[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1041},["ShallowReactive",2],{"item:\u002Fanimals\u002Fis-playing-fetch-bad-for-my-dog":3,"platform:site":467},{"id":4,"title":5,"authors":6,"body":11,"canonical":401,"category":402,"categorySlugs":407,"cid":408,"cover":409,"description":412,"extension":413,"featured":414,"language":415,"meta":416,"navigation":417,"noindex":414,"ogImage":418,"path":419,"publishedAt":420,"recipe":401,"related":421,"revisedAt":401,"seo":449,"seoDescription":412,"seoTitle":5,"sortKey":401,"sources":450,"stem":454,"tagSlugs":455,"tags":458,"translations":463,"type":464,"url":465,"__hash__":466},"platformItems\u002Fplatform\u002Fitems\u002F2581.md","The Hidden Risks of Playing Fetch With Your Dog",[7],{"name":8,"slug":9,"role":10},"Logan Rivera","logan-rivera","author",{"type":12,"value":13,"toc":390},"minimark",[14,19,23,26,29,38,44,47,51,54,57,60,66,69,72,75,78,81,84,89,92,97,102,104,108,111,114,117,130,133,139,144,146,150,153,156,159,164,167,170,175,178,181,186,189,192,198,203,205,209,212,215,218,221,224,227,254,257,263,268,270,274,277,280,283,288,291,296,299,305,310,313,317,320,323,326,329,334,337,341,344,379,384],[15,16,18],"h2",{"id":17},"understanding-why-dogs-chase-and-retrieve","Understanding Why Dogs Chase and Retrieve",[20,21,22],"p",{},"Fetching a ball or stick is a pastime countless dogs seem to adore, and some will eagerly spring into the air for a Frisbee. However, a growing body of concern surrounds how these games might harm canine health. As far back as 2016, the British Veterinary Association issued a warning that tossing sticks for dogs carries the potential to cause life-threatening harm.",[20,24,25],{},"This creates a puzzling situation for owners: why put an end to an activity that brings dogs such obvious joy? And are these warnings grounded in reality?",[20,27,28],{},"Evidence about the hazards of fetch continues to accumulate, suggesting that repeated sprinting after a ball, airborne leaps for toys, or pursuit of a thrown stick can contribute to joint issues and other injuries. Even so, abandoning fetch entirely isn't necessarily the answer. Numerous dogs possess natural retrieving instincts and take pleasure in returning objects to their humans. It is possible to play fetch in ways that are both safe and enjoyable. But whether you choose to keep tossing a ball or still want to fling a stick, being informed about the potential risks will help you look after your dog as well as possible.",[20,30,31],{},[32,33],"img",{"alt":34,"height":35,"src":36,"width":37},"",1066,"\u002Fpics\u002F649d676a04e57bcc5523.webp",1600,[20,39,40],{},[41,42,43],"em",{},"Vets see many dogs with stick related injuries and advise owners not to let their dogs play with sticks.",[20,45,46],{},"Public Domain",[15,48,50],{"id":49},"the-dangers-of-throwing-sticks","The Dangers of Throwing Sticks",[20,52,53],{},"The British Veterinary Association's 2016 caution about stick fetching was rooted in legitimate concerns. Reports from individual veterinary clinics have shed light on just how hazardous a thrown stick can be.",[20,55,56],{},"A practice in Sandbach, Cheshire, for instance, documented roughly 20 stick-related injuries annually. Veterinarian Cameron Muir described the typical scenarios: dogs either impale themselves on the stick or sustain damage to their mouths. According to Muir, \"It's a risky business throwing sticks. We often have to put dogs under anaesthetic to remove splinters, and sometimes have them in for repeat surgeries.\"",[20,58,59],{},"The UK veterinary charity PDSA reports encountering stick injuries every week across its 51 practices. Such injuries are not always obvious right away. Smooth Collie Maya showed no distress following a walk where she chased sticks, but later became quiet and refused food. Her owner, Cathy Pryde, recounted:",[61,62,63],"blockquote",{},[20,64,65],{},"\"We took her to the vet and they sedated her and then pulled out this long stick from her throat. We had no idea that was the problem. There had been no blood or any other clues.