Please don't let your dogs anywhere near mini tennis balls

Two years ago, Rupert swallowed one of these by accident. I went to vet, she did x-ray - there were actually two inside. He needed an operation. It was horrendous and ... there are no words.

Yesterday, the same thing happened. It was another dog's ball and I recognised the danger but, sensing my urgency, I think he got more excited and accidentally swallowed it.

He is now in surgery.

I feel absolutely disgusted with myself for having let this situation arise again.

I would really beg you to keep your dogs away from these balls as they can't get out via any of the normal channels once they are in. Plus, they don't biodegrade.

I hope this is useful to some of you. Just chuck those balls out, if you have any.

Firstly, you really shouldn't feel disgusted with yourself, you reacted as soon as you saw the danger. I hope Rupert's ok after his surgery.

Thanks for the warning. The problem with these mini tennis balls is that they're made for pets! Fine for a chihuahua but not for a staffie. I find it really strange that there aren't more laws on what can be a dog toy. Our guys were given some toys for Christmas that within seconds were shredded into swallowable stuffing. Needless to say they were binned (what a waste of money).

Dogs swallow the most extraordinary things - like here but don't look if you're eating http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3230529/Dog-swallowed-26-golf-balls-one-wins-competition-craziest-things-pets-eaten.html. And don't forget the one who ate a string of fairy lights.

don't blame yourself! You really did do everything you could.

please do let us know how he is after the operation - such a scary time for you!

I am so sorry for you and Rupert but please don't feel bad as you did try to stop him, but I know what they are like when they are determined!
I hope he recovers quickly from his op .
Thank you for the warning and I wouldn't buy a small ball, but there is one inside the kong jumbler toy, and duke ripped it open so l threw the tiny ball inside straight in the bin. You have to be so careful , but accidents do happen

Oh no!! You saw the danger and did what you could but we all know what Staffies are like so please don't blame yourself.

There are so many things that are dangerous for our dogs to play with, my Flo loves to chase wooden sticks on walks but then proceeds to eat them, I mean proper eat as well as rip up. We don't throw them any more, she has a plastic one that she adores and I don't worry that she'll end up in the vets, you can only do what you can

Do let us know how Rupert gets on.

Hope rupert ges on ok with his operation . U have nothing to blame yourself for.xx

Hi everyone

I progress report: Rupert is out of pet hospital, where he was on a drip, and back at home, on antibiotics, and - I hope - on the mend.

If you could spread the word about these balls. There is just no way, once swallowed, they can get out of a dog's system - if I hadn't witnessed what happened... I don't even like to think...

I have been told to feed him little and often. He also needs the most incredible amount of affection and wants to be hugged and stroked all the time - even more than usual. Dogs are such profound creatures. It is good, at least, to be able to give him that attention and reassurance.

I am so glad to hear that Rupert is on the mend, bless him x

Thanks for the update and great to read he's on the mend