Playing Fetch with a Branch? That’s a Sticky Situation
Playing with your dog is an amazing opportunity to bond with them, while burning off both physical and mental energy- for the both of you! The problem is that playing fetch with a stick is more dangerous than you probably realized. Watch the video to find out why and stick around (see what we did there?) for tips on safer play.
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Should you play with your dog? 100% of experts agree: absolutely. Should you be careful about what type of games you choose to play? Also absolutely.
You see, not all games are created equal. Fetch, for example, is many people’s go-to for outside play. And rightfully so, as it’s probably one of the first things humans and dogs ever did together.
Harnessing your dog’s natural prey drive for some fun can end in heartbreak, though. The culprit? That aforementioned, natural stick or branch.
Get the whole story in the video below, and then “stick” around to get the scoop on alternatives that won’t leave your dog and you hurting, physically and financially.
So now that you might be shaking like a leaf (okay, we’ll knock it off with the vegetation puns), here are some things you can do for a better, safer game of fetch.
Make sure your dog gets warm-up & cool-down time
Just like their humans, dogs really do much better before and after working up a sweat when they have time and the chance to warm up and cool down.
Our tip: Kick things off with a light walk and end with some gentle stretching to keep your pup nice and limber.
Keep things varied
Variety is the spice of life- for dogs and humans alike. After a while, dogs will get bored too. And just like your grandma said, idle hands are the Devil’s playthings.
Our tip: Don’t settle for the park every single time. Take your fetch game to the next level by trying grass, sand, or even a shallow water area (for water-loving pups) to mix things up!
Use the right item
So you already know sticks and/or branches are probably not a good idea. But what about tennis balls? Those are classic, right? Well, yes, and they’re fine- when they’re in good condition, at least. Given time, even the gentlest of pups will tear apart a tennis ball, potentially leading them to swallow what’s inside. And you don’t want that.
Our tip: Rubber balls can usually withstand more wear and tear. Just make sure the one you use is the appropriate size for your doggo. Remember the Goldilocks principle- not too big and not too small but just right.
Keep an eye on the thermostat
Fetch is, theoretically speaking at least, a game for all seasons. All you need is a (safe) throwable item, a throwing arm that doesn’t have to be on Shohei Ohtani’s level, and… that’s it. But weather is the X-factor, potentially throwing a monkey wrench into your plans.
Our tip: On hot days, fetch is best played during cooler parts of the day- and make sure both you and your dog have plenty of water to drink. Heatstroke is no joke, folks, and dogs can overheat quickly while running.
Make it a real challenge
Sure, fetch is plenty enough for a physical challenge- but why not make it even more interesting by turning it into a mental one as well?
Our tip: Sneak in some obedience training by having your dog sit, stay, or lie down before throwing the ball or other item. It’s not just a more multifaceted experience- it’s also a great way to reinforce training while having fun!
That’s it. You’re all set for the most epic game of fetch in history. Well, in your dog’s history, at least.
But if you care enough about your dog to take fetch to the max, we know you care enough to take their health to the max too. And the best way to do that is Animalia’s dog insurance. Our coverage will take care of your dog from puppyhood to old age, and from head to tail. Now that’s coverage that sticks around!
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Slipped disc, cataract, and bladder stones all in one year? Your premium will stay the same, just to be clear.
60 seconds to enroll.
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You could file 2 claims before you finish listening to “Hound Dog” by Elvis.
We cover curable pre-existing conditions
Conditions your pet had before, like ear or urinary tract infections, but showed no symptoms for 12 months. These are covered
by Animalia.
Only 5-day waiting period.
For illnesses too.
Meaning your coverage kicks in faster than any other pet insurance
in the market.
Behavioral therapy
with certified veterinary behaviorists
Sometimes, extra care is needed - considering 40% of dogs suffer
from noise sensitivity and 25% are
fearful of strangers.
Prescription food & Dietary supplements.
Coverage that goes beyond the vet's office¹
Managing kidney disease or supporting bone remodeling after surgery. Plus, you can even consult a nutritionist.
Breed-specific conditions? Covered!
When 60% of Golden Retrievers die of cancer and Pugs are 54X more to suffer breathing issues, Animalia helps
you beat the odds.
Alternative care.
The best of both worlds
Your dog had surgery to remove a tumor? Conventional meds prevent infection but acupuncture may ease the pain and
speed up healing.
We trust the vet you trust
Choose any licensed vet you (and your pet) like. Pick the most expensive one,
see if we care.
We won't penalize you
for filing claims. That’s lame
Slipped disc, cataract, and bladder stones all in one year? Your premium will stay the same, just to be clear.
60 seconds to enroll.
90 seconds to submit a claim
You could file 2 claims before you finish listening to “Hound Dog” by Elvis.
We cover curable pre-existing conditions
Conditions your pet had before, like ear or urinary tract infections, but showed no symptoms for 12 months. These are covered
by Animalia.
Only 5-day waiting period.
For illnesses too.
Meaning your coverage kicks in faster than any other pet insurance
in the market.
Behavioral therapy
with certified veterinary behaviorists
Sometimes, extra care is needed - considering 40% of dogs suffer
from noise sensitivity and 25% are
fearful of strangers.
Prescription food & Dietary supplements.
Coverage that goes beyond the vet's office¹
Managing kidney disease or supporting bone remodeling after surgery. Plus, you can even consult a nutritionist.
Breed-specific conditions? Covered!
When 60% of Golden Retrievers die of cancer and Pugs are 54X more to suffer breathing issues, Animalia helps
you beat the odds.
Alternative care.
The best of both worlds
Your dog had surgery to remove a tumor? Conventional meds prevent infection but acupuncture may ease the pain and
speed up healing.
We trust the vet you trust
Choose any licensed vet you (and your pet) like. Pick the most expensive one,
see if we care.
We won't penalize you
for filing claims. That’s lame
Slipped disc, cataract, and bladder stones all in one year? Your premium will stay the same, just to be clear.
60 seconds to enroll.
90 seconds to submit a claim
You could file 2 claims before you finish listening to “Hound Dog” by Elvis.
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