Vet on Demand

Dr. Daniel Mckay Beecher Veterinary Clinic

‘Fetch Me Not’

Some dogs like to play ball.  

Throw the ball and they go after it and return it to you, or at least that is the plan.  

Besides a ball, this game of fetch can be played with a throw toy, a Frisbee or even a stick. When choosing a toy to play fetch with, keep in mind that the dog is going to have it in its mouth, so it should be easy to pick up, should not splinter and should not have sharp edges. In the case of a ball, it should be rugged enough to resist shredding and large enough that the dog cannot swallow it.  Small, smooth rubber balls are not a good choice as they may be very slippery when wet with saliva, making them very easy to swallow.

Throw toys, like braided rope and canvas retrieving dummies work really well, as they are easy to grasp and carry. Playing fetch with a Frisbee means that the dog will be getting a work out, because of the chasing and jumping involved.

*To read Dr. Mckay’s full column, pick up a copy of the June 7 issue of the Southland Voice*