The Risks of Fetch: Why Ball Throwing Might Be Harming Your Dog

By Suzanne Gould, Behaviourist and Dynamic Dog Practitioner.

Alright, let’s have a chat about something we all do with our dogs – throwing a ball. It’s a classic, right? Dog loves ball, human throws ball, dog fetches ball, and everyone’s happy. But as a behaviourist and Dynamic Dog Practitioner, I’m here to tell you it’s not quite that simple. There can be some hidden downsides to this seemingly harmless game.

The Physical Dangers of Fetch

Let’s start with the obvious – the toll it takes on their bodies. Think about the sheer athleticism involved. Your dog goes from zero to Mach speed in a split second, puts the brakes on a sixpence, and then twists and turns to grab that ball. And they do this repeatedly, at speed and often with little to no warm-up.

And it’s not just the throwing action itself. Ball throwers, those gadgets that launch the ball extra far, compound the problem. They encourage dogs to run at even greater speeds and over longer distances, increasing the force on their joints and the risk of injury. The repetitive, high-intensity sprinting and abrupt stops can be a recipe for disaster, especially for dogs who are already predisposed to musculoskeletal issues or are getting on in years.

It’s important to note that dogs are incredibly adaptive and will often compensate for any imbalances or discomfort they feel while chasing a ball. This means they may not show obvious signs of pain until the problem is quite advanced. This can make it even more insidious, as owners may unknowingly continue to exacerbate underlying issues.

This kind of high-impact activity puts a massive strain on their joints, particularly their shoulders, elbows, and hips. Over time, this can lead to or worsen conditions like arthritis, especially in breeds already prone to joint problems. We’re talking about a lot of wear and tear, folks. All for a few minutes of fun.

Then there’s the risk of acute injuries. All that sprinting and sudden stopping can result in muscle tears, ligament damage, and even spinal issues. I’ve seen dogs do themselves a mischief trying to catch a ball, and it’s not a pretty sight. Repetitive ball throwing can also contribute to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and repetitive strain injuries, which can significantly impact a dog’s long-term mobility and quality of life.

The Mental Impact of Fetch

Now, let’s consider what’s going on in that head of theirs. For many dogs, chasing a ball is pure, unadulterated obsession. It triggers their prey drive, releasing a flood of adrenaline and endorphins. This can be great in short bursts, but repeated over and over, it can lead to a dog that is constantly overstimulated and unable to switch off.

Prolonged exposure to this state of overstimulation can have significant negative consequences for a dog’s mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and difficulty regulating their emotions. These dogs may become more reactive, aggressive, or develop compulsive behaviours.

It’s also crucial to recognise that dogs will often continue to chase a ball even if they are in significant pain. Their desire to retrieve is so strong that it overrides their body’s signals to stop, plus the flood of adrenaline masks pain. This can lead to further injury and a worsening of any underlying chronic conditions.

We see dogs who become ball-obsessed, and their entire world revolves around that little rubber sphere. They’re never truly relaxed, always on high alert, waiting for the next throw. This can manifest as anxiety, reactivity, and an inability to focus on anything else.

The constant chasing and catching can also create a cycle of heightened arousal, making it difficult for the dog to learn other skills or engage in more calming activities. They’re like they’re stuck in ‘fast-forward’ mode.

Five Safer Alternatives to Fetch

So, while throwing a ball might seem like the easiest way to tire out your dog, it’s important to consider the potential risks, especially the long-term impact on their physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many other ways to exercise and stimulate your dog that don’t involve the same level of stress and strain. Here are five activities that provide physical and mental stimulation without the same risks:

1. Scent Work: This is a fantastic way to engage your dog’s brain and natural instincts. You can start with simple hiding games and progress to more complex scent trails. You could hide treats or even the ball!
2. Puzzle Toys: These toys challenge your dog to solve a problem to get a reward. They’re great for mental enrichment and can keep your dog occupied for ages.
3. Swimming: For dogs who enjoy the water, swimming is a great way to build strength with minimal impact on their joints.
4. Sniffari: Going on walks with the aim of letting your dog stop and sniff what they want, allowing your dog to go their own way as they follow their nose.
5. Training: Teaching your dog new tricks or obedience commands is a great way to bond and provide mental stimulation.

Remember, exercise is important, but it doesn’t always have to involve a ball. There are plenty of ways to keep your dog happy and healthy without putting their bodies and minds through unnecessary stress. So take a break from the ball throwing.