Dogs and Dames » Golden Retriever

Are Tennis Balls Dangerous Toys for Dogs?

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:37:03 +0000

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Q: We took our puppy to a training class at the local pet store. The trainer handed out a list of dangerous items that we should never give our pets, and on that list was a tennis ball. We thought this was odd. We’ve had dogs for years and have always thrown tennis balls for them. As a veterinarian, do you see a problem?

A: Yes–and no. Our Golden Retriever, Shakira, is a tennis ball addict, and a daily dose of fetch has helped keep her lean and fit well into her senior years. But tennis balls do present a hazard that requires they be used only in supervised conditions.

SEE ALSO: Why Does My Dog… Lick and Chew His Feet?

The problem is that dogs have strong jaws capable of compressing a tennis ball. If that compressed ball pops open in the back of the throat, it can cut off a dog’s air supply. Most notably, one of Oprah Winfrey’s beloved dogs was a tennis ball victim, but there have been many others. The chewed bits of a tennis ball also aren’t something you want inside your dog.

SEE ALSO: Meet the Pets of the Republican Presidential Candidates

You don’t have to throw away all your tennis balls, but you do need to use them in a way that reduces the risk of choking. Tennis balls should always be put out of reach after a game of fetch, and no dog should ever be allowed to use them as a chew toy. In supervised play, insist that your dog fetch, return and immediately release the ball–no games of keep away while the dog works the ball in her mouth. And have only one ball in play at a time, to minimize the risk of having your dog pick up more than one and get the furthermost ball lodged back in her throat. Keep the game of fetch fast and lively to keep the focus on the chase and the next throw. (I couldn’t live without the Chuck-It, a tool that flings the ball much farther than most of us can throw.)

Nothing in life is without risk, sadly, but there’s no need to deny your dog the joy and needed exercise that a tennis ball can provide. Just be sure to follow a few simple guidelines to keep playing safely.

See More on Vetstreet.com:
* Are Vegetarian Dog Diets Good or Bad?
* Why Does My Dog… Stare at Me?
* Meet Lucas & Juno: Special Relationship Between Sick 4-Year Old Boy and His Dog

Win a Free Trip to New York City and Meet “America’s Veterinarian”

Source of Original Article: Are Tennis Balls Dangerous Toys for Dogs?

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Adopt-a-Turkey Campaign Gets Boost From Dog Lovers

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:40:21 +0000

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Margo Ann SullivanTwo heroes pledge to save animals as a tribute to their beloved Golden Retriever.… full story
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I would love to adopt a turkey once I am on my own if I did it now and I am serious about this my st… (by Ches21)

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Murphy the Dog – Cute Pet of the Day

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:04:34 +0000

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djtippietoes, Flickr

Cute Pet Name: Murphy

Location: Atlanta, Ga.

Age: 4

Dog Breed: Golden retriever

Favorite Toys: Scooby-Doo stuffed animal.

Favorite Treat: Pita bread.

Likes: Belly rubs, long walks, smelly things.

Dislikes: Riding in the car.

Fun Fact: Murphy was a rescue dog from Adopt a Golden Atlanta.

Weird Quirks: Murphy doesn’t want to go in the backyard unless he can take his favorite stuffed animal with him.

Congratulations to our submitter, djtippietoes. If you’d like to submit your pet, upload your favorite pet photos to our Flickr pool!

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Pets Go Digital!

admin — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 03:02:58 +0000

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Zootoo Pet News StaffCreative ideas for the modern pet.… full story
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oooh super scoot wants me to get one so you can see more of him (by daryl b. (darylob))

Yes this is great I have photos of all my pets on here and I would have video’s of them too if I cou… (by Ches21)

i am lucky my camera takes videos but with dialup i can’t post them. i love pics as you all know (by daryl b. (darylob))

I would love to do the collar camera on my cats! (by Stephanie (stephann81))

Sounds like fun, but what a waste of time, money, and energy- all better spent on the pet themself! … (by Stephanie C. (Whipwalk))

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Puppy Video – Golden Retriever Puppies Swarm Delighted Kid

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:03:02 +0000

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At 10 years old, William Lavinger has fulfilled the dreams of many a dog lover. As you can see in this funny video, he successfully inserted himself into a kiddie pool actually brimming with golden retriever puppies. Lavinger is crawled over and kissed endlessly by 14 gorgeous pups, and naturally, his response is nothing but sheer delight and laughter.

Dare we say, our cup runneth over with jealousy? Never have we wanted to trade places with a little kid so badly. Like the movie “Big,” but instead of waking up in a bunk bed with Mercedes Ruehl yelling from downstairs, it’s a kiddie pool filled with puppies and the sound of nothing but adorable yelps and the smell of puppy breath.

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Service Dogs – Why Do Some Quit on the Job?

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:22:04 +0000

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Loic Venance, AFP / Getty Images

In January, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine quietly embarked on an important new study to investigate a curious phenomenon: trained service dogs suddenly quitting early on in the job for no apparent reason. Until now, the issue had not been examined.

“We’re studying seeing-eye dogs and a population of assistance dogs to try to find out why they don’t seem to want to do it anymore,” the study’s lead researcher, Dr. James Serpell, tells Paw Nation. “They just seem to stop working, meaning they stop doing what they’re trained to do.”

The study will take three years and is funded by the Morris Animal Foundation. “We are working very closely with three organizations,” says Dr. Serpell. “The sample size we’re aiming for is a total of 800 dogs that are already out working as guide or service dogs.” The breeds of dogs being studied include Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and Labrador/golden-retriever mixes.

The rates at which service dogs stop working vary by organization. “Twenty percent is the highest figure I’ve seen, yet not all organizations would say 20 percent,” says Dr. Serpell. “But all have early-retiring dogs that return within the first year or two or three years.”
Continue reading Service Dogs – Why Do Some Quit on the Job?

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