\"",[20,67,68],{},"The stick, measuring 4 inches (10cm), had pierced her tongue and displaced her voice box.",[20,70,71],{},"An even more harrowing case involved spaniel Rudi, who needed a 100-mile emergency trip to a vet after running onto a 26cm (10in) stick. The stick had entered his mouth, and his owner could see the tip in his throat—but what remained unknown was that it had traveled deeper, reaching down into his foreleg.",[20,73,74],{},"Rudi required extensive surgery to extract the stick, involving 52 stitches. His survival was extremely fortunate; had the stick shifted just one or two millimetres in either direction, it would have severed a major artery.",[20,76,77],{},"The most frequent mechanism of stick injury occurs when a dog runs after a thrown stick. If the stick is still moving or positioned at an angle, the dog may impale itself. At high running speeds, a stick can be as lethal as a knife, shattering and splintering as it penetrates soft tissue. Injuries typically affect the mouth, chest, or abdomen.",[20,79,80],{},"Chewing sticks carries comparable risks, as large splinters can become lodged in the mouth, creating open wounds susceptible to infection. Swallowed splinters may damage the throat or stomach.",[20,82,83],{},"Research by the Royal Veterinary College into stick injuries found they occur as frequently as injuries from dogs running onto roads. Professor Dan Brockman commented:",[61,85,86],{},[20,87,88],{},"\"Several dogs involved in our study died as a result of their stick injury and these deaths almost always involved resistant bacteria and infection that spread from the neck to the chest.\"",[20,90,91],{},"The consensus among veterinarians is to avoid throwing sticks. Safer substitutes exist, such as dog toys designed to resemble sticks but manufactured from soft plastic or rubber.",[20,93,94],{},[32,95],{"alt":34,"height":35,"src":96,"width":37},"\u002Fpics\u002Ff6483ae37a543548c3b4.webp",[20,98,99],{},[41,100,101],{},"Splinters from sticks can cause damage to the mouth and throat.",[20,103,46],{},[15,105,107],{"id":106},"ball-play-and-its-hidden-hazards","Ball Play and Its Hidden Hazards",[20,109,110],{},"Many owners bring a ball on walks to throw for their dogs. Canines relish chasing fast-moving balls, sprinting after them, snatching them up, spinning, and racing back for another round.",[20,112,113],{},"Dogs are so well known for ball chasing that the pet market now offers a wide array of ball-throwing devices—from lobbers that help handlers launch balls long distances to plastic ball guns. Balls themselves come in numerous varieties: hard, soft foam, tennis, tough, holed, giant, and even mini sizes for smaller mouths. It is easy to understand why an owner might assume ball throwing and chasing is the most natural activity for a dog.",[20,115,116],{},"While occasional ball fetch is unlikely to cause lasting harm, repetitive daily chasing can have consequences for both a dog's physical health and mental well-being. The three primary reasons constant ball throwing may be detrimental are:",[118,119,120,124,127],"ol",{},[121,122,123],"li",{},"Physical injuries and joint problems from rushing to grab the ball (shoulder, neck, and spine injuries)",[121,125,126],{},"Health issues from over-exertion during ball chasing (exercise-induced collapse, heat stroke)",[121,128,129],{},"Dogs becoming over-aroused by ball chasing, leading to hyperactivity or obsessive behaviours",[20,131,132],{},"Each of these warrants closer examination.",[20,134,135],{},[32,136],{"alt":34,"height":137,"src":138,"width":37},1200,"\u002Fpics\u002Fc9b4cc382053f650ba82.webp",[20,140,141],{},[41,142,143],{},"Repetitive strain injuries and other chronic conditions can result from constant ball catching.",[20,145,46],{},[15,147,149],{"id":148},"fetch-and-physical-injuries","Fetch and Physical Injuries",[20,151,152],{},"Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna studied how dogs carry objects in their mouths and published their findings in 2017. They discovered that when dogs carry something, they bear more weight on their front legs, which can lead to joint strains and injuries if the object is heavy, if the dog is a puppy, or if they run and jump while holding it.",[20,154,155],{},"Dogs normally distribute about 60% of their weight on front legs and 40% on hind legs. When carrying a heavy object, a dog shifts more weight forward to compensate and begins moving in a 'seesaw' manner, with the burden concentrated on the front quarters.",[20,157,158],{},"Dr. Barbara Bockstahler, a veterinary surgeon involved in the study, explained the biomechanics:",[61,160,161],{},[20,162,163],{},"\"[Carrying a heavy object] is comparable to a human holding a weight in his hands, who slightly tilts backwards and therefore shifts his body weight to his heels.The additional weight is physically burdensome for them.\"",[20,165,166],{},"The study employed pressure plates that dogs walked across to measure weight distribution. The subjects were Labradors, known for their enthusiastic retrieving. When carrying a toy weighing about half a kilogram (1.1 lbs), the dogs bore 66% of their weight on front legs. With a 4kg (8.8 lbs) object—equivalent to a bird or large branch—they placed 75% of their weight forward.",[20,168,169],{},"Dr. Bockstahler noted the potential consequences of this weight shift:",[61,171,172],{},[20,173,174],{},"\"It is likely with the increasing speed during running or jumping, the forces acting on the joints and soft tissues will increase. In animals with existing joint, tendon or muscle disorders, this could have a negative effect. Also in young, growing animals, this could have a negative effect, especially if the weights they are carrying are heavy. Training should be performed carefully. It does not mean retrieving work is bad, but it must be performed with the knowledge that it puts stress on the limbs.\"",[20,176,177],{},"For larger breeds, carrying a tennis ball likely won't cause a weight shift, but in smaller dogs it might. Similarly, dogs that regularly chase and carry heavy footballs (soccer balls) will shift weight and potentially strain their front legs.",[20,179,180],{},"Carrying balls is not the only concern. The act of charging after a ball can place unnecessary strain on joints, leading to long-term problems such as arthritis. Veterinarian Hanna Capon, founder of the Canine Arthritis Management website, has voiced concerns about the damage caused by ball chasing, particularly with ball throwers that launch objects far away:",[61,182,183],{},[20,184,185],{},"\"We need to realise we're asking dogs to run like athletes. They're going from standing still to a gallop, then throwing themselves in [the] air, braking and skidding. This might be up and down a hill or on a beach, and it's causing damage to their joints and trauma to muscles and cartilage. But because the dog is so excited, they carry on through the pain. For the many dogs who might have injuries or mobility problems, we're making these even worse, meaning pets need to be on medication. This can take years off their life expectancy.\"",[20,187,188],{},"The core issue lies in how many dogs are encouraged to repetitively chase ball after ball with the aim of tiring them out. Consider throwing a ball ten times during a walk over seven days—that's seventy throws, seventy sprints, twists, or jumps to grab the ball, and seventy powerful returns. Over a year, that amounts to 3,640 high-impact runs, and across a ten-year lifespan, over 30,000. Each throw places strain on the body.",[20,190,191],{},"Wrist, shoulder, neck, and spinal injuries are common outcomes of intensive ball throwing sessions. Lynn Wetenhall experienced this when her terrier cross Smudge developed two serious injuries—hyper-extended carpal (wrist) joints and strained lower back muscles, suspected to have been caused by chasing balls. Smudge's injuries were fortunately caught before permanent damage occurred, and with physiotherapy, he recovered fully. Lynn's advice to other owners is straightforward: \"Don't use ball flingers. Do not throw balls up in the air for your dog.\"",[20,193,194],{},[32,195],{"alt":34,"height":196,"src":197,"width":37},1047,"\u002Fpics\u002F039f586943ae02ca4445.webp",[20,199,200],{},[41,201,202],{},"Some dogs are so obsessed by ball chasing that they don’t know when to stop.",[20,204,46],{},[15,206,208],{"id":207},"fetch-and-the-dangers-of-over-exercise","Fetch and the Dangers of Over-Exercise",[20,210,211],{},"A subtler hazard of frequent fetch is that a dog can suffer from over-exertion while the excitement of the chase prevents them from stopping. As noted, ball chasing generates such an adrenaline surge that dogs continue despite pain. If a dog plays fetch too long and pushes beyond genuine exhaustion, health complications can follow.",[20,213,214],{},"One under-recognised condition linked to over-exercise is Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), which has several forms that can vary by breed. In Labradors, a specific form was first identified in 1993 and is believed to be hereditary. Affected dogs collapse after 5 to 10 minutes of intense exercise such as ball chasing.",[20,216,217],{},"While most dogs recover within 30 minutes after collapsing, death is possible as a result of EIC. The condition is also known to affect collies and spaniels. As recognition improves, more breeds may be identified as having EIC, though it tends to be more noticeable in high-drive breeds. Dogs with EIC should not be encouraged to chase balls.",[20,219,220],{},"Another danger arises in warmer months when owners absentmindedly throw a ball in hot temperatures. Because the owner is usually stationary, they may not notice how hot the dog is becoming. Each summer in the UK and US, dogs are rushed to vets suffering from heatstroke, and some do not recover.",[20,222,223],{},"A frequent trigger for heatstroke is ball chasing on a sunny day. Running fast raises the dog's body temperature, and carrying the ball in their mouth prevents panting. The owner immediately throws the ball again once it is returned, giving the dog no chance to cool down. If this continues too long, heatstroke sets in.",[20,225,226],{},"Symptoms of heatstroke include:",[228,229,230,233,236,239,242,245,248,251],"ul",{},[121,231,232],{},"Heavy panting and drooling",[121,234,235],{},"Excessive thirst",[121,237,238],{},"Glazed eyes",[121,240,241],{},"Vomiting and bloody diarrhoea",[121,243,244],{},"Dark red tongue and gums",[121,246,247],{},"Staggering, weakness and collapse",[121,249,250],{},"Increased pulse and heartbeat",[121,252,253],{},"Seizures",[20,255,256],{},"Heatstroke can be fatal. When a dog's body overheats, cells begin to die, the brain swells (causing seizures), and dehydration leads to irreversible kidney damage. Alarmingly, this can occur within minutes. The solution is simple: avoid playing fetch in hot weather.",[20,258,259],{},[32,260],{"alt":34,"height":261,"src":262,"width":37},1063,"\u002Fpics\u002F9175bd27253b2496eaef.webp",[20,264,265],{},[41,266,267],{},"Obsessive ball chasing can be bad for a dog mentally, as well as physically.",[20,269,46],{},[15,271,273],{"id":272},"fetch-and-its-effects-on-the-brain","Fetch and Its Effects on the Brain",[20,275,276],{},"Dogs love chasing balls because it taps into their innate prey drive. Running and catching releases adrenaline, and some experts now believe this can also trigger the release of cortisol, a powerful chemical. Cortisol is a stress hormone that influences mood and forms part of the 'fight or flight' mechanism. In a dangerous situation, cortisol helps a dog mobilize energy to flee or fight, but prolonged exposure can harm health.",[20,278,279],{},"In humans, overexposure to cortisol is known to contribute to anxiety, depression, digestive problems, headaches, heart disease, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and issues with memory or concentration.",[20,281,282],{},"Many animal trainers and behaviourists are concerned that overexposure to cortisol can cause behavioural changes. Canine behaviourist Sindhoor Pangal, who has personally experienced severe anxiety, believes ball chasing can lead to a stress spiral driven by cortisol release:",[61,284,285],{},[20,286,287],{},"\"When an animal hunts in the wild, after that adrenaline rush, he sits down to eat his meal and lets the hormones wear off. But when we throw the ball, we throw several times each session. Imagine bungee jumping several times over. Imagine taking that many shots of steroids, every day.\"",[20,289,290],{},"Repetitive ball games can cause a dog to become over-aroused from the excitement. Dog trainer Sara Reusche holds that an over-aroused dog is actually a highly stressed dog:",[61,292,293],{},[20,294,295],{},"\"If you engage in activities that cause your dog to become aroused, and therefore stressed, every day, your dog will always have high levels of stress hormones in his bloodstream. High arousal becomes the new norm. I'm often called in to work with dogs who have trouble controlling themselves or calming down. These dogs are often reactive and hyper-vigilant.\"",[20,297,298],{},"Many people assume ball games will help their dog burn energy and settle down, but in high-drive or obsessive dogs, the opposite often occurs. They become increasingly hyper as the game continues and struggle to calm down afterward. If this happens daily, they may never fully relax, especially if walked three times a day with balls thrown each time. The result is a restless, stressed dog that cannot settle. Owners may respond by throwing more balls to tire them out, only worsening the problem.",[20,300,301],{},[32,302],{"alt":34,"height":37,"src":303,"width":304},"\u002Fpics\u002F36f827724accb85c4066.webp",1223,[20,306,307],{},[41,308,309],{},"Jumping and twisting for a frisbee can result in serious injuries.",[20,311,312],{},"Rick Bolin on Visual Hunt",[15,314,316],{"id":315},"what-if-i-switch-to-a-frisbee","What if I Switch to a Frisbee?",[20,318,319],{},"Some owners throw Frisbees instead of balls. A Frisbee's advantage is that it flies far in a straight line, and many dogs enjoy leaping up to catch it. There is even a sport called Disc Dog or Frisbee Dog. Frisbee throwing can produce the same problems as ball throwing, plus additional issues. One is known as 'Tongue Bite'—when an excited, heavily panting dog bites down on a Frisbee and catches its tongue.",[20,321,322],{},"The greatest concern with Frisbee throwing occurs when dogs leap to grab the disc. They often twist their bodies at acute angles and land on their hind feet first rather than front feet. This is not how dogs are designed to jump, and their back legs are not as good at absorbing impact as their front legs.",[20,324,325],{},"In 2014, a pet show in Cumbria removed a Frisbee throwing contest over concerns about its impact on the dogs involved. Tony Lywood, one of the organisers, explained the decision: \"In shows elsewhere there have been occasions where dogs have jumped high and twisted their back, and there was one where the dog had to be put down.\"",[20,327,328],{},"The Kennel Club supported the decision, stating:",[61,330,331],{},[20,332,333],{},"\"The Kennel Club encourages fun sports and activities for dogs in order to keep them fit and healthy. But it has concerns about the game of Frisbee, particularly in its more extreme forms. While it can be safe in controlled conditions, if it is thrown at great heights or awkward angles, leading the dog to jump and twist, it can cause strain and injury on landing so care should always be taken.\"",[20,335,336],{},"While most Frisbee-catching injuries are strained muscles, damage to spinal discs can occur and, in some cases, has caused paralysis in the back legs. In terms of injury risk, a tennis ball would be a safer choice.",[15,338,340],{"id":339},"how-can-i-make-fetch-safe","How Can I Make Fetch Safe?",[20,342,343],{},"Many fetch-related injuries stem from owners pushing their dogs too hard. With a few adjustments, fetch can be a safe game for most dogs to enjoy. Here are some ways to reduce stress and risk.",[228,345,346,349,352,355,358,361,364,367,370,373,376],{},[121,347,348],{},"Never play fetch with sticks.",[121,350,351],{},"Don't use a ball thrower; always throw from your hand.",[121,353,354],{},"Roll the ball or Frisbee on the ground, or allow it to come to a stop before sending your dog (this prevents jumping and twisting to grab it).",[121,356,357],{},"Limit sessions to just a few throws (no more than five) and break them up with walking or other games.",[121,359,360],{},"Don't play fetch every day, and if you walk multiple times daily, play fetch on only one of those walks. This gives your dog mental and physical rest from the game.",[121,362,363],{},"Don't play fetch in hot weather—it's simply not worth the risk.",[121,365,366],{},"Try hide-and-seek games with a tennis ball or toy, where your dog searches in a bush or under a park bench. This engages their nose and is more tiring than simple chasing.",[121,368,369],{},"Avoid throwing a ball high, so your dog leaps up to catch it.",[121,371,372],{},"Get moving; a walk means you walk too. Don't rely on a tennis ball for your dog's exercise.",[121,374,375],{},"If your dog becomes obsessive or over-aroused over fetch and struggles to calm down afterward, it is better to avoid the game altogether.",[121,377,378],{},"If your dog ever collapses during fetch, even if they recover quickly, always seek veterinary advice.",[20,380,381],{},[41,382,383],{},"This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.",[20,385,386],{},[387,388,389],"strong",{},"© 2020 Sophie Jackson",{"title":34,"searchDepth":391,"depth":391,"links":392},2,[393,394,395,396,397,398,399,400],{"id":17,"depth":391,"text":18},{"id":49,"depth":391,"text":50},{"id":106,"depth":391,"text":107},{"id":148,"depth":391,"text":149},{"id":207,"depth":391,"text":208},{"id":272,"depth":391,"text":273},{"id":315,"depth":391,"text":316},{"id":339,"depth":391,"text":340},null,{"slug":403,"name":404,"path":405},"animals","Animals",[406],{"slug":403,"name":404},[403],2581,{"src":410,"srcset":411,"width":137,"height":137,"alt":5},"\u002Fpics\u002F57d42fcd4fc8096cf831.webp","\u002Fpics\u002F879e0a28f0e8466bb652.webp 400w, \u002Fpics\u002Fa3a9ab129aad0433ee77.webp 800w, \u002Fpics\u002F57d42fcd4fc8096cf831.webp 1200w","Fetch may seem like a harmless game, but vets and researchers have identified serious dangers—from stick impalements to joint damage and heatstroke. Here's what science says and how to keep fetch safe.","md",false,"en",{},true,"\u002Fpics\u002Fc9932c88c5e69a83f41b.jpg","\u002Fplatform\u002Fitems\u002F2581","2026-09-17T01:09:32.000Z",[422,429,436,443],{"url":423,"title":424,"cover":425},"\u002Fcare\u002Fgrooming-lessons-from-a-real-groomer-lesson-4","A Groomer's Guide to Picking the Right Shampoo for Your Dog",{"src":426,"srcset":427,"width":428,"height":428,"alt":424},"\u002Fpics\u002F9dd44729e454bf870a9c.webp","\u002Fpics\u002Ffce12812f4d93e7dc331.webp 400w, \u002Fpics\u002F9dd44729e454bf870a9c.webp 687w",687,{"url":430,"title":431,"cover":432},"\u002Fcare\u002Fcan-i-feed-my-dog-table-scraps","Leftovers and Your Dog: A Guide to Safe and Unsafe Table Scraps",{"src":433,"srcset":434,"width":435,"height":435,"alt":431},"\u002Fpics\u002Fda400d42eeb510c35063.webp","\u002Fpics\u002Fffd1c1368c639dbce9a5.webp 400w, \u002Fpics\u002Fda400d42eeb510c35063.webp 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