Health

Why Do Dogs Like Sticks? We Have The ANSWERS

why do dogs eat sticks
Written by Graeme Hall

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Why do dogs love sticks so much? From Labrador Retrievers to Beagles, many breeds enjoy fetching, chewing, and playing with sticks.

This behavior taps into their instinct to chase and bite, part of what makes them such playful companions.

Understanding why dogs are obsessed with sticks can help owners find safer alternatives for their dogs to enjoy.

Let’s take a closer look at why these simple pieces of wood are such a big hit with our furry friends.

You might be surprised.

So, Why Do Dogs Like Sticks?

Dogs have an incredible fascination with sticks, a behavior influenced by their instincts, senses, and familiar shapes.

These wooden objects are irresistible to many canines, sparking curiosity and playfulness.

why do dogs like chewing on sticks

Plays to Their Gathering Instincts

Dogs have a strong instinct to gather and retrieve. This behavior harks back to their ancestors who hunted and foraged in the wild.

When a dog sees a stick, it might see it as prey or something worth collecting.

Playing fetch with a stick taps into this instinct, making the experience rewarding. It’s not just fun; it’s also a way to exercise their natural drives.

In fact, many breeds were historically trained to retrieve, adding to this behavior’s appeal. Fetching sticks can reinforce positive behavior, creating a bond between dogs and their human companions.

Regular interaction through play can strengthen this bond.

Excites Their Senses

Sticks are not only visually appealing but also exciting to the sense of smell and taste. Dogs have a far superior sense of smell compared to humans.

Each stick carries unique scents from the environment, be it from soil, plants, or other animals.

These smells turn a simple stick into a storybook for dogs, making it an object filled with interesting information.

Chewing on sticks offers sensory satisfaction. Puppies, in particular, may bite sticks as part of their teething process, making sticks a convenient tool.

This interaction provides not just entertainment, but also helps soothe their gums.

Sticks Are Similar to Bones

When dogs pick up a stick, it might remind them of bones. Bones have been a food source for dogs for ages, offering them nutrition and something to chew on.

Sticks have a similar shape, which could explain their attraction.

Chewing on sticks mimics the act of chewing on bones. It serves as a natural toothbrush, helping keep their teeth clean.

Sticks offer mental stimulation and physical exercise, essential for a well-rounded canine life.

Whether chewing for clean teeth or playing fetch, the simple stick remains a timeless favorite among dogs.

why do dogs like sticks so much

Is It Safe for Dogs to Chew on Sticks?

Dogs often find chewing on sticks to be a fun pastime. They might discover them during a walk or playtime in the park.

While it seems harmless, there are some things to watch out for.

Potential Risks:

  • Splinters: Sticks can easily break into sharp pieces. These can cause cuts in a dog’s mouth or throat.
  • Choking Hazard: A dog chewing might accidentally swallow a large piece. This could lead to choking or a blockage in their digestive tract.
  • Toxic Sticks: Some trees, like black walnut or cherry, are toxic. Dogs shouldn’t chew on these sticks.

Benefits of Chewing:

Chewing can actually help dogs. It’s a natural way to reduce stress and helps keep their teeth clean.

It’s important to offer alternatives like rubber toys or bones that are safe for dogs.

Safer Alternatives:

  • Rubber Toys: These are durable and won’t splinter.
  • Dental Chews: Help with tartar while providing the joy of chewing.
  • Rope Toys: They’re great for tug-of-war, with no risk of broken pieces.

Monitoring dogs while they chew is smart. It ensures they’re safely enjoying their playtime. If unsure about a specific stick, it’s best to check with a vet.

Potential Hazards of Allowing a Dog to Chew on a Stick

Allowing dogs to chew on sticks can lead to several risks. Problems can arise like choking, digestive issues, blockages in the intestines, and damage to teeth.

Each of these hazards can affect a dog’s health and safety in significant ways.

1. Choking

Sticks might seem like all fun and games, but they can easily turn into a choking hazard. When dogs chew on sticks, smaller pieces can break off.

These fragments can get lodged in the throat, blocking the airway.

A dog may show signs of choking, like coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing. It’s a scary situation that requires quick attention.

If a piece of stick gets stuck, it could swiftly become life-threatening.

Owners should always be careful and watch their dogs when playing with sticks. Immediate veterinary care is vital if a dog shows any signs of choking.

2. Digestive Problems

Chewing on sticks can lead to digestive trouble for dogs. When dogs swallow small pieces of wood, it may irritate their stomach lining.

This can result in vomiting or diarrhea as their bodies try to expel the unwanted fragments.

Some dogs might also experience loss of appetite due to discomfort. Additionally, wood pieces do not break down easily in the stomach, leading to potential long-term issues.

It’s best to avoid using sticks as a chew toy. Opt for safer options designed for chewing to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy.

3. Intestinal Blockage

One major concern when dogs chew on sticks is the risk of intestinal blockage. If a chunk of stick is swallowed and travels down the digestive tract, it can create a blockage.

This stops food and waste from passing through the intestines.

Signs of an intestinal blockage include vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and lethargy. These symptoms require immediate veterinary intervention to prevent further harm.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the obstruction.

Being mindful of what a dog chews on can prevent these serious issues.

4. Poor Dental Health

Sticks might not be as friendly to your dog’s teeth as they appear. Chewing on hard materials can lead to dental problems, including broken or worn-down teeth.

These injuries can be painful and might require dental treatment.

Continuous chewing on abrasive surfaces can also irritate the gums and lead to infections.

Dental issues can be minimized by providing appropriate chew toys that clean and strengthen teeth without harming them.

By offering toys made for maintaining dental health, owners can ensure their dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape without risking damage from sticks.

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How to Give Your Dog a Stick Safely

Dogs often love to play with sticks, but ensuring their safety is key. Here are some tips for keeping stick time fun and safe.

Choose a stick that is smooth and free of sharp edges. Rough or splintered sticks can hurt a dog’s mouth or throat.

It’s best to find a stick that is appropriate for their size. A stick that’s too small might be swallowed or become stuck in their throat.

Supervise playtime and watch for signs of chewing or breaking the stick into small pieces.

Dogs may accidentally swallow these pieces, risking choking or digestive issues.

Tips for Safe Stick Play:

  • Avoid sharp sticks: Look for smooth, sturdy ones.
  • Watch for size: The stick should not easily fit in a dog’s throat.
  • Supervise: Keep an eye on playtime to prevent accidents.

If the stick becomes worn or splintered, replace it.

Always take safety measures seriously because the joy of seeing a dog play freely should come with peace of mind.

Wrapping Up

Dogs have a special connection with sticks. To them, sticks are captivating toys that promise endless fun.

They offer a sense of satisfaction when chewed and can even serve as a playful form of communication.

Yet, there are risks with real sticks. Splinters can cause harm, and sharp pieces can be dangerous if chewed or swallowed.

Pet owners should monitor their dogs when playing with sticks to ensure their safety.

Thankfully, there are safe alternatives available. Many dog toys mimic the shape and feel of sticks but are designed to be much safer.

Choosing these options helps keep dogs entertained, without the worry of accidental injury.

About the author

Graeme Hall

Graeme is the founder of Doggytastic! which is where he blogs about dog training, health, nutrition and anything else related to keeping a dog happy and healthy. Want to know a little bit more? Make sure to check out his full bio.

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