Quick answer: to play football with your dog, choose a ball larger than their mouth, made of durable rubber or TPR, and with no parts that can come loose. Large balls for nudging with their snout and interactive balls are ideal for burning off energy. And on match days, protect your pet from noise, fireworks, and celebration food.
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Football moves millions of people every weekend, and many of them watch the match with their dog on the sofa. Many dogs are also real football fans: they chase, nudge, and dribble any ball they find. We’ll tell you how to choose a safe ball, what football games you can play with your dog, and how to look after your pet on match days.
How to choose a safe ball for your dog
| What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size | Always larger than their mouth: a ball that is too small can get stuck in their throat. |
| Material | Durable rubber, TPR, or vinyl. Tennis balls wear down the enamel on their teeth if they chew them daily. |
| Hardness | Harder for dogs that chew hard; softer for puppies and older dogs. |
| Design | No small parts that can come loose. If it breaks, remove it. |
| Use | For supervised play. Do not leave it as a chew toy for hours. |
The most sought-after balls: interactive and for nudging
Among the fastest-growing searches are the interactive dog ball and the ball that moves on its own. These are toys that keep the dog active and focused. For playing football, large balls that the dog nudges with their snout or paws are the ones that most resemble a football.
Large Actionbal 19 or 22 cm ballView product
Interactive egg ballView product
Ball with LED light 12.5 cmView product
Training ball 11 cmView product
Vinyl spiky ballView product
Solid rubber ballView product
View all dog toys and interactive toys.
Football games to play with your dog
- Nudge the ball. Reward your dog every time they touch a large ball with their snout. Gradually, ask them to nudge it towards you.
- Living room or garden goal. Set up a goal with two cushions or cones and celebrate every time the ball goes in.
- Treibball. It is a real canine sport in which the dog carries large balls to a goal following your instructions. Very good for dogs with a lot of energy.
- Search and retrieve. Hide the ball and let them find it with their sense of smell: it tires them out as much as running.
- Breaks. Short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes, with water at hand, and never right after eating.
Match days: how to look after your pet
- Noise and fireworks. Shouting, horns, and fireworks from celebrations frighten many dogs and cats. Give them a quiet corner with their bed, close windows, and play soft music.
- Pre-match walk. Take them out for a walk in advance so they are calm during the match.
- Identification. Check that they have a microchip and a tag with your phone number: with scares, some escape.
- Party food, out of reach. Salty chips, onions, chocolate, alcohol, or cooked chicken bones can harm them.
- If you watch the match away from home, do not leave them alone with noise on the street without having accustomed them to it before.
And remember: the best GOAL is seeing your dog happy, tired, and calm after playing with you.
Frequently asked questions
What ball is best for a dog?
A durable rubber, TPR, or vinyl ball, larger than their mouth and suitable for their style of play: harder if they chew hard and softer for puppies.
Is an interactive dog ball good?
Yes, it helps them burn off energy and stay active. Use it under supervision and remove it if it breaks.
Can you play football with a dog?
Yes. With a large ball they can nudge with their snout or paws and short sessions, it is a fun game and good exercise. Avoid hard regulation footballs for small dogs.
Why are tennis balls not recommended?
Their surface is abrasive and, if the dog chews them often, it wears down the enamel on their teeth. For chewing, rubber or TPR is better.
How do I calm my dog with fireworks from a celebration?
Prepare a quiet shelter for them, close windows, play soft music or noise, and do not force them to go out. If the fear is intense, consult your veterinarian.
Informational content. If your dog has joint or heart problems, consult your veterinarian before starting intense games.