It looks like a couple made in heaven: dogs and sticks. You bring your dog to the park, and voilà. They’ve located the ideal stick to carry around, chew, or run with. It is a timeless spectacle. We often see playing our dog with dog and wonder “are sticks dangerous for dogs?” But is this beloved pastime actually safe?
Dogs are prone to chase and chew by nature. Sticks are as close to bones as texture and structure go, therefore an irresistible find. Furthermore, they’re abound—freebie toys available for your dog. But the pure delight has underlying risks.
The short answer? Yes. While some dogs may go their whole lives playing with sticks without an issue, the risks are real and can lead to serious injuries.
When dogs chew sticks, hard splinters may chip off and cut their gums, tongue, or even get stuck in their throat.
Running with a stick may cause accidents when the stick penetrates the mouth or throat and causes severe wounds that need urgent veterinary attention.
Tiny stick pieces may chip off and get stuck in a dog’s throat, obstructing their airway and creating a life-threatening situation.
Sticks swallowed can result in serious internal injuries. The pointed shard-s may pierce the esophagus, stomach, or intestines and require surgery.
Some trees such as black cherry, – yew, and black walnut contain toxins that are poisonous to dogs if ingested.
Vets commonly attend to canines that have suffered from stick injuries, ranging from mere splinters to life-threatening puncture wounds. Others involve immediate surgery in case of internal damage due to wood fragments consumed internally.
To keep your pup safe while still satisfying their chewing and fetching instincts, consider these alternatives:
Reward your dog when they choose a safe toy over a stick.
Always have a safer option on hand during outdoor playtime.
Train commands such as “Leave it” or “Drop it” to assist in preventing t stick chewing.
Read 10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make at Home
Veterinarians and dog trainers widely recommend avoiding sticks. Experts suggest opting for purpose-made dog toys to prevent injuries.
Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Many dogs chew harmful objects out of curiosity.
You can create safe chew toys using materials such as braided t-shirts, frozen carrots, or tough rubber.
Read 10 DIY Dog Toys You Can Make at Home
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Even if sticks can look like a natural and harmless toy, they are harmful for dogs From splinters to fatal injury, the harm far exceeds the good. Thankfully, there are numerous safer options in which to keep your dog entertained and injury-free.
No, small dogs are at an even greater risk of choking and injury.
Offer safe alternatives and reinforce positive behavior with rewards.
Some woods are less splinter-prone, but it’s best to avoid sticks altogether.
Observe for vomiting, drooling, swallowing difficulty, or pain in the abdomen.
No, large logs can still splinter and cause harm.
Visit gogostik.com for expert advice and premium pet products!
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