Rough playing

Question
Our female husky mix is 11 months old. She loves people and other dogs, even our cats. During the day when we're not home, she's outside on a 8 ft lead. My question is our neighbor's dog, a Jack Russell terrier, comes over to play and they both get pretty rough. I very seldom hear either of them yelp but they take hold of each others throats or mouths and just hang on for what seems like eternity. Sometimes  our husky will drag the smaller dog around holding on like that. I'm concerned that my dog will seriously or fatally hurt the terrier. Should I be worried?

Another question: I've read several questions about dogs eating grass and both the terrier and my husky look like a couple of cows grazing. Our husky has done this since she was a pup. Should I have my dog checked for worms?

Answer
Sara,

Rough play is normal for huskies, and they usually do great with it when playing with other dogs roughly their size.  However, a small terrier, like a Jack (Parson) Russell, may inadvertently get injured.  Chances are, it's not going to be for any other reason than the bigger, stronger Siberian going a little too far and hurting the dog.  Unfortunately, it wouldn't be unheard of for a neck grab turn into a little shake that can break bones or snap the terrier's neck.  To give you an idea, my two Siberians love to play with each other, and one broke the other one's tail in complete play.  I would suggest trying to keep these interactions from happening unless supervised.  The dog size difference is a set-up for potential problems to arise.

As for eating grass, it's common, and can be a sign of a lot of things.  I would definitely check for worms on your next vet visit, but unless you are noticing loose stools, low weight or energy levels, I wouldn't be too worried about it.