Fetch is one of the most popular games owners play with their dogs. It feels simple and instinctive: throw the ball, watch your dog chase, and enjoy the fun. For breeds developed to retrieve, like Labradors, fetch seems like the perfect activity. And it can be a wonderful way to bond.

But is fetch bad for dogs? The answer is: it depends how you play.

Why Fetch Can Be Risky

On the surface, fetch looks harmless. But repeated high-intensity retrieves can carry hidden dangers. Ball launchers, in particular, have turned a casual game into a demanding workout. At many parks, dogs are sent chasing ball after ball, often while their owners glance at their phones. The problem? This style of play outsources real engagement to a plastic stick and puts unnecessary strain on the dog’s body.

Age and Joint Health in Dogs

No thought is often given to the age of the dog – but it matters.

• Puppies: Growth plates are still open. Repeated jumping, twisting and sliding to a stop can damage developing bones and joints, leading to long-term problems.
• Older dogs: Many already deal with arthritis or stiffness. Endless pounding from fetch only worsens joint pain and mobility issues.

Weather and Overheating Risks

Is fetch bad for dogs in hot weather? Absolutely. Many continue playing through heatwaves, chasing until they risk dehydration or heatstroke. Dogs don’t naturally stop when they’re tired – the drive to chase overrides self-preservation.

Fetch and Joint Health: The Hidden Strain

Every sprint, leap, sharp turn and sudden stop adds impact to the shoulders, hips and spine. On hard ground the stress is even greater. Over time, these jolts can wear down cartilage, strain ligaments, and increase the risk of serious injuries like cruciate ligament tears.

How Fetch Affects Dog Arousal Levels

Fetch doesn’t just stress the body – it impacts the mind, too. Repetitive high-arousal games flood the system with adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones keep dogs in “go mode,” pushing them to run through pain and beyond the point of exhaustion.

The result? Arousal levels that remain elevated for hours. A dog may look like they’re having the time of their life during fetch, but afterwards they often struggle to settle. Instead of resting, they may pace, pant or appear restless long into the evening.

Safe Ways to Play Fetch

The good news is that fetch doesn’t have to be harmful. With a few adjustments, you can make the game both fun and safe. Here are some simple changes:

• Wait until the toy stops moving before sending your dog. This reduces frantic chasing and helps you practise a solid stay.
• Use water retrieves (when safe) to provide excellent exercise without the impact on joints.
• Throw into long grass or undergrowth so the ball lands softly. This also appeals to breeds like spaniels, who love rooting through cover to find things.
• Swap the ball for a ball on a tug toy – this gives a more complete workout and adds the bonding of a tug game at the end.
• Know when to stop – repetitive throws push arousal sky-high. Limit the number of retrieves to prevent over-stimulation and allow your dog to return to baseline calmly.

Final Thoughts: Is Fetch Bad for Dogs?

So, is fetch bad for dogs? Not necessarily. The game itself isn’t the problem – it’s how we play it. Repetitive, high-impact retrieves can strain joints, overheat dogs, and keep arousal levels dangerously high. But with safer alternatives and a mindful approach, fetch can still be a healthy, rewarding activity.

By adjusting the way you play, you’ll protect your dog’s body, support their emotional wellbeing, and make sure fetch stays the enjoyable game it was meant to be.