“Fetch!” Could Actually Damage Your Dog’s Joints

While throwing those tennis balls really far, for your pooch to chase, seems like a fun way to wear them out, a vet in the United Kingdom says it could actually harm them.  She says long-range ball throwers could damage the joints of your dog. 

The vet says that the repeated exertion can add strain to a dog’s joints, muscles and cartilage.  She told Daily Express “we’re asking dogs to run like athletes.  They’re going from standing still to galloping, then throwing themselves in the air, braking and skidding.”

The veterinarian adds that the hard play with your pup could eventually lead to your pet having arthritis.