Are sticks safe for dogs?: FAQ

It may seem harmless enough to throw a stick for your dog or let them chew on one. But when things go wrong, they can cause serious injuries.

If your dog enjoys chasing and chewing, there are safer alternatives that you can use instead.

Why are sticks dangerous for my dog?

Sticks come in different sizes and weights. This means that when you throw them, they can be unpredictable in how far they’ll go, which direction they’ll travel in and how they’ll bounce off the ground.

Pair this with the danger of thorns and other branches on the stick itself, and it makes for a dangerous toy for your dog.

How can a stick injure my dog?

Injuries from sticks can range from mild to life-threatening, whether your dog is fetching a stick or chewing on it. Injuries can include:

• splinters in your dog’s gums
• choking on bits of the stick
• obstruction in the bowel
• eye injuries
• wounds on your dog’s body
• bacterial infections
• the stick impaling your dog’s body

Vets at Blue Cross hospitals have treated many dogs with stick injuries, including a dog with a stick stuck end-on in his throat, causing very painful and serious damage to the internal tissues. Some dogs sadly have been put to sleep due to the severity of their injuries.

Why do dogs like sticks?

Dogs like sticks because they are multi-sensory, meaning that they excite many of your dog’s senses. They have new smells, taste interesting, and have different bumps and grooves on them that make them fun to chew.

However, although a stick seems like a good way of offering an outlet for their sore gums, it is best not to give your dog any as it can make it easy for them to fall into the bad habit of chewing sticks for the rest of their life.

What should I use instead of sticks?

There are plenty of other ways to engage your dog in play when out and about, as well as offering alternatives for chewing.

Safe alternatives to a stick for playing chase are:

• a ball – always choose a ball that’s big enough for your dog so that it’s not a choking hazard. An ideal ball toy is one that has a rope attached.
• rope toy
• fake stick toy – these are often made of rubber or plastic so are soft and safe to play with

Alternative chew toys

Luckily there are lots of chew toys out there that will keep your dog busy and away from sticks:

• Chew sticks – these are a tasty, safe alternative, but should only be given as an occasional treat
• Kongs – Kong toys can be filled with your dog's favourite treat to keep them busy. Make sure you choose the correct size for your dog. Small dogs will need smaller sized Kongs.