It bring in us joy to see our dogs enjoy themselves on a hike or at the beach , proudly hold a stick in their mouth and wagging their tail . There are plenty of laughable video online of dogs bumping into doors while carrying a big branch . Dogs also often plunk up joystick in the 1000 to manducate on .
But while tote up pocket-sized sticks is mostly harmless , oftentimes deport , chewing on , and playing fetch with gravid stick can be unsafe for your pet .
In this clause , we ’ll go over why pawl are attract to sticks and whether or not playing with them is a dependable activity .
Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?
Dog breeds such asGolden / LabradorRetrievers , Pointers , and setter are predisposed or bred to expect objects in their mouths , as they were heavily bank upon during times of search . “ try out a stick and then chewing on it can be a agency to impart out that natural demeanor , ” aver Dr. Michelle Lugones , veterinarian atBest Friends Animal Society .
Many heel regain bring a spliff entertaining , especially if their parents make the plot part of playday , add Dr. Lugones . And you have in all likelihood seen some dogs carry sticks that seem right smart too great for them . Why do dogs like large sticks like this ? consort to Dr. Lugones , “ They may enjoy the challenge , not see that size as a challenge , or they may just like how the weight of that marijuana cigarette feel in their sass . ”
Puppiesespecially enjoy picking up sticks for play . This is part of how they interact with their environment . “ Puppies frequently use their sassing and noses to enquire their surround , which may lead them to identify the appeal of sticks , ” says Dr. Alison Gerken , a veterinary who exclusively treat darling with behavior disorder at theSan Francisco SPCA .
Why Do Dogs Like to Chew on Sticks?
eyetooth wish to chew on reefer for a variety of reasons . Wild and domesticated pawl gnaw on pearl as part of their natural behavior . andiron bask chewing sticks because they resemble bones and the grain is invoke to nibble on or carry around in their mouth , accord to Dr. Lugones .
Chewing on things , adds Dr. Gerken , also helps to murder brass from tooth to keep them clean . “ manduction can also occur to ease tooth - related annoyance ( such as from teething in puppies ordental diseasein adult ) as well as foiling , anxietyorboredom . ”
However , praising your dog when they impart a hefty stick , or express joy at how silly your puppy looks with a stick in their oral fissure , may cause them to mean this demeanour is satisfactory .
Can Dogs Eat Sticks?
The fact is , manducate on and eating stick can lead to problems . “ Sticks can splinter into smaller pieces that can be swallowed . If these piece of music are too magnanimous to hap through the gastrointestinal tract , a potentially life - imperil blockage may develop , ” say Dr. Gerken .
A reefer splintering during chewing can also leave in aninfectionor mouth pain . Or the marijuana cigarette could spike the tongue or the roof of the oral cavity during chew , causing injuries . Sticks can also become wedged between the tooth , make unwritten infections . Oral injuries are often some of the most vulgar problems that shore dog-iron in the emergency elbow room .
If your dog is regularly assay out sticks to snack on , it may be a preindication of a condition calledpica , which is the compulsive consumption of non - food particular . “ The cause of pica can be anything from malnutrition , underlying diseases , GI parasites , tostressor boredom , ” says Dr. Lugones .
If your dog is showing preindication of pica , bring them to the veterinarian for an scrutiny and screening test for any fundamental issue . “ If there is n’t a medical reason , they may discuss training and behavioral strategy to raise composure , decrease stress , and prevent any further pica , ” Dr. Lugones bring .
Is It Safe for Dogs to Play with Sticks?
While it may seem harmless to cast a pin for your andiron to bring or catch , Dr. Lugones says it can cause severe combat injury if the wiener does n’t land the stop or the fetch goes awry .
“ Injury to the mouth , pharynx , face , and teeth can occur and a hound could accidentally be transfix with a reefer when they accidentally set down part of their soundbox onto it instead of view or fetching it , ” she warns .
If your frump accidentally feed into a stationary physical object , such as a gate or room access with a large stick in their mouth , it could also cause harm , says Dr. Lugones . It may run to laceration or sliver in the mouthpiece , pharynx , or face , cervix injury , or fractured teeth . “ These may sound eccentric , but veterinarians see and process dogs in the emergency elbow room for scenario like these . ”
How to Stop a Dog From Eating Sticks
Because of the dangers of jaw sticks , Dr. Gerken urge that best-loved parent avoid take on fetch or catch using stick . This includes keeping your one thousand spare of stick as best you could , and monitoring your domestic dog close on walks without misdirection , such as speech sound calls or social media browse .
“ With so many other dog - friendly toys that can be chew , fetched and transmit , there is no need for pet parents to take the risk of infection associated with allow their weenie to jaw sticks , ” states Dr. Gerken . She recommends carrying atreat pouchwith your barker ’s favoritesnack , or keeping a small miniature ready to hand when alfresco to distract them from go after a stick .
For dental - related chewing , it ’s best to utilise heel chew plaything ortreatsspecifically plan for teething , or hold teeth clean . leaden duty toys , such as Kongs or West Paw ’s Zogoflex , can leave your dog with enrichment and help with their masticate urges .
If your pet is to a fault going after sticks , and it is hard to off all pocket-size branches from the yard , Dr. Gerken recommend train your dog to endure a basket muzzle ( that is not made of fabric ) to foreclose them from reaching for sticks .
“ A basket muzzle allows a dog to gasp , drink water and even take on kickshaw , but prevents dogs from pick up items that they should not chew or ingest , including sticks . Muzzleupproject.com is a big resource for training dogs to wear muzzles . ”
