Dogs & Sticks – What to Avoid

Dogs & Sticks – What to Avoid

Have you ever seen a dog running around while carrying a stick? We understand that this may be a happy moment for them; however, chewing on sticks may pose some risks. Some dogs love to carry sticks when they go for a walk with the family, and others love to play with them. Either way, it is essential to know the risks involved. We will go into further detail throughout this article.

The first risk is obvious. Most sticks are sharp and pointy. If a dog runs around with a stick in its mouth, it is at risk of getting injured. Think about it. The stick can easily poke your dog and cause an accident that may require emergency assistance. You do not want to risk it!

Furthermore, there is a risk that your dog will damage their teeth and the soft tissues surrounding them. Keep in mind that long-term chewing of sticks can wear down your dog’s teeth. Chewing on inappropriate objects such as sticks can fracture teeth as well.

Splinters are also a big issue when it comes to dogs and sticks. These splinters can break off as your dog chews and get caught in the mouth’s gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. There is also a substantial choking hazard involved. If the dog breaks off pieces of the sticks and swallows them, they can damage the entire length of the digestive tract.

The good news is that there are many alternatives to chewing sticks. They even have some chew toys on the market that represent the shape of sticks. If your dog has a stick or foreign object caught in the back of its throat or across the roof of its mouth, please pull it out immediately. The last thing you want is a trip to the vet due to an injury.