big enough that he couldn't swallow them, but small enough that he could still comfortably carry them around.

My Observations and Tweaks

After a few days, I noticed a couple of things. First, two balls weren't really enough. Buddy would lose one under the bushes, and then I'd have to go hunting for it. So, I went back to the store and bought a few more. Problem solved!

Second, I realized I needed to supervise him while he was playing with them. He did eventually manage to start ripping tiny pieces off one of the balls, so I made sure to take it away when I saw that happening. Safety first!

Final Thoughts

Overall, the lacrosse balls have been a huge win. Buddy gets a ton of exercise, he's happy, and I'm happy because he's not destroying my furniture out of boredom. They're way more durable than tennis balls, and they're just a better fit for his energy level. Just keep an eye on your dog while they're playing, and you're good to go!