This dog toy that pets love 'should be illegal', warns vet physiotherapist
Dog owners know the excitement their pets feel when it's time for a walk or a trip to the park, where playtime becomes an essential part of their routine.
Play isn't just fun, it's vital for dogs to exercise, bond socially, and keep their minds sharp. But, according to a dog rehab specialist, not all toys are safe. There's one popular toy owners should avoid, as it could endanger their pet's health.
Taking to TikTok, Felicity, founder of The Canine Rehab Co, showed a dog toy ball launcher, and said: "These should be illegal, and here's why. I've seen so many dogs with cruciate injuries because of these ball chuckers."
READ MORE: Wynne Evans axed from Strictly Come Dancing tour after vile sexual comment to co-star
READ MORE: People in Scotland urged to get help preparing for National Insurance changes in April
Ball-launchers allow dog owners to throw balls much further, up to three times the distance they could manage by hand, reports the Express.
However, according to Felicity, a Chartered Physiotherapist and Veterinary Physiotherapist, the issue lies in how the ball lands. When launched, the ball often bounces erratically to the side, which can lead to potential harm for your dog.
She said: "Do you know what that does to your dog's legs and your dog's cruciate ligaments?"
Demonstrating on a canine skeleton, the vet physiotherapist showed how when the dog's paw stays in place, but the body turns, the "knee twists and snap goes the ligament". "That's why these should be banned," she added.
Felicity captioned the video: "Your dog's running 1million miles an hour after the ball from one of these chuckers, the ball bounces then pings off to the side.
"What does your dog do?? Plants his hind paws and twists so quickly that his cruciate is snapped or injured! They should be illegal."
Hannah Capon, founder of the Canine Arthritis Management website, had previously warned that using a ball thrower can place excessive strain on your dog's joints, muscles, and cartilage. Over time, this added stress can lead to long-term health issues, including arthritis.
She said: "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."
If you're concerned that your dog might be injured or in pain, it's important to consult your vet for professional advice.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.