Ball throwing is one of the most common ways people exercise spaniels. It feels simple, effective, and dogs usually love it. A spaniel chasing a ball looks happy, energetic, and fulfilled. However, from a joint health perspective, ball throwing is one of the most damaging activities you can repeatedly do with a spaniel, especially over time.
This article explains why ball throwing is bad for a spaniel’s joints, which dogs are most at risk, and what you should do instead to keep your spaniel active without causing long-term damage.
Related guides: This article supports our Joints, Mobility and Pain hub. Next, read:
Why Spaniels Are Particularly Vulnerable
Spaniels are built for endurance, scenting, and steady work—not repeated explosive sprints.
Key traits that increase risk:
- High drive and enthusiasm
- Willingness to push through pain
- Powerful acceleration followed by sudden stops
- Repetitive movement patterns
Spaniels rarely self-regulate during high-arousal activities. They will chase the ball long after their joints are fatigued.
What Actually Happens to the Joints During Ball Throwing
Ball throwing is not just running.
Each throw involves:
- Sudden acceleration from a standstill
- Sharp turns and twisting mid-run
- High-impact stops
- Repetitive jumping and landing
These movements place extreme stress on:
- Knees (stifles)
- Hips
- Shoulders
- Spine
Over time, this leads to cumulative microtrauma.
The Problem With Repetition
One or two throws is rarely the issue. The problem is repetition.
Spaniels often:
- Chase a ball dozens of times per session
- Do this daily or multiple times a day
- Receive no warm-up or cool-down
Repetitive strain damages cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissue, even when no single injury is obvious.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects
Short-Term
- Temporary stiffness
- Muscle soreness
- Mild limping that “wears off”
These signs are often ignored or dismissed.
Long-Term
- Chronic joint inflammation
- Ligament injuries
- Early arthritis
- Reduced mobility later in life
By the time obvious joint problems appear, damage has often been building for years.
Which Spaniels Are Most at Risk?
Some spaniels are particularly vulnerable.
High-risk groups include:
- Young dogs whose joints are still developing
- Middle-aged dogs with early joint wear
- Older dogs with reduced joint resilience
- Overweight dogs
- Dogs with existing joint issues
Highly driven dogs are also at greater risk because they do not self-limit.
Common Myths About Ball Throwing
“He Needs It to Burn Energy”
Spaniels need mental stimulation and steady exercise, not repeated adrenaline spikes.
Ball throwing creates:
- Arousal, not relaxation
- Physical fatigue without joint support
- Increased injury risk
“He’s Always Done It and He’s Fine”
Joint damage is cumulative.
Dogs often appear fine until:
- They slow down
- Stiffness appears
- Limping develops
By then, changes are often permanent.
Clear Signs Ball Throwing Is Causing Harm
Watch for:
- Stiffness after rest
- Limping the day after ball play
- Reluctance to exercise
- Slowing down earlier than expected
- Changes in gait
These are early warning signs.
What to Do Instead (Healthier Alternatives)
1. Steady Lead Walking
- Low-impact
- Controlled movement
- Builds joint-supporting muscle
This should be the foundation of exercise.
2. Scent Work
Spaniels are scent dogs.
Benefits include:
- Mental fatigue without joint strain
- Lower arousal levels
- Fulfilment of natural instincts
Scatter feeding or scent trails are excellent alternatives.
3. Controlled Retrieve on the Ground
If retrieving is important:
- Roll the ball slowly
- Keep distances short
- Avoid repeated throws
This reduces impact and twisting.
4. Gentle Hill Walking
Uphill walking builds strength without impact.
Avoid downhill running, which increases joint stress.
If You Do Still Throw a Ball
If you choose to continue ball play:
- Limit throws to a few only
- Warm up with walking first
- Avoid hard or slippery surfaces
- Stop at the first sign of fatigue
Less is significantly better than more.
Preventing Long-Term Joint Damage
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid repetitive high-impact exercise
- Use ramps for cars
- Encourage steady, controlled movement
Joint health is about daily habits, not occasional changes.
Final Thoughts
So, is ball throwing bad for a spaniel’s joints? Yes—especially when done frequently and without limits. While spaniels love chasing balls, they love many things that are not good for them long-term. Repeated high-impact, high-arousal movement places unnecessary stress on joints and accelerates wear.
Spaniels thrive on steady exercise, mental engagement, and purposeful activity—not endless sprinting. By replacing or significantly reducing ball throwing and choosing joint-friendly alternatives, you can protect your spaniel’s mobility and help them stay active and comfortable for years to come.