Dog owners: be on the lookout for tennis ball bombs this 4th of july

Video: GoDogGo Fetch Machine Automatic Ball Launcher for Dogs


If I’m walking my dog or letting her run in the dog park, it’s not unusual for us to see a stray tennis ball and play an impromptu game of fetch.

Video: Street dogs retrieve balls during tennis tournament

But as the 4th of July nears, news stations like KIRO 7 are warning pup parents of an explosive threat: tennis ball bombs. Though illegal, these homemade devices are set off like firecrackers. And if one goes astray, undetonated devices can pose serious threats to fetch-loving dogs.

Luckily, they’re easy to spot as long as dog owners are diligent. “A tennis ball bomb is very easy to identify,” said a police spokesman in the KIRO 7 story. “It is a real tennis ball that has some sort of fuse sticking out of it. The tennis ball could also be completely wrapped in duct tape with a fuse sticking out.”

Video: Tennis Ball Bombs

Unfortunately, accidents have happened to unwilling dogs and their owners. According to the article, a set of the explosives was found by a geocacher this year in Everett, Washington. And in 2000, a fatal accident occurred when a dog fetched a bomb ball that exploded in Portland, Oregon.

Watch this clip by KOMO News:





Video: Dog's dream comes true!

If you see a stray tennis ball while you’re out with your dog, carefully look at it from a distance or avoid it all together. We wish a fun and safe 4th of July to you and your dog!

Reviews & Comments

Related posts
Diy: homemade dog chew toysDiy: homemade dog chew toys
Oops! Tennis pro serena williams sick after eating gourmet dog foodOops! Tennis pro serena williams sick after eating gourmet dog food
Cocker spaniel refuses to get wet when fetching her ball from the pool – wait till you see what she doesCocker spaniel refuses to get wet when fetching her ball from the pool – wait till you see what she does
Dog discovers that fetching a floating ball isn’t as easy as it looks!Dog discovers that fetching a floating ball isn’t as easy as it looks!
Dog plays with the biggest ball he could find!Dog plays with the biggest ball he could find!
During a game of tug of war, these golden’s find themselves in an interesting predicamentDuring a game of tug of war, these golden’s find themselves in an interesting predicament
Golf fans will love this doggie driverGolf fans will love this doggie driver
Have fun and be eco-friendly with this all-natural ball launcherHave fun and be eco-friendly with this all-natural ball launcher
Kong tennis pals combine two of dogs’ favorite thingsKong tennis pals combine two of dogs’ favorite things
Man honors late dog by sending tennis balls to dog owners to remind them to cherish every momentMan honors late dog by sending tennis balls to dog owners to remind them to cherish every moment
New tennis ball launcher from hyper petNew tennis ball launcher from hyper pet
Tennis ball smartphone attachment makes taking selfies with your dog simpleTennis ball smartphone attachment makes taking selfies with your dog simple
The boz dog ball is great for fetching on land or in waterThe boz dog ball is great for fetching on land or in water
The ifetch dog toy allows your dog to play when you’re not homeThe ifetch dog toy allows your dog to play when you’re not home
West paw has created the only ball your dog will ever needWest paw has created the only ball your dog will ever need
So here’s what happens when 2 dogs help out with a tennis game. Adorable!!!So here’s what happens when 2 dogs help out with a tennis game. Adorable!!!
This lazy dog chases a ball in a way all its ownThis lazy dog chases a ball in a way all its own
Touching tribute left on beach in honor of dog who “lived each moment”Touching tribute left on beach in honor of dog who “lived each moment”
A touching tribute to murphy, the ball-loving labradorA touching tribute to murphy, the ball-loving labrador
Homemade tennis ball bombs a serious threat to dogsHomemade tennis ball bombs a serious threat to dogs