Throwing, catching and retrieving balls and flying objects are the main and often daily activities of many dogs and their owners. Sadly, we are rarely educated about what consequences that kind of play has on our dogs' physical and mental well-being. Is ball catching really that harmless? In one word - no. Let me explain why.
Physical aspect
When a dog catches balls and other flying toys, we witness a rapid distribution of large forces. We throw the ball, and the dog rapidly accelerates; while catching, the dog may jump, twist and land on its hind legs or turn uncontrollably and stop abruptly. This is the perfect formula for disaster.
The hind legs are primarily responsible for propulsion and are not adapted for landing after high jumps. They are attached to the body by the hip joint, while the joint of the front limbs to the torso is purely muscular (dogs do not have a clavicle or collarbone as we do). That gives front limbs a better ability to withstand large forces. Therefore, the primary role of the forelimbs is to brake, turn and land, while the function of the hind limbs is to offer propulsion and drive.
Interesting Fact: The front legs carry 60% of the dog's total body weight, unlike the hind legs, which carry only 40%. However, this ratio adjusts appropriately in movement or when a dog is injured. "But my dog shows no signs of injury after catching a ball."
Micro-injuries caused by throwing balls often remain hidden for a long time and accumulate over the years. Dogs walk on four legs, which means they can compensate for the injuries and discomfort with other body parts. They are very good at this, we, as owners, may not notice an injury at the moment, but a skilled therapist probably would. Those minor problems can lead to significant problems and joint diseases over time. Injuries often occur as an accumulation of problems and rarely (but also suddenly.
Dogs adapt to imbalances in the body relatively quickly, so it can be very difficult to notice something is wrong. Due to elevated levels of stress hormones in the dog's body, problems usually become visible only when the dog calms down, and some other symptoms, like muscle hypertrophy due to overcompensation, can be mistaken for the dog being fit and healthy. If you can't notice the problem, it doesn't mean it's not there.
Mental aspect
When an animal hunts in the wild and catches prey, the hunt is followed by a well-deserved rest that allows the body to normalise the level of stress hormones.
We often throw the ball several times in a row, every day, several times a day. So we get a dog with consistently elevated levels of stress hormones that finds it very difficult to calm down and gives the impression that he needs more and more exercise.
So we believe we have to throw him the ball even longer because he is so restless. In reality, quite the opposite is true - he needs more rest.
Elevated heart rate, elevated levels of adrenaline and cortisol, excessive enthusiasm, inability to learn, decreased control, and increased frustration are often the causes of behavioural problems. "But my dog loves running after the ball." But does he?
Ball catching and physical rehabilitation
For a dog that is still growing, recovering from an injury or surgery or has orthopaedic problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia, it is essential to create a good homecare plan to optimise recovery time and make things easier for the dog. Ball catching is one of the first things you will discuss with your canine massage therapist because it slows down physical rehabilitation and is a huge potential risk for other soft tissue and orthopaedic issues. It is essential to look at the bigger picture and take all the precautions as soon as possible.
Just as we advise avoiding stairs, jumping from heights and slippery flooring, ball throwing must also be considered.
Do you always walk the same path? A great addition to a dog's nose is that you don't always go for a walk on one path. You can go in a different direction, visit another street or go for a car ride somewhere interesting, where the dog can explore elsewhere. If possible, let him off- lead and find him some suitable playmates.
If all of the above still hasn't convinced you, then at least roll the ball to avoid jumping and landing on hind legs, and use balls that have a predictable direction, not ones that can bounce in random directions. Warm the dog up well before the activity and cool him down afterwards. Throw the ball a maximum of 1-2 times, and if possible, not every day. Take extra attention where you throw the ball - the ground should be soft and safe. Do not throw the dog on sloping terrain, asphalt, slippery surfaces, and a muddy field full of holes.
For dogs with problems with movement and behaviour, throwing balls is a "no-go", and I strongly discourage you from doing it. There are so many safe alternatives to ball throwing that you and your dog can enjoy, and will also keep him happier and mobile for longer. This is what we, as responsible dog owners, all want, don't we?
The above article is reproduced with permission from one of our favourite partners Edition Dog, Issue 57, Author: Ursa Petrovic - find out how you can read more amazing canine content at Edition Dog
