Perhaps you’ve seen videos of dogs chasing the light from laser pointers, and think using one would be a fun, low-effort way to exercise your own pup. But this innocuous-seeming activity can actually be harmful to a dog’s health. Here’s why it’s best to keep your dog away from laser pointers, plus some safer alternatives for when you want to give them a physical and mental workout.
Lasers can trigger obsessive behaviors in dogs
Dr. Zazie Todd, a psychologist and certified dog trainer, says that “playing with [laser pointers] might lead to obsessive behaviors in a dog, particularly light chasing.”
Some dogs who play with laser pointers end up chasing light all the time—so instead of you controlling when your dog chases light, you might find them fruitlessly trying to pounce on streams of sunlight pouring through the window, shadows of passersby, or the glare reflecting off of your phone.
It’s not clear exactly why dogs develop what some call “laser pointer syndrome.” It’s possible that the problem is related to the unusual nature of lasers—which don’t look like things dogs would chase in their normal lives—and the fact that they can never catch them. The satisfaction of grabbing hold of a ball or tasting a sought-after treat never arrives.
Dr. Lori Kogan, a psychologist and professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University, is one of the authors of a study titled “Laser play with cats and dogs—Enrichment or endangerment?” She and her co-author surveyed pet owners, and found a correlation between laser play and obsessive behavior among cats. While the data in their study was specific to cats, Dr. Kogan says that, given the evidence available, it’s wiser to find non–laser-based ways to play with any pet. “Why chance it,” she says, when “there are so many other ways to play with your dog?”
If you think that your dog is showing obsessive light-chasing behavior, don’t hesitate to get help. For one thing, sudden changes in behavior can sometimes have medical causes. For another, if your dog’s obsessive behavior is interfering with their life, you want to do what you can to help them feel more comfortable again.
Lasers can physically injure dogs
In addition to the psychological toll laser play can take on dogs, the beams also pose a physical danger. Humans and dogs can both suffer permanent eye damage if they look directly at lasers.
There are better ways to exercise your dog
Many dogs do, of course, like to chase things—but there are plenty of safe outlets for that urge.
“If a dog fetches a ball or a toy,” says Dr. Todd, “there is the physical object that they can catch.”
And if you are tempted to use a laser specifically to exercise your dog indoors, you have many alternatives. These include fetch (Dr. Todd recommends using something soft that won’t cause damage indoors), tug, a flirt pole, food puzzles, and snuffle mats. “These days,” Dr. Todd says, “you can even take online classes (tricks, rally, obedience, etc.) with your dog from the comfort of your living room.”
The post Why You Shouldn’t Use Laser Pointers to Play With Your Dog appeared first on The Farmer’s Dog - Digest.
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