14/08/2025
The Hidden Dangers of Ball Play: A Dog Physio’s Wake-Up Call
Time to hop on my soapbox! As an animal physiotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I’ve seen the best and worst of our furry friends’ health. I own working dogs myself, and I wasn’t always aware of the risks. Decades ago, my beloved Kelpie cross suffered a devastating spinal injury from chasing a ball, leaving her paralysed and in rehab for seven years. It was heartbreaking and a massive wake-up call. Today, I’m sharing why that “innocent” game of fetch isn’t always harmless, especially for high-energy breeds. Balls can be fun in super moderation—ideally only in water to reduce impact. Let’s dive into what I’ve learned in my clinic and why we need to rethink this game.
I get it: “My dog loves the ball so much, it brings us both joy!” But beneath that picture-perfect moment, experts are sounding alarms about the risks.
The Physical Toll: Injuries That Sneak Up
Ball-chasing seems like fun, but the repetitive high-speed twists, turns, and stops wreak havoc on dogs’ bodies. Imagine yourself—maybe with achy knees or a sore back—trying to sprint, pivot, and leap like your dog does during fetch. You’d be done after a few throws, especially in your 70s or 80s! Dogs feel that strain too, and in my practice, ball-related injuries are a top cause of pain.
Here’s what I see most:
• Cruciate Ligament Tears: These are rampant, especially in breeds prone to biomechanical issues. Sharp pivots on uneven ground or slippery indoor floors lead to tears requiring surgery and long recoveries. For toy breeds, indoor ball-throwing is a big no-no—I’ve treated countless patella luxations where the kneecap pops out, causing pain and costly fixes.
• Back Pain and Spinal Issues: Often missed in vet clinics, the jarring from leaping and landing compresses the spine, leading to disc issues, arthritis, or even paralysis like my Kelpie’s. Working breeds like Border Collies or Kelpies often arrive by age 8–10 stiff, sore, and worn out from overzealous fetch.
• Growth Plate Risks in Puppies: Pups are super vulnerable! Until growth plates close (12–18 months, depending on breed), high-impact play can cause lifelong joint deformities. Puppy classes should shout this loud: Skip balls, especially indoors, and focus on gentle, strength-building, confidence building and mentally stimulating play.
• Dental Damage: The fuzzy coating on tennis balls acts like sandpaper, grinding down enamel and causing fractures, sensitivity, or “tennis ball mouth” with painfully worn teeth—worse if the ball picks up dirt.
• Choking Hazards: Balls can compress in a dog’s mouth and lodge in the throat, especially in larger breeds. Even small dogs can choke on broken bits. Always supervise and avoid balls small enough to swallow.
• Intestinal Blockages: Chewed-up fuzz or rubber chunks can cause life-threatening gut blockages, leading to vomiting, surgery, or worse.
• Toxic Chemicals: Standard tennis balls aren’t pet-safe—they contain glues, dyes, or even lead that can leach out when chewed, risking poisoning or stomach upset.
• Overheating and Exhaustion: Obsessive chasing can lead to heatstroke, as dogs won’t stop even when dangerously overheated, especially in warm weather.
Veterinary orthopaedic studies confirm that repetitive fetch skyrockets joint stress, paving the way for early osteoarthritis. Without balance, we’re setting our dogs up for pain, not play.
The Mental Side: Obsession Isn’t Joy
I often hear, “My dog loves the ball so much!” But that frenzy isn’t always healthy. Like kids hooked on video games, too much ball play can push dogs into an addictive state. Their prey drive goes into overdrive, leading to hyper-arousal where they can’t calm down. I recently saw a Golden Retriever who collapses from vasovagal episodes during intense fetch—his body shuts down from stress. High-arousal games spike cortisol (the stress hormone), and chronic elevation can harm immunity, digestion, and behaviour.
For working and herding breeds, traits resembling autistic spectrum behaviours—like hyper-focus—make them prone to OCD-like fixations. That “love” for fetch can become a compulsion, where dogs whine, pace, or ignore you unless a balls in play. This erodes your bond; I’ve seen dogs who won’t eat or respond to commands without their “fix.” It’s not fun—it’s stress.
Play Smarter, Not Harder
To break the ball obsession, try these steps:
• Control and Redirect: Limit ball play and shift focus to other activities. Take the ball away intermittently to encourage calm behaviour.
• Mental Enrichment: Use puzzle toys, food-dispensers, or scent games to engage their brain without physical strain.
• Watch for Fatigue: Stop play if your dog shows signs of overheating, exhaustion, or pain.
• Get Help: For severe obsession, consult a professional trainer or behaviourist.
And let’s ban the Chuck It stick—those launchers crank up the speed and risk, plus they’re a lazy way to exercise your dog! Walk with your pup instead—it’s a win-win for both your health. As a human and animal physiotherapist, I know we all sit too much, and many get dogs to move more—so do it!
Better Alternatives: Build a Balanced Dog
Focus on the whole dog for a happier, healthier life:
• Scent Work and Nose Games: Dogs are born sniffers! Hide treats, try tracking games, or join nose work classes. These tire them mentally, reduce anxiety, and lower cortisol more effectively than endless running, per animal behaviour studies.
• Montessori-Style Play: Puzzle toys, slow feeders, and interactive games build strength, stability, and confidence. Let dogs explore freely on walks—sniffing and wandering is their natural play.
• Bond-Building Activities: Train with positive reinforcement or try controlled agility to strengthen your connection. Swimming or hydrotherapy offers low-impact fun.
A balanced mix of mental stimulation, moderate physical play, and downtime keeps dogs injury-free and content. Your pup will reward you with wags, not vet bills.
Walk your dog, let them explore their world, and skip the ball obsession. Start puppies right—teach in classes to avoid balls and focus on safe, enriching play. Ban the Chuck It, prioritise balance, and keep your dog’s body and mind healthy. If you absolutely have to keep this activity going please do it in moderation, ideally in deep water swimming or underwater treadmill and focus on other ways to keep your dog fit, healthy and happy.
Thanks for listening! There are better ways!
Brooke Williams (BPhty, MAnimSt)
Titled APA Physiotherapist
Director, Holistic Animal Physiotherapy
www.holisticanimalphysio.com.au
0408 022 660